The word '매점' (mae-jeom) means a small shop. You usually find this shop inside a school or a building. It sells things like bread, milk, candy, and water. At the A1 level, you can use it in simple sentences like 'I go to the 매점' (매점에 가요) or 'The 매점 is here' (매점이 여기 있어요). It is a noun. You can think of it like a mini-store that is very close and convenient when you are at school or in a park. It is a very useful word because everyone in Korea knows it, especially students. When you want to buy a snack during a break, you look for the 매점. Remember, it is not a big supermarket; it is just a small place for quick things.
At the A2 level, '매점' is an essential noun for describing daily routines, especially in institutional settings like schools or offices. It refers to an internal canteen or kiosk. You should be able to use it with different particles to describe actions: '매점에서 빵을 샀어요' (I bought bread at the canteen) or '매점에 사람이 많아요' (There are many people at the canteen). It's different from '편의점' (convenience store) because a 매점 is located inside a specific facility and usually has limited hours. You might also hear the term '구내매점' in more formal contexts. Knowing this word helps you talk about your school life or where to find a quick snack when visiting a public park or a train station in Korea.
For B1 learners, '매점' carries a cultural connotation of school nostalgia. Beyond just a 'store,' it represents a social space where students gather during short breaks. You should be comfortable using it in more complex sentence structures, such as '쉬는 시간마다 매점으로 달려가는 학생들' (Students who run to the canteen every break time). You'll also encounter it in broader contexts like hospitals, military bases (PX), or large government buildings. It's important to distinguish it from '식당' (cafeteria); a 매점 sells packaged goods, while a 식당 serves cooked meals. You might also start to see it in compound words or phrases like '매점 아줌마' (the canteen lady) which is a common cultural figure in Korean narratives.
At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances of '매점' within Korean society and its role in various institutions. It is often used to discuss the privatization of school services or the changing habits of consumers. For instance, you might read about how traditional school '매점' are being replaced by major convenience store chains. You should be able to use the word in formal discussions, such as '매점의 위생 상태' (the sanitary condition of the canteen) or '매점 위탁 운영' (outsourced operation of the canteen). The word also appears frequently in literature and film to evoke a sense of 'hakchang-sijeol' (school days), making it a key term for understanding emotional and cultural subtexts in Korean media.
At the C1 level, you should be able to discuss '매점' in the context of economic and social policy. For example, the debate over whether school '매점' should sell junk food or transition to 'healthy canteens' (건강 매점). You should understand the word's Hanja roots (買 - to buy, 店 - store) and how it relates to other terms like '매장' (sales outlet) or '가판대' (kiosk/stand). You might analyze the '매점' as a micro-economy within an institution. Your usage should be precise, distinguishing between a '구내매점' in a corporate setting and the more informal '매점' found in a public park. You should also be familiar with the historical evolution of the '매점' from a simple stall to a modernized, often automated, retail space.
For C2 learners, '매점' can be a starting point for deep cultural and sociological analysis. You might explore the 'maejeom' as a site of memory (lieu de mémoire) in Korean modern history, representing the shared experience of rapid urbanization and the institutionalization of education. You can discuss the legalities of '매점' contracts within government facilities or the sociological impact of the 'Maejeom Bread' (매점 빵) phenomenon on the food industry. Your mastery of the word includes understanding its usage in high-level literature, technical business reports, and complex social commentaries. You should be able to use it fluently in any register, from nostalgic storytelling to rigorous academic critique of institutional infrastructure.

매점 en 30 segundos

  • Maejeom is a small, internal shop found in Korean schools, parks, and buildings, specializing in snacks and basic goods.
  • It is a central part of Korean school culture, often associated with nostalgia and quick breaks between classes.
  • Grammatically, it is a noun that uses '에' for location and '에서' for where actions like buying occur.
  • It differs from a standard convenience store (pyeon-ui-jeom) because it is located inside another institution's premises.

The word 매점 (Mae-jeom) is a quintessential part of Korean institutional life, most notably within the school system. At its core, it refers to a small retail outlet or canteen located within a larger building or facility. Unlike a standard street-side convenience store, a 매점 is typically found in schools, government buildings, military bases, or large parks. For many Koreans, the word evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia associated with their teenage years, specifically the frantic ten-minute breaks between classes when students rush to buy snacks.

