Need Cash in Korea? Ask for an ATM Like a Local!

Need Cash in Korea? Ask for an ATM Like a Local!

Hello! Welcome to [Daily Hangul], here to upgrade your Korean skills!

Ever been in a situation where you find the most delicious-looking street food or the cutest souvenir, only to see a “cash only” sign? Don’t worry, it happens! Today, we’re going to learn a super essential phrase for any traveler in Korea: how to ask for an ATM.

Lately in Korea, trendy pop-up stores and bustling night markets are all the rage. While Korea is famous for its credit card culture, these unique spots often prefer cash. So, knowing how to find an ATM will make sure you never miss out on the fun. Let’s get started!

Core Expressions You Need to Know

Here are three key expressions that will help you find cash in a flash.

1. 현금 인출기 (Hyeongeum inchulgi)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: Hyeon-geum in-chul-gi
• English Meaning: ATM (Automated Teller Machine)
• Detailed Explanation: This is the full, proper term for an ATM. Let’s break it down: 현금 (hyeongeum) means “cash,” and 인출기 (inchulgi) means “withdrawal machine.” While you can also just say “ATM” (에이티엠 – eitiam) and most people will understand, using the Korean term will surely impress them!

• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  The vowel ‘ㅕ’ (yeo) in 현 (hyeon) is like the “yo” in “yonder.” The vowel ‘ㅡ’ (eu) in 금 (geum) is a sound that doesn’t exist in English. Try to say “good” but without rounding your lips. It’s a flat, horizontal sound.

2. …어디에 있어요? (…eodie isseoyo?)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: …eo-di-e i-sseo-yo?
• English Meaning: Where is…?

• Detailed Explanation: This is your magic phrase for finding anything! It’s a polite and incredibly useful sentence pattern. Just place the noun (the thing you’re looking for) in front of it. For example, “화장실 어디에 있어요?” (Hwajangsil eodie isseoyo?) means “Where is the restroom?” The -요 (-yo) at the end makes it polite, so you can use it with anyone.

• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  The double consonant ‘ㅆ’ (ss) in 있어요 (isseoyo) has a tense sound. It’s stronger than a single ‘ㅅ’ (s) and is pronounced with no puff of air. Also, notice that the final consonant ‘ㅆ’ (ss) from ‘있’ moves over to the next syllable when followed by a vowel. So, instead of sounding like “it-eo-yo,” it flows together smoothly as [이써요/isseoyo].

3. 저기요 (Jeogiyo)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: Jeo-gi-yo
• English Meaning: Excuse me

• Detailed Explanation: Before you ask a stranger a question, you need to get their attention politely. 저기요 (Jeogiyo) is the perfect way to do this. It literally means something like “Over there,” but it’s used to call someone you don’t know, like a staff member in a shop or just someone on the street.

• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  The pronunciation is quite straightforward. The ‘ㅓ’ (eo) in 저 (jeo) sounds like the “o” in “song.” Just remember to say it with a friendly, upward intonation to sound polite!

Example Dialogue

Let’s see how these expressions work in a real conversation. Imagine you’re at a subway station and need cash.

• A (You): 저기요.
  • [Jeogiyo.]
  • (Excuse me.)
• B (A helpful local): 네, 안녕하세요.
  • [Ne, annyeonghaseyo.]
  • (Yes, hello.)
• A (You): 현금 인출기 어디에 있어요?
  • [Hyeongeum inchulgi eodie isseoyo?]
  • (Where is the ATM?)
• B (A helpful local): 아, 저쪽 편의점 안에 있어요.
  • [A, jeojjok pyeonuijeom an-e isseoyo.]
  • (Ah, it’s inside the convenience store over there.)

Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive

Your Secret Weapon: The Convenience Store (편의점)!

While Korea is one of the most card-friendly countries in the world, cash is still essential for a few key experiences that are super popular right now:
* Street Food (길거리 음식): Paying for tteokbokki (떡볶이) or hotteok (호떡) from a street vendor is almost always a cash-only deal.
* Traditional Markets (전통 시장): Exploring places like Gwangjang Market is a must-do, and many vendors there prefer cash.
* Underground Shopping Malls: You can find great deals on clothes and accessories, but some smaller shops might offer a “cash discount.”

So, where’s the best place to find an ATM? Inside a convenience store (편의점 – pyeonuijeom)! Most CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven stores have an ATM. If you can’t find a bank, just look for one of these signs. Now you know the secret trick that even Koreans use!

Let’s Review & Practice!

Great job today! You’ve learned how to politely get someone’s attention (저기요) and ask where the ATM is (현금 인출기 어디에 있어요?). You’re now ready to handle any “cash only” situation in Korea!

Now, let’s test your knowledge.

1. Fill in the blanks: How would you ask, “Excuse me, where is the subway station (지하철역 – jihacheollyeok)?”
   

   ________. 지하철역 ______ ______?

2. Sentence Building: Using the pattern ...어디에 있어요?, how would you ask where the pharmacy (약국 – yakguk) is?

Leave your answers in the comments below! We’d love to check them for you. Happy learning