10 Korean Money Words You Need to Know Before Visiting Korea



Planning a trip to Korea? You don't need to speak Korean fluently — but knowing a few key money-related words will save you from confusion, help you bargain at markets, and make you look impressively prepared.

Here are 10 essential Korean money words, with pronunciation guides and real-life examples of when you'll use them.

1. 돈 (Don) — Money

The most basic word of all. "돈" simply means money.

You'll hear this everywhere — in shops, on the street, in cafés. If someone asks "돈 있어요?" (Don isseoyo?), they're asking "Do you have money?" — usually in a playful or casual context.

How to say it: Don (rhymes with "cone")

2. 원 (Won) — Korean Currency

Korea's currency is the Korean Won (₩). As of 2026, roughly 1,400 won equals 1 US dollar.

Don't be shocked when you see prices like ₩15,000 for a meal — that's only about $10. Once you get used to the zeros, everything starts to feel very affordable.

How to say it: Won (rhymes with "bone")

Quick conversion tip: Drop three zeros and divide by 1.4 to get a rough dollar amount. ₩28,000 ÷ 1,400 = $20.

3. 얼마예요? (Eolma-yeyo?) — How Much Is It?

This is the single most useful phrase in Korea for any shopper or traveler.

Walk up to any street food stall, market vendor, or small shop, say "얼마예요?" and hold up what you want to buy. Works every time.

How to say it: Eol-ma-ye-yo (4 syllables, soft and rising at the end)

4. 카드 (Ka-deu) — Card (Credit/Debit Card)

Korea is one of the most cashless countries in the world. Almost everywhere accepts cards — convenience stores, taxis, restaurants, even street vendors in some areas.

Before paying, you can ask: "카드 돼요?" (Ka-deu dwae-yo?) — "Do you accept card?"

How to say it: Ka-deu (like "card" with a slight pause between syllables)

5. 현금 (Hyeon-geum) — Cash

Some traditional markets and small local restaurants only accept cash. When in doubt, ask "현금만 돼요?" (Hyeon-geum-man dwae-yo?) — "Cash only?"

Always keep some won on hand for street food, traditional markets like Namdaemun, and rural areas.

How to say it: Hyeon-geum (hyun-gum)

6. 영수증 (Yeong-su-jeung) — Receipt

After any purchase, you can ask for a receipt with "영수증 주세요" (Yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo) — "Please give me a receipt."

This is especially useful for tax refunds. Korea offers a VAT refund system for tourists — keep your receipts from qualifying purchases over ₩30,000 at participating stores to claim money back at the airport.

How to say it: Yeong-su-jeung (3 syllables)

7. 할인 (Ha-rin) — Discount

Music to any traveler's ears. "할인 돼요?" (Ha-rin dwae-yo?) means "Is there a discount?"

This works surprisingly well at traditional markets, especially if you're buying multiple items. Don't be shy — bargaining is expected and respected at places like Dongdaemun or Namdaemun market.

How to say it: Ha-rin (like "hah-rin")

8. 거스름돈 (Geo-seu-reum-don) — Change (Money Back)

If you pay with cash and need change, this is the word. You probably won't need to say it — vendors will automatically give you change — but it's handy to recognize when someone says it to you.

How to say it: Geo-seu-reum-don (5 syllables — say it slowly)

9. 무료 (Mu-ryo) — Free

One of the best words in any language. 무료 means free of charge.

Many of Korea's best experiences are free: palace entry with a hanbok rental, public parks, hiking trails, beach access, and most museums have free days. Look for signs saying 무료 and you'll save a lot.

How to say it: Mu-ryo (moo-ryo)

10. 계산서 (Gye-san-seo) — Bill (at a Restaurant)

Unlike many countries, Korean restaurants don't bring you the bill automatically — you have to ask for it, or pay at the front counter on your way out.

To ask for the bill, say "계산해 주세요" (Gye-san-hae ju-se-yo) — "Please calculate the bill" (i.e., I'd like to pay now).

Many restaurants also have a call button on the table — press it and say "계산이요" (Gye-san-i-yo) and staff will come to you.

How to say it: Gye-san-seo (gye like "K", san like "sun")

Bonus: Quick Reference Table

Korean Pronunciation Meaning
돈 Don Money
원 Won Korean currency
얼마예요? Eolma-yeyo? How much?
카드 Ka-deu Card
현금 Hyeon-geum Cash
영수증 Yeong-su-jeung Receipt
할인 Ha-rin Discount
거스름돈 Geo-seu-reum-don Change
무료 Mu-ryo Free
계산서 Gye-san-seo Bill

One Last Tip

Koreans genuinely appreciate any effort to speak their language, no matter how basic. Even saying "얼마예요?" with a smile will get you a warmer response than pointing silently.

Learn these 10 words before your trip, and you'll navigate Korea's markets, restaurants, and shops with far more confidence than most tourists.

Safe travels — or as Koreans say, 잘 다녀오세요 (Jal da-nyeo-o-se-yo): "Have a good trip!"


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