Textbook가격을 좀 낮춰 주실 수 있나요?ga-gyeok-eul jom nat-chwo ju-sil su it-na-yo?Could you lower the price a little?
Real사장님~ 좀 깎아주세요~sa-jang-nim~ jom kkak-a-ju-se-yo~Boss~ give me a little discount~🏷️ Any casual setting
사장님 (boss) is how you address any market vendor regardless of gender. 깎다 = to shave off/discount. The ~ and smile are essential — haggling is a social game, not a fight.
Haggling playbook
이거 얼마예요?How much is this?
좀 비싼데... 좀 빼주세요That's a bit expensive... take some off
두 개 사면 깎아줘요?Discount if I buy two?
카드 돼요? (they might add %)Do you take card? (they might charge more)
만 원에 안 돼요?Can't you do 10,000 won?
에이~ 사장님 너무해요~Come on~ boss that's too much~
Haggling works at traditional markets (시장) and Dongdaemun. NEVER haggle at department stores, convenience stores, or chain shops. That's just embarrassing.
Textbook현금으로 지불하면 할인이 됩니까?hyeon-geum-eu-ro ji-bul-ha-myeon hal-in-i doep-ni-kka?Is there a discount for cash payment?
Real현금이면 좀 빼줘요?hyeon-geum-i-myeon jom ppae-jwo-yo?Cheaper if I pay cash?🏷️ Any casual setting
Cash = leverage at markets. Card machines charge vendors fees, so many will knock off 5-10% for cash. Just ask casually — 현금이면요? (what about cash?)
The golden haggling phrase: 서비스 좀 해주세요 (give me some service). 'Service' in Korean means a freebie or bonus — vendors might throw in an extra item or round down the price. Works especially well if you're buying multiple things.
Quick Quiz