Why Learning Useful Korean Phrases Matters
These useful Korean phrases will transform your cafe experience from potentially stressful to smooth and enjoyable. Understanding and using Korean phrases in cafes shows respect for the local culture and helps create positive interactions with staff. When I worked at a café, foreign customers usually ordered in English, which left me being caught off guard. However, when I saw a foreigner trying to order in Korean, I felt that they were showing respect towards me. Korean cafe culture is an essential part of daily life, and mastering these useful Korean phrases will help you feel more connected to the local community.
Useful Korean Phrase #1: Hi
Hi.
안녕하세요.
[an-nyeong-ha-se-yo]
The first useful Korean phrase to master is ‘안녕하세요'[an-nyeong-ha-se-yo], meaning “Hi.” Cafe staff always greet customers with this phrase, and it’s polite to respond in kind. Remember to bow slightly while saying it to show proper respect.
Usage context : Use when entering the cafe or making eye contact with staff.
Useful Korean Phrase #2:
Can I get Cafe Latte?
Can I get a Cafe Latte?
카페라떼 주세요.
[Cafe Latte-joo-se-yo]
When ordering drinks, the useful Korean phrase ‘~주세요’ [joo-se-yo] is invaluable. Simply place your desired drink before “주세요” to make a polite request.
Example:
- One Americano, please
아메리카노 주세요
[Americano-joo-se-yo] - One Hot Chocolate, please
핫초코 주세요
[Hot choco-joo-se-yo]
Useful Korean Phrase #3:
Customizing Your Order
Temperature options:
- hot : 따뜻한 [dda-ddeu-tan]
- iced :아이스 [ice]
Size options:
Size names can vary depending on the cafe. For example, at Starbucks they use ‘Tall, Grande, Venti’, while other cafes might use ‘Tall, Medium, Large’.
In Korea, cafes use these same English terms for sizes, adopting the international terminology.
Example:
Can I get a Large Hot Americano, please?
따뜻한 아메리카노 라지 사이즈로 주세요.
[dda-ddeu-tan-americano-large-size-ro-joo-se-yo]
Useful Korean Phrase #4:
I’ll pay by card
I’ll pay by card.
카드로 할게요.
[card-ro-hal-ge-yo]
I’ll pay in cash.
현금으로 할게요.
[hyeon-geu-meu-ro-hal-ge-yo]
Just add ‘~로 할게요'[~ro-hal-ge-yo] after your payment method. For instance, ‘card-ro-hal-ge-yo’ for card payment or ‘cash-ro-hal-ge-yo’ for cash payment.
*cash = hyeon geum
Useful Korean Phrase #5: Thank you
Thank you.
감사합니다.
[gam-sa-ham-ni-da]
The final useful Korean phrase to master is expressing thanks. ‘감사합니다’ [gam-sa-ham-ni-da] is the polite form of ‘thank you’ and is appropriate for cafe settings.
Usage moments : Whenever you want to say thank you.
- When receiving your drink
- After payment
- When leaving the cafe
Cultural Tips for Korean Cafes
- Always accept drinks and receipts with both hands
- It’s common to seat yourself at Korean cafes rather than waiting to be seated
- Many cafes have electronic buzzers that will notify you when your drink is ready
- Most cafes accept both cards and cash, with card payments being more common
- Most Korean cafes offer free Wi-Fi to customers
- According to Korea Environmental Policy, even if you only stay in a café for a short time (even if it’s just about 5 minutes), if you’re drinking a beverage, it must be served in a for-here cup. If you need to leave before finishing your drink, you can simply ask them to pour the remaining beverage into a single use cup.
(https://www.korea.kr/multi/visualNewsView.do?newsId=148900734)
Conclusion
These useful Korean phrases will help you navigate cafe ordering with confidence. Remember that perfect pronunciation isn’t necessary – what matters most is making an effort to engage with the local language and culture. Start with these basic expressions and gradually expand your Korean language skills through regular practice and real-world application.
