007 · How Much Is It? — 얼마예요?
Learn how to ask prices, understand simple answers, and shop with confidence in Korea.
❶ Today’s Expression
얼마예요?
Eol-ma-ye-yo?
How much is it?
This is one of the most useful Korean expressions for travelers.
Whether you’re shopping at a traditional market, buying souvenirs, or ordering street food, you can simply point to an item and ask:
얼마예요? (Eol-ma-ye-yo?)
It’s polite, natural, and easy to remember.
Try It!
이거 얼마예요?
I-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?
How much is this?
저거 얼마예요?
Jeo-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?
How much is that?
이거 (i-geo) means this, and 저거 (jeo-geo) means that over there.
❷ Let’s Talk!
At a Traditional Market
Traveler: 안녕하세요!
An-nyeong-ha-se-yo!
Hello!
Seller: 어서 오세요!
Eo-seo o-se-yo!
Welcome!
Traveler: 이거 얼마예요?
I-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?
How much is this?
Seller: 오천 원이에요.
O-cheon wo-ni-e-yo.
It’s 5,000 won.
Traveler: 이거 주세요.
I-geo ju-se-yo.
I’ll take this, please.
Seller: 감사합니다!
Gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Thank you!
❸ Useful Price Expressions
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 얼마예요? | Eol-ma-ye-yo? | How much is it? |
| 이거 얼마예요? | I-geo eol-ma-ye-yo? | How much is this? |
| 천 원이에요. | Cheon wo-ni-e-yo. | It’s 1,000 won. |
| 오천 원이에요. | O-cheon wo-ni-e-yo. | It’s 5,000 won. |
| 만 원이에요. | Ma-n wo-ni-e-yo. | It’s 10,000 won. |
| 너무 비싸요. | Neo-mu bi-ssa-yo. | It’s too expensive. |
| 이거 주세요. | I-geo ju-se-yo. | This one, please. |
❹ Korean Money — 원 (Won)
South Korea uses the Korean won, written as ₩ or KRW.
Here are some common prices you may hear while traveling.
| Price | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| ₩1,000 | 천 원 | Cheon won |
| ₩2,000 | 이천 원 | I-cheon won |
| ₩5,000 | 오천 원 | O-cheon won |
| ₩10,000 | 만 원 | Man won |
| ₩20,000 | 이만 원 | I-man won |
| ₩50,000 | 오만 원 | O-man won |
Gupiter’s Tip
Korean prices often use units of 10,000.
만 (man) means ten thousand.
Once you learn this number, understanding prices becomes much easier!
❺ Traveler’s Tip — Shopping in Korea
In department stores, convenience stores, and most modern shops, prices are clearly displayed.
At traditional markets, however, asking “이거 얼마예요?” can be a friendly way to begin a conversation.
You can also use the expression when buying street food, local snacks, or souvenirs.
And remember:
A smile and a simple Korean phrase can make your shopping experience much more enjoyable.
❻ Practice Time!
Imagine you’re at a market in Seoul.
You see a beautiful souvenir and want to know the price.
What would you say?
이거 얼마예요?
I-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?
How much is this?
Now imagine the seller answers:
만 원이에요.
Man wo-ni-e-yo.
It’s 10,000 won.
And if you want to buy it:
이거 주세요!
I-geo ju-se-yo!
This one, please!
Congratulations! You’ve just completed a simple shopping conversation in Korean.
Remember This!
얼마예요?
Eol-ma-ye-yo?
How much is it?
Three simple words in English. One useful expression in Korean.
Learn it once, and you’ll use it again and again throughout your journey.
Next Lesson · 008
Can I Pay by Card? — 카드 돼요?
Learn how to ask about card payments and complete your purchase in Korean.
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