8 Korean phrases for the convenience store, from 1+1 deals to heating your lunch
The 편의점 is where most learners first speak Korean to a stranger, usually at eleven at night with a cup of ramyeon in hand. The exchange is short and almost scripted, which makes it a good place to start.
The phrases below follow the order of a visit: the shelf, the counter, the microwave, the table outside. The clerk's lines are written as questions so you recognise them when they come at you fast; your replies are all polite 요 speech.
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봉투 필요하세요?
bongtu piryohaseyo?
Do you need a bag?
The clerk's first question. Bags are not free, so the answer is 네, 하나 주세요 (yes, one please) or 아니요, 괜찮아요 (no, I'm fine).
Ask Ipsae about this phrase → -
포인트 적립하세요?
pointeu jeongnipaseyo?
Would you like to collect points?
Every chain has a membership app. Unless you have one, 아니요, 괜찮아요 ends it; the clerk will not ask twice.
Ask Ipsae about this phrase → -
카드로 할게요.
kadeuro halgeyo.
I'll pay by card.
Literally: I'll do it with card.
Said as you tap. Nobody minds a card for a 1,200 won drink, and 현금으로 할게요 is the cash version.
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이거 원플러스원이에요?
igeo wonpeulleoseuwonieyo?
Is this one buy-one-get-one?
1+1 is pronounced 원플러스원, and 2+1 is 투플러스원. The yellow shelf tag shows it, but asking saves you from grabbing the one flavour the deal does not cover.
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이거 데워 주세요.
igeo dewo juseyo.
Could you heat this up?
For a 도시락 or 삼각김밥 when the microwave is behind the counter. Where it stands in the eating area you use it yourself; the heating time is printed on the lid.
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뜨거운 물 어디 있어요?
tteugeoun mul eodi isseoyo?
Where's the hot water?
For cup ramyeon. The dispenser is usually next to the microwave, labelled 온수, and the clerk will point rather than explain.
Ask Ipsae about this phrase → -
여기서 먹어도 돼요?
yeogiseo meogeodo dwaeyo?
Can I eat here?
Most stores have a small counter inside or a table outside, and eating there is normal. Asking is a courtesy, not a requirement.
Ask Ipsae about this phrase → -
영수증은 버려 주세요.
yeongsujeungeun beoryeo juseyo.
You can throw away the receipt.
The clerk's last question is 영수증 드릴까요? (shall I give you the receipt?). This is the standard no; 네, 주세요 if you want it.
Ask Ipsae about this phrase →
Clerks ask the same four things every time: bag, points, payment, receipt. Once you can hear those four, the rest of the visit is pointing and 이거 주세요.