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If you’ve ever stepped into a café in Korea, you’ve probably noticed that the conversation between the customer and barista follows a familiar pattern. Knowing what to expect — and how to respond — can make your café visits so much smoother (and a lot more fun!).
Today, we’ll teach you common Korean café phrases you’ll actually hear and use. With these expressions, you’ll be ready to order like a local at any Korean coffee shop!
1. Learn the Korean Alphabet (Hangeul) First
All the phrases in this guide use Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. If you don’t know Hangeul yet, we highly recommend learning it first — it’s simple and you can read basic Korean words in just an hour!
Check out the free guide at koreanmario.com to get started.
Once you’re ready, let’s dive into some essential Korean café phrases!
2. Useful Korean Korean Phrases for Cafe Dialogues
Baristas in Korea usually speak politely using the formal style. These sample dialogues will help you understand typical questions — and give you clear answers to sound natural when ordering.
Scene 1 – Ready to Order?
Barista: 주문 도와드릴까요?
(jumun dowadeurilkkayo?)
→ May I take your order?
Customer: 아메리카노 주세요.
(amerika no juseyo.)
→ One Americano, please.
Scene 2 – For Here or To-Go?
Barista: 드시고 가시나요?
(deusigo gasinayo?)
→ Will you be drinking it here?
Option 1 (For here): 네, 여기서 마실게요.
(ne, yeogiseo masilgeyo.)
→ Yes, I’ll drink here.
Option 2 (To-go): 아니요, 가져갈게요.
(aniyo, gajyeogalgeyo.)
→ No, I’ll take it to-go.
Scene 3 – Is Your Drink To-Go? (Drink Only Orders)
Barista: 가져가시는 거 맞으세요?
(gajyeogasineun geo majeuseyo?)
→ Is this to-go?
Answer: 네, 맞아요. / 아니요, 여기서 마실게요.
(ne, majayo.) / (aniyo, yeogiseo masilgeyo.)
→ Yes, that’s right. / No, I’ll drink here.
Scene 4 – Is Your Food & Drink To-Go?
Barista: 전부 포장해드릴까요?
(jeonbu pojanghaedeurilkkayo?)
→ Would you like everything to-go?
Answer: 네, 포장해주세요.
(ne, pojanghaejuseyo.)
→ Yes, please pack it to-go.
Scene 5 – Receipts
Barista: 영수증 필요하세요?
(yeongsujeung piryo haseyo?)
→ Do you need a receipt?
Option 1 (Yes): 네, 주세요.
(ne, juseyo.)
→ Yes, please.
Option 2 (No): 괜찮아요.
(gwaenchana yo.)
→ No, I’m good.
3. Real-Life Practice Tips
Every café visit is a chance to practice Korean naturally! Here are some useful tips:
- Listen carefully for key words like:
주문 (order), 포장 (takeout), 영수증 (receipt) - Practice polite ending patterns:
- 주세요 (please give me)
- 갈게요 (I’ll go / I’ll do)
- Try using numbers in Korean when ordering multiple items!
4. How to Order Coffee in Korean
Ordering coffee in Korea usually goes like this:
- Greet the staff → 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)
- Place your order → (Drink/Food) 주세요
- Answer questions → For here? To-go? Receipt?
- Say thank you → 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
Example:
Barista: 주문 도와드릴까요?
You: 아메리카노 하나 주세요.
Barista: 드시고 가시나요?
You: 네, 여기서 마실게요.
Barista: 영수증 필요하세요?
You: 괜찮아요. 감사합니다!
5. Wrap-Up
Now you’re ready to sound like a regular at any Korean café!
Remember, the more you visit cafés and practice these phrases, the more confident you’ll become. And don’t worry if you make mistakes — Koreans will appreciate your effort to speak their language.
Is there a café you love visiting in Korea? Or a Korean drink you want to try ordering next time? Let us know in the comments!
Ready to level up your Korean even more? Explore koreanmario.com for practical lessons, real-life expressions, and fun ways to sound like a native!
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