Core Definition
A small shop or stall located within an institution like a school, hospital, or park, selling snacks, drinks, and basic supplies.
Cultural Nuance
In Korea, the 'school maejeom' is a social hub where students bond over 'maejeom bread' (inexpensive packaged pastries) and cup noodles.

While the rise of 24-hour convenience stores (편의점) has changed the retail landscape, the 매점 remains distinct because it is usually 'internal.' You wouldn't call a 7-Eleven on a street corner a 매점. Instead, you use this term for the specific shop inside your high school or the small kiosk at a hiking trail's entrance. In the military, a similar concept is the PX (Post Exchange), but civilians still often refer to institutional snack bars as 매점. It implies a limited selection focused on the immediate needs of the people in that specific environment.

우리 학교 매점은 쉬는 시간마다 학생들로 꽉 차요. (Our school canteen is packed with students every break time.)

The word is composed of two Hanja (Chinese characters): 買 (매 - mae), meaning 'to buy,' and 店 (점 - jeom), meaning 'shop' or 'store.' This literal 'buying shop' is functional and straightforward. It is used in both formal and informal settings. A teacher might announce a lost item was found near the 매점, or a friend might suggest, "Let's go to the 매점!" (매점 가자!). It is a noun that carries the weight of daily routine and small joys.

Historically, the 매점 was the only place students could get food during the day other than their packed lunches (dosirak). Even today, with modern cafeterias, the 매점 survives as the primary source for 'gan-sik' (snacks). The items sold there are often cheaper than those in outside stores, specifically curated for a younger audience or the specific clientele of the institution it serves.

기차역 매점에서 물 한 병을 샀어요. (I bought a bottle of water at the train station kiosk.)

Common Locations
Schools (학교), Parks (공원), Hospitals (병원), Train Stations (기차역), Military Bases (군부대).

In summary, use 매점 when referring to an internal shop that serves a specific community. It is a word that bridges the gap between a simple stall and a full-fledged store, emphasizing convenience within a localized context. Whether you are a student looking for a snack or a traveler needing a quick drink at a bus terminal, the 매점 is your go-to destination.

Using 매점 in a sentence is grammatically straightforward as it is a standard noun. However, the particles you attach to it depend on the action being performed. The most common particles are ~에 (to/at) and ~에서 (at/in - for actions). Mastering these will help you sound more natural when discussing your daily errands or school life.

Directional Usage (~에)
When you are moving toward the shop, use '매점에'. Example: '매점에 가요' (I am going to the canteen).
Action-Based Usage (~에서)
When you are performing an action inside the shop, use '매점에서'. Example: '매점에서 빵을 샀어요' (I bought bread at the canteen).

The word is often paired with verbs related to consumption and commerce. You will frequently hear '매점을 이용하다' (to use the canteen) or '매점에 들르다' (to drop by the canteen). In a school context, the phrase '매점 털기' (literally 'robbing the canteen') is a slangy way for students to describe buying a large amount of snacks with friends.

점심을 먹고 나서 매점에서 아이스크림을 사 먹었어요. (After having lunch, I bought and ate an ice cream at the canteen.)

When describing the state of the 매점, use adjectives like '붐비다' (to be crowded) or '가깝다' (to be close). Because the 매점 is often a small space, it is frequently described as being '북적북적하다' (bustling/crowded). If you are looking for the location, you might ask, "매점이 어디에 있어요?" (Where is the canteen?).

For advanced learners, consider the possessive form '매점의'. For example, '매점의 위치' (the location of the canteen) or '매점의 인기 품목' (the canteen's popular items). You can also use it as a modifier: '매점 아줌마' (the canteen lady) or '매점 빵' (canteen bread). These compound-like structures are very common in spoken Korean.

이번에 매점에 새로운 과자가 들어왔대요. (I heard that new snacks have arrived at the canteen.)

Sentence Structure Tip
Remember that Korean often omits the subject. Instead of saying 'I go to the store,' Koreans often just say '매점 가요.' The context of who is going is implied.

