Convenience Store Korean – Useful Phrases You Need to Know

Convenience stores (편의점, pyeon-ui-jeom) are everywhere in Korea, and they are open 24/7. Whether you need a quick snack, drinks, or basic items, knowing a few key Korean phrases will make your shopping easier and more fun.

1. Greeting and Starting the Purchase

• 안녕하세요. (annyeong-ha-se-yo) – Hello.
• 이거 주세요. (i-geo ju-se-yo) – Please give me this.
• 이거 하나 주세요. (i-geo ha-na ju-se-yo) – Please give me one of this.

2. Asking for Specific Items

Korean	Pronunciation	Meaning
삼각김밥 어디 있어요?	sam-gak gim-bap eo-di i-sseo-yo?	Where is the triangle kimbap?
컵라면 있어요?	keop-ra-myeon i-sseo-yo?	Do you have cup noodles?
충전기 있어요?	chung-jeon-gi i-sseo-yo?	Do you have a charger?

3. At the Counter

• 봉투 필요하세요? (bong-tu pil-yo-ha-se-yo?) – Do you need a bag? (You may hear this from the cashier.)
• 카드로 결제할게요. (ka-deu-ro gyeol-je hal-ge-yo) – I’ll pay by card.
• 현금으로 할게요. (hyeon-geum-eu-ro hal-ge-yo) – I’ll pay in cash.

4. Cultural Tip

In Korea, plastic bags cost about 100 KRW at convenience stores. If you don’t need one, say 봉투 필요 없어요 (bong-tu pil-yo eop-seo-yo) – “I don’t need a bag.”

5. Example Conversation

Cashier: 안녕하세요. (Hello.)
You: 안녕하세요. 이거 하나 주세요. (Hello. Please give me one of this.)
Cashier: 봉투 필요하세요? (Do you need a bag?)
You: 아니요, 필요 없어요. (No, I don’t need one.)

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Now you’re ready to shop at Korean convenience stores like a local! Next time you visit, try using these phrases to make your experience smoother.