Markets: 얼마예요 and the dance

얼마예요? (how much is it?) is the whole game. The answer is a number + 원. If you missed it: 다시 말해 주세요 — or hold out your open hand like a local grandma and let them tap the notes.

Traditional markets rarely haggle, but quantity discounts are real: 두 개 주세요 (two, please) often triggers a spontaneous 이천 원 깎아드릴게요 (I'll knock off 2,000). Say 아, 감사합니다! and become a regular.

Free samples are a food group at markets. 맛있어요! after a toothpick sample creates joy on both sides of the stall. This is the cheapest Korean lesson in the country.