Lastly, consider the negative. If a building doesn't have a shop, you would say "이 건물에는 매점이 없어요" (There is no canteen in this building). This is useful when you are in a public space like a museum or a small local hospital and need to find food or water.

The word 매점 is ubiquitous in Korean media, especially in the 'School' genre of K-Dramas and movies. If you watch shows like *Reply 1988*, *School 2013*, or *Extraordinary You*, you will inevitably see scenes set in or around the school 매점. It serves as a primary setting for character interactions—confessions, gossip, or even light-hearted bullying often occur near the snack shelves. Hearing a character yell, "매점 가자!" (Let's go to the canteen!) is a standard trope that signifies friendship and the shared experience of Korean youth.

In K-Dramas
Look for scenes where students are running down hallways as soon as the bell rings. They are almost always heading to the 매점 to beat the long line.
In Variety Shows
Shows like *Knowing Bros* (아는 형님) often mention the 매점 when talking about their school days, emphasizing how important it was for their social life.

Beyond the classroom, you'll hear this word at public transportation hubs. At a train station like Seoul Station or a bus terminal like Express Bus Terminal, signs will point toward the '매점'. While many of these are now branded convenience stores, older stations or those in rural areas still use the traditional 매점 sign. Announcers might mention, "The canteen is located on the second floor," using the word 매점 to guide passengers who need a quick meal before their journey.

안내 말씀 드립니다. 매점은 3번 플랫폼 옆에 위치하고 있습니다. (Attention please. The canteen is located next to platform 3.)

In the workplace, larger companies or government offices (관공서) have their own canteens. Employees might say, "잠깐 매점 좀 다녀올게요" (I'll just pop out to the canteen for a bit) when they need a coffee break or a quick snack. It implies a very short trip within the same building. Similarly, in hospitals, the 매점 is a vital spot for guardians and patients to buy necessities like tissues, slippers, or drinks for visitors.

Lastly, the military context is significant. While 'PX' is the official term, soldiers and their families often use 매점 interchangeably when referring to the small shops inside the base. It represents a small slice of comfort in a disciplined environment. In all these contexts, the word 매점 signifies a place of convenience, relief, and small indulgence within a larger, often more rigid, institution.

등산로 입구에 있는 매점에서 생수를 샀어요. (I bought bottled water at the canteen at the entrance of the hiking trail.)

Cultural Note
The 'Maejeom Ajumma' (canteen lady) is a common character archetype in Korean culture, often portrayed as someone who knows all the school gossip and treats students like her own children.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 매점 is over-generalizing it to mean any small store. It is crucial to remember that a 매점 is almost always *inside* or *attached* to another institution. If you are walking down a street in Gangnam and see a small shop selling snacks, calling it a 매점 would sound unnatural. In that case, you should use 편의점 (convenience store) or 슈퍼 (supermarket).

Mistake: Using 매점 for Street Shops
Incorrect: 길가에 있는 매점에서 껌을 샀어요. (I bought gum at a canteen on the street.)
Correct: 길가에 있는 편의점에서 껌을 샀어요.

Another common confusion is between 매점 and 식당 (restaurant/cafeteria). While both involve food, a 매점 sells pre-packaged items, whereas a 식당 (or 구내식당 in an institution) serves prepared meals. If you say, "매점에서 점심을 먹었어요," it implies you ate a snack like bread or cup noodles for lunch, rather than a proper meal. If you had a tray of rice, soup, and side dishes, you must say '식당에서 먹었어요'.

잘못된 표현: 매점에서 비빔밥을 주문했어요. (I ordered bibimbap at the canteen.)
올바른 표현: 식당에서 비빔밥을 주문했어요.

Pronunciation can also be a minor hurdle. Some learners might confuse it with 매정 (mae-jeong), which means 'cold-hearted' or 'unfeeling.' Ensure you end with the 'm' (ㅁ) sound for the store and the 'ng' (ㅇ) sound for the personality trait. Confusing the two could lead to a very different sentence: "우리 학교는 매정해요" (Our school is cold-hearted) versus "우리 학교는 매점이 있어요" (Our school has a canteen).

Finally, watch out for the particle usage. Because 매점 is a place, learners often forget whether to use '에' or '에서'. Remember: if you're just *going* there or it's just *located* there, use '에'. If you are *doing* something like buying, eating, or meeting someone there, use '에서'. Mixing these up won't usually break communication, but it will mark you as a beginner.

Quick Check
Is it inside a building? (Yes -> 매점). Does it sell packaged snacks? (Yes -> 매점). Does it serve cooked meals? (No -> 매점).

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 매점 helps you navigate different social registers and specific contexts. While 매점 is the most common and versatile term, other words might be more appropriate depending on where you are and what you are buying.

편의점 (Pyeon-ui-jeom)
Meaning: Convenience store. This refers to 24/7 chains like GS25, CU, or 7-Eleven. While a 매점 is usually inside an institution, a 편의점 is a standalone business. Nowadays, some schools have replaced their traditional 매점 with a 'brand' 편의점, but students might still call it the 매점 out of habit.
매장 (Mae-jang)
Meaning: Store/Sales floor. This is a more formal and broader term. You might see this in a mall or department store. For example, '의류 매장' (clothing store).

For a more specific institutional context, you might encounter 구내매점. The prefix '구내' (gu-nae) means 'within the premises.' This is often used in official maps or corporate handbooks to distinguish the internal shop from external ones. In a military context, you will almost exclusively hear PX (Post Exchange) or 충성클럽 (Chung-seong Club - the traditional name for Korean military shops), though soldiers still recognize the term 매점.

비교:
1. 학교 매점 (School canteen - small, internal)
2. 동네 편의점 (Neighborhood convenience store - 24/7, external)

In more modern or Westernized settings, like an international school or a trendy office, you might hear the loanword 스낵바 (Snack Bar) or 카페테리아 (Cafeteria). However, these usually imply a slightly different vibe—a snack bar might have a counter with a barista, whereas a 매점 is more likely to have rows of shelves with pre-packaged goods.

Lastly, there is 슈퍼마켓 (supermarket), often shortened to just 슈퍼. This is usually a medium-sized local grocery store. While you can buy snacks at both, you wouldn't find a 'super' inside a school hallway, and you wouldn't find a 'maejeom' that sells fresh meat and vegetables for home cooking. Choosing the right word shows your awareness of the scale and location of the shop.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The 'Jeom' (店) in 'Maejeom' is the same character used in 'Seojeom' (bookstore) and 'Pyeon-ui-jeom' (convenience store).

Guía de pronunciación

UK /mɛ.dʑʌm/
US /meɪ.dʒʌm/
The stress is balanced, but the first syllable '매' is often slightly higher in pitch.
Rima con
지점 (ji-jeom - branch office) 초점 (cho-jeom - focus) 서점 (seo-jeom - bookstore) 단점 (dan-jeom - weakness) 장점 (jang-jeom - strength) 학점 (hak-jeom - school credit) 만점 (man-jeom - perfect score) 득점 (deuk-jeom - scoring)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing it as 'Mae-jeong' (ending with 'ng' instead of 'm').
  • Making the 'ae' sound too much like 'ay' in 'say'.
  • Pronouncing the 'j' as a sharp 'z' sound.
  • Omitting the final 'm' sound entirely.
  • Stressing the second syllable too heavily.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize as it appears frequently in signs and simple texts.

Escritura 2/5

Simple Hanja-based word with no complex spelling.

Expresión oral 3/5

Requires clear 'm' ending to avoid confusion with 'maejeong'.

Escucha 2/5

Commonly heard in daily life and media, easy to distinguish.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

학교 (school) 가게 (store) 빵 (bread) 사다 (to buy)

Aprende después

편의점 (convenience store) 식당 (restaurant) 구내 (within premises) 간식 (snack)

Avanzado

유통 (distribution) 소비자 (consumer) 독점 (monopoly) 위탁 (consignment/outsourcing)

Gramática que debes saber

Place Particle ~에

매점에 가요. (I go to the canteen.)

Action Particle ~에서

매점에서 사요. (I buy at the canteen.)

Modifying Nouns with ~의

매점의 위치 (The canteen's location)

Noun