Counting & Currency: Practical Korean Phrases for Shopping & Payments

Korea’s payment technology in 2026 is some of the most seamless in the world — tap-to-pay works almost everywhere, and QR-based apps have replaced cash in many transactions. But the moment a vendor quotes you a price out loud, or you try to ask for two of something, English won’t save you. Korea runs on two separate number systems, and mixing them up is the single most common mistake Travelers make when shopping. This guide cuts straight to what you need to know before you walk into a market, convenience store, or department store.

Why Numbers Trip Up English Speakers in Korea

Most languages use one number system. Korean uses two, and they are not interchangeable. The Native Korean system (고유어 수사, goyueo susa) and the Sino-Korean system (한자어 수사, hanjaeeo susa) are used in completely different situations. Using the wrong one in the wrong context sounds as odd to a Korean speaker as saying “I am twenty years” instead of “I am twenty years old” — the words are technically there, but the grammar is broken.

The good news: the rules for which system to use are consistent. Once you understand the pattern, you stop guessing. Prices always use Sino-Korean. Counting individual physical objects — apples, bags, bottles — uses Native Korean. Ages, hours on the clock, and servings at a restaurant also use Native Korean. Floors of a building, minutes, months, and years use Sino-Korean. Keep this basic split in your head and you will be correct the vast majority of the time.

Native Korean Numbers: Counting Items When You Shop

You will use Native Korean numbers when you tell a vendor how many items you want. These numbers only go up to 99 in everyday use, which covers almost every shopping situation. Here are the core numbers you need:

• 1 — 하나 (hana) → becomes 한 (han) before a counter word
• 2 — 둘 (dul) → becomes 두 (du) before a counter word
• 3 — 셋 (set) → becomes 세 (se) before a counter word
• 4 — 넷 (net) → becomes 네 (ne) before a counter word
• 5 — 다섯 (daseot)
• 6 — 여섯 (yeoseot)
• 7 — 일곱 (ilgop)
• 8 — 여덟 (yeodeol)
• 9 — 아홉 (ahop)
• 10 — 열 (yeol)
• 20 — 스물 (seumul) → becomes 스무 (seumu) before a counter word

The key counter word for general objects is 개 (gae). So “two items” is 두 개 (du gae). “Five items” is 다섯 개 (daseot gae). If you are ordering portions of food, the counter is 인분 (inbun) — so “two servings” is 두 인분 (du inbun). For bottles or cans, use 병 (byeong) — “three bottles” is 세 병 (se byeong).

In a busy market, the ambient noise alone — the sizzle of tteokbokki, vendors calling out prices, music from nearby stalls — can make hearing difficult. Holding up fingers alongside your Korean numbers removes all ambiguity. Korean vendors appreciate the combination.

Sino-Korean Numbers: Prices, Floors, and Quantities Over 100

Every price you see in Korea is read using Sino-Korean numbers. These come from Chinese and follow a more regular pattern than the native system, which makes them easier to learn for large numbers.

• 1 — 일 (il)
• 2 — 이 (i)
• 3 — 삼 (sam)
• 4 — 사 (sa)
• 5 — 오 (o)
• 6 — 육 (yuk)
• 7 — 칠 (chil)
• 8 — 팔 (pal)
• 9 — 구 (gu)
• 10 — 십 (sip)
• 100 — 백 (baek)
• 1,000 — 천 (cheon)
• 10,000 — 만 (man)

The unit that catches travelers off guard is 만 (man), which represents 10,000. Korean groups large numbers in units of 10,000, not 1,000 like English. So 50,000 KRW is 오만 원 (o-man won) — literally “five ten-thousands won.” When a price tag says 15,000 KRW, a Korean reads it as 만 오천 원 (man o-cheon won). Practice this grouping before you go. Price tags help — you can read the digits — but when prices are spoken aloud, the 만 unit is where confusion happens most.

Essential Phrases at the Checkout Counter

Knowing numbers is only half the job. You also need the sentences that frame them. These are the phrases that come up in virtually every shopping interaction:

• How much is this? — 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?)
• How much is it in total? — 전부 얼마예요? (Jeonbu eolmayeyo?)
• I’ll take this. — 이거 주세요. (Igeo juseyo.)
• Two of these, please. — 이거 두 개 주세요. (Igeo du gae juseyo.)
• Do you have a bag? — 봉투 있어요? (Bongtu isseoyo?) — Note: in 2026, plastic bags cost 100–300 KRW (~$0.07–0.22) at most retailers under extended environmental regulations.
• Can I pay by card? — 카드 돼요? (Kadeu dwaeyo?)
• Do you accept foreign cards? — 외국 카드 받아요? (Oeguk kadeu badayo?)
• Please give me a receipt. — 영수증 주세요. (Yeongsujeung juseyo.)
• Keep the change. — 거스름돈은 됐어요. (Geoseuleumdoneun dwaesseoyo.)

The phrase 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) — “give me this” — is arguably the most useful six syllables in shopping Korean. Point at what you want, add a number and the counter 개, and you can buy almost anything without further explanation.

Haggling, Discounts, and Polite Pushback

Fixed-price retail — convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores — does not involve negotiation. But traditional markets and some independent street vendors do have room for it, particularly when you are buying multiple items or near closing time in the evening.

The cultural tone matters here. Aggressive bargaining is not part of Korean market culture the way it is in some other parts of Asia. The approach that works is calm, friendly, and slightly apologetic. These phrases strike the right note:

• Is there a discount? — 할인 돼요? (Halin dwaeyo?)
• Can you go a little cheaper? — 좀 더 싸게 해줄 수 있어요? (Jom deo ssage haejul su isseoyo?)
• That’s a bit expensive for me. — 저한테 좀 비싸요. (Jeohaante jom bissayo.)
• If I buy two, can I get a deal? — 두 개 사면 깎아줘요? (Du gae samyeon kkakka jweoyo?)
• That’s my budget. — 제 예산이 그래요. (Je yesani geuraeyo.)

