Simple Korean Phrases while Buying Foods and Shopping

Not all Korean are able to speak English, including the shopkeepers and food sellers in Korea. The more you can communicate with them, the more kind they will be to you. Don't worry, they will not judge you about your pronunciation, just be friendly, they might give you large discount or extra gifts.

Here, I post some of Korean useful simple phrases that you can use when you're travelling in Korea, especially when buying foods and shopping. Below here is the video tutorial, completed with the simplified pronunciation and speaking tutorial with my own voice.

Korean Simple Conversation in Money Changer

In order to minimize the risk of mistakes in exchanging currency or to ask more information, you must ask more information to the money changer employee. If you're lucky enough, you could meet an employee that is able to speak english. If you aren't lucky, don't worry, this video that is made by myself will guide you and show you about simple conversation in money changer.

If you still need some help and guides, please refer to the flash cards that I have made below here.

Click the picture for the printable size

4 Simple Useful Expression for Tourist

Most people view Koreans are rude and have no manner. But did you know? Koreans are actually nice especially to tourists. Most of them couldn't speak in proper English, so some of them even couldn't communicate with simple English expression. You'll find those kind of people in markets, mini markets and especially those street sellers in Myeongdong street.  In order to communicate well with them, there are some useful simple expression below here.

I've been learning korean with Mrs. Seo, Korean local teacher that teachs in Keimyung Language Institute (KBLC) in Jakarta area, so here are some expression that is useful for tourists that I have learned and wanted to share...

1. Annyeonghaseo
This expression have many meanings, including hello, good morning or expression that is commonly used when the first meeting with other people. This expression is useful when we are entering a shop, it creates sense of friendliness to local koreans.

2. Kamsahamnida (Thank You)
This expression means 'Thank You'. Just like in other country, as a tourist, we need to thank local people especially in shops, hotels, airport, and other local places. When you started to use this expression to local korean, that korean people will have a good impression on you and they will be friendly with you!

3. Igeo / Geugo / Jeogo Olmaeyo? (How much is this / that ?)
This expression is very useful especially when you are dealing with sellers in shops, cashier or supermarket's employees.

4. ____ Juseyo (Please give me some ____ / Please _____)
This expression is very useful. Especially when we are in supermakets, phoning the hotel reception, or in shops and street sellers. When it's hard for you to mention the name of the things that you wanted, just point and say 'Igeo/Geugo' which means 'this/that', they will catch what do you mean easily! :)

Here I included my own video that was made by myself about reading tutorial based on these 4 Simple Expression, this might help for all of you :)