From ‘Jjan-tech’ to Jet-setter: Master Korean Money Exchange!
Hello! It’s your favorite Korean language booster, Daily Korean, here to upgrade your skills!
Are you planning a trip to Korea? Amazing! While you’re dreaming of delicious street food and beautiful sights, there’s one practical step you can’t forget: exchanging money. Today, we’re moving beyond “얼마예요?” (How much is it?) and learning how to discuss currency exchange like a pro. This will help you save money and navigate one of the most essential travel tasks with confidence.
Lately in Korea, there’s a huge trend called ‘짠테크’ (jjan-tech), which means using technology to be super frugal and save money. It’s especially popular when planning travel! So, let’s learn how to apply some ‘jjan-tech’ wisdom to your currency exchange and sound like a savvy local.
Core Expressions You Need to Know
Here are the key phrases that will make you a money-exchange master.
1. 환율이 어떻게 되나요?
* Pronunciation [Romanization]: Hwan-yul-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
* English Meaning: What is the exchange rate?
* Detailed Explanation: This is the most direct and polite way to ask about the current exchange rate. 환율 (hwan-yul) means “exchange rate.” You can use this phrase at a bank, an airport exchange counter, or a private currency exchange office. It’s a standard, formal expression suitable for any situation.
2. 수수료는 얼마예요?
* Pronunciation [Romanization]: Su-su-ryo-neun eol-ma-ye-yo?
* English Meaning: How much is the commission fee?
* Detailed Explanation: This is a crucial follow-up question! Sometimes a place offers a great exchange rate but charges a high commission fee, or 수수료 (su-su-ryo). Asking this question shows you’re a smart traveler who pays attention to the details. It can save you from unexpected costs.
3. (으)로 바꿔 주세요.
* Pronunciation [Romanization]: (eu)ro ba-kkwo ju-se-yo.
* English Meaning: Please exchange it for/to…
* Detailed Explanation: This is a versatile grammar pattern you can attach to a noun. You use -으로 if the noun ends in a consonant (e.g., 달러로 – dall-eo-ro) and -로 if it ends in a vowel (e.g., 원화로 – won-hwa-ro).
* Example: “미국 달러를 한국 원화로 바꿔 주세요.” (Please exchange US dollars for Korean Won.)
4. 환율우대 쿠폰 있어요?
* Pronunciation [Romanization]: Hwan-yul-u-dae ku-pon iss-eo-yo?
* English Meaning: Do you have a preferential exchange rate coupon?
* Detailed Explanation: This is the ultimate ‘jjan-tech’ phrase! 환율우대 (hwan-yul-u-dae) means a “preferential/better exchange rate.” Banks and exchange services in Korea often offer coupons (online or offline) that give you a better rate, especially if you are a customer of that bank. Even if you don’t have a coupon, asking this question might sometimes get you a slightly better deal or information on how to get one!
Example Dialogue
Let’s see how these expressions work in a real conversation. Friends Alex and Ben are at a bank in Myeongdong, a popular spot for currency exchange.
Alex: 와, 드디어 한국이다! 우리 BTS 성지 순례 가기 전에 돈부터 바꾸자.
(Wow, we’re finally in Korea! Let’s exchange money before we go on our BTS pilgrimage.)
Ben: 좋아! 저기 은행 창구로 가보자. 먼저, 환율이 어떻게 되나요?
(Okay! Let’s go to that bank counter. First, what’s the exchange rate?)
Bank Teller: 오늘 미국 달러 환율은 1달러에 1,350원입니다.
(Today’s exchange rate for the US dollar is 1,350 won per dollar.)
Alex: 알겠습니다. 혹시 수수료는 얼마예요?
(I see. By any chance, how much is the commission fee?)
Bank Teller: 저희는 수수료가 따로 없습니다. 환율에 모두 포함되어 있습니다.
(We don’t have a separate fee. It’s all included in the exchange rate.)
Ben: 다행이다! 아, 저희가 인터넷에서 봤는데, 환율우대 쿠폰 있어요?
(That’s a relief! Ah, we saw online, do you have a preferential exchange rate coupon?)
Bank Teller: 네, 저희 은행 앱에 로그인하시면 80% 우대 쿠폰을 받으실 수 있습니다.
(Yes, if you log into our bank’s app, you can get an 80% preferential rate coupon.)
Alex: 좋아요! 그럼 500달러를 원화로 바꿔 주세요.
(Great! In that case, please exchange 500 dollars for Won.)
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive: Your Guide to ‘Jjan-tech’ Travel!
As we mentioned, ‘짠테크’ (jjan-tech) is a portmanteau of ‘짜다’ (jjada), a slang term for being frugal or “salty,” and ‘기술’ (gisul), meaning technology. Young Koreans are masters at using apps and online communities to find the best deals for everything, and travel is no exception!
- App Power: Before exchanging money, many Koreans use apps like Naver or dedicated financial apps to compare the real-time exchange rates (실시간 환율) offered by different banks and private exchange offices.
- The Magic of ‘환율우대’: The concept of ‘환율우대’ (hwan-yul-u-dae) is key. It literally means “exchange rate preference/treatment.” Banks compete by offering discounts on their commission fees, often advertised as “up to 90% preferential rate!” This usually applies when you use their mobile app or are an existing customer.
- Sound Like a Pro: When you ask, “환율우대 받을 수 있어요?” (Can I get a preferential rate?), you’re not just asking a question; you’re showing that you understand the local culture of smart saving. It instantly makes you look like a seasoned traveler in Korea!
Let’s Practice!
You’ve learned some incredibly useful expressions today. Time to check your understanding!
Fill in the blanks to complete the sentences:
- You want to exchange Euros for Korean Won.
유로를 원화___ _________ _________. (Please exchange Euros for Won.) - You want to ask about the exchange rate in a polite way.
___________ 어떻게 되나요? (What is the exchange rate?)
Great job today! You’re now ready to exchange money in Korea with total confidence.
Why not try using one of today’s phrases in the comments below? Tell us what currency you would exchange!