The word 깎아주다 (kkakka juda) specifically means to give a price reduction and is the standard verb for bargaining. Using it signals to the vendor that you know how this works, which often gets a better response than simply saying “cheap, cheap.”

If the vendor says 안 돼요 (an dwaeyo) — “it’s not possible” — accept it gracefully. Pushing further will not help and may end the transaction. A light 알겠어요 (algeseoyo) — “I understand” — and a smile closes the moment without awkwardness.

Paying by Card, Cash, and App in 2026

South Korea’s payment landscape in 2026 has shifted further toward cashless. The Bank of Korea’s coin-reduction pilot that started in 2017 has now expanded: many retailers round to the nearest 10 KRW, and coins under 10 KRW are essentially extinct in circulation. That said, cash is still legal tender everywhere and older vendors at traditional markets often prefer it.

For foreign travelers, here is the practical breakdown:

• T-Money card: Still the standard transit and convenience payment card. In 2026, T-Money cards are topped up at all CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and Emart24 convenience stores. The familiar beep as you tap the card reader — a clean, two-tone chime — confirms your balance was accepted. You can also use a contactless credit card on most transit gates since the 2025 NFC upgrade rollout completed across Seoul Metro lines.
• International cards: Visa and Mastercard contactless are accepted at virtually all chain stores, restaurants, and hotels. American Express acceptance has improved but is still inconsistent at smaller vendors. Ask 아멕스 카드 돼요? (Amekseu kadeu dwaeyo?) before you reach the register.
• KakaoPay and NaverPay: Dominant domestic QR apps. Foreign travelers with a Korean bank account can link to these. Without a Korean account, these are not accessible — do not count on them.
• Foreign digital wallets: Apple Pay expanded its Korea coverage significantly through 2024–2025 and now works at most major terminal types. Google Pay remains limited. Always have a physical card as backup.

One phrase to keep ready: 영수증 필요 없어요 (Yeongsujeung piryo eopseoyo) — “I don’t need a receipt.” Cashiers ask every time at convenience stores, and this saves the back-and-forth.

2026 Budget Reality: What Things Actually Cost

Understanding number phrases is more useful when you know what prices to expect. Here are realistic 2026 price ranges for common shopping situations:

Convenience Store (편의점, Pyeonuijeom)

• Bottled water (500ml): 1,000–1,200 KRW (~$0.74–0.89)
• Triangle kimbap (삼각김밥): 1,200–1,800 KRW (~$0.89–1.33)
• Cup ramen (prepared at store): 1,500–2,000 KRW (~$1.11–1.48)
• Beer (500ml can): 2,500–3,500 KRW (~$1.85–2.59)

Traditional Market (재래시장, Jaeraeijang)

• Budget: Street snacks like hotteok or tteokbokki: 2,000–3,000 KRW (~$1.48–2.22)
• Mid-range: Handmade craft souvenirs: 8,000–25,000 KRW (~$5.93–18.52)
• Comfortable: Quality pojagi fabric, quality ceramics, or premium dried goods: 30,000–80,000 KRW (~$22.22–59.26)

Department Store / Mall

• Budget: Cosmetics / skincare (mid-tier brands): 15,000–35,000 KRW (~$11.11–25.93)
• Mid-range: Korean fashion (domestic brands): 50,000–150,000 KRW (~$37.04–111.11)
• Comfortable: Designer Korean labels or high-end beauty sets: 200,000 KRW+ (~$148.15+)

Since 2024, VAT refund thresholds for tourists have been adjusted. In 2026, you qualify for a VAT refund on purchases of 15,000 KRW (~$11.11) or more at registered stores — down from the previous 30,000 KRW minimum. Look for the “Tax Free” sticker on shop windows. At checkout, say: 세금 환급 되나요? (Segeum hwangeup doenayo?) — “Can I get a tax refund?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know Korean numbers to shop in Seoul?

Not strictly — price tags and digital displays cover most situations in the city. But at traditional markets, street food stalls, and smaller towns, vendors quote prices verbally and may not have an English display. Knowing at least Sino-Korean numbers up to 만 (10,000) will prevent overpaying or confusion in those situations.

What is the most polite way to ask for a lower price in Korean?

Use 좀 더 싸게 해줄 수 있어요? (Jom deo ssage haejul su isseoyo?) — “Can you make it a little cheaper?” The word 좀 (jom), meaning “a little,” softens the request significantly. Avoid demanding language. A calm tone and a genuine smile do more work than any specific phrase.

Can I use my foreign credit card everywhere in Korea in 2026?

Visa and Mastercard contactless work at nearly all chain stores, restaurants, hotels, and transit gates. Smaller independent vendors and some traditional market stalls remain cash-preferred. Apple Pay now covers most major terminals. Always carry 20,000–30,000 KRW (~$14.81–22.22) in cash as a backup for small purchases.

What is the difference between 하나 and 일 for the number one?

하나 (hana) is Native Korean and is used when counting individual items — “one apple,” “one bag.” 일 (il) is Sino-Korean and is used for prices, phone numbers, addresses, and quantities over 99. Using 일 개 instead of 한 개 for “one item” is understandable but sounds unnatural to native speakers.

How does the Korean VAT refund work for tourists in 2026?

Buy 15,000 KRW (~$11.11) or more at a registered Tax Free store — look for the sticker. Ask for a tax refund form at checkout (세금 환급 되나요?). Present the form, your receipt, and passport at the refund counter in the airport or at city refund kiosks before departure. Standard VAT rate is 10%.

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📷 Featured image by Ling App on Unsplash.