Where and When to Haggle in Korea
Traditional markets (시장, sijang) include both fixed-price shops and independent stalls, so the setting alone does not guarantee that bargaining is welcome. Look for a displayed price, watch how the seller handles the transaction, and ask only when the price appears flexible. Department stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, chain shops, restaurants, and clearly marked fixed-price counters are not appropriate places to bargain. At a flexible-price stall, one polite question is enough. If the seller says the price is fixed, thank them and decide whether to buy.
Haggling Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 이거 얼마예요? | igeo eolmayeyo? | How much is this? |
| 너무 비싸요 | neomu bissayo | It's too expensive |
| 깎아 주세요 | kkakka juseyo | Please give me a discount |
| 좀 싸게 해주세요 | jom ssage haejuseyo | Please make it cheaper |
| 만 원에 해주세요 | man won-e haejuseyo | Please do it for 10,000 won |
| 두 개 사면 깎아 줘요? | du gae samyeon kkakka jwoyo? | If I buy two, can I get a discount? |
| 현금이면 싸게 해줘요? | hyeongeumimyeon ssage haejwoyo? | Cheaper if I pay cash? |
| 에이, 좀만 더 깎아 주세요 | ei, jomman deo kkakka juseyo | Come on, just a little more off |
| 그럼 안 살게요 | geureom an salgeyo | Then I won't buy it |
| 좋아요, 살게요 | joayo, salgeyo | Okay, I'll buy it |
Haggling Strategy Step-by-Step
- 1
Ask the price first
Point to the item and say 이거 얼마예요? (igeo eolmayeyo? — how much is this?). Get the starting price before negotiating.
- 2
Check whether the price is fixed
Ask 가격이 정해져 있어요? (gagyeogi jeonghaejyeo isseoyo? — is the price fixed?) if the pricing is unclear. This lets the seller answer before you make a request.
- 3
Make a counter-offer
Ask once with 조금 깎아 주실 수 있어요? (jogeum kkakka jusil su isseoyo? — could you give me a small discount?). Avoid assuming a particular percentage.
- 4
Clarify the total
If you are buying more than one item, ask 두 개 사면 얼마예요? (du gae samyeon eolmayeyo? — how much if I buy two?). Let the seller state the combined price.
- 5
Accept the answer
If the price is fixed or still too high, say 알겠습니다, 감사합니다 (algesseumnida, gamsahamnida — I understand, thank you). Do not use a fake walk-away as pressure.
Haggling Etiquette
Keep the request short, use polite -요 speech, and accept no immediately. Do not use family-style forms of address such as 이모님 with a stranger just to create pressure or false familiarity. Before paying, confirm the final total, whether cards are accepted, and whether you need a receipt. Store policies differ by seller, so do not assume that a market purchase has the same exchange or refund terms as a department store.
Market Haggling Dialogue
이거 얼마예요? 가격이 정해져 있어요? 조금 깎아 주실 수 있어요? 알겠습니다, 감사합니다.
Igeo eolmayeyo? Gagyeogi jeonghaejyeo isseoyo? Jogeum kkakka jusil su isseoyo? Algesseumnida, gamsahamnida.
How much is this? Is the price fixed? Could you give me a small discount? I understand, thank you.
Market Culture and What to Buy
Namdaemun Market (남대문시장) combines wholesale and retail shops selling clothing, accessories, kitchenware, food, and imported goods. Dongdaemun is a larger district containing traditional markets, wholesale buildings, and fixed-price shopping centers, so practices vary even within the same area. Gwangjang Market is especially known for food stalls and vintage goods; posted food prices should be treated as fixed. Ask 카드 돼요? (kadeu dwaeyo? — do you take cards?) before payment when needed, and confirm current opening hours or services with the market's official information before visiting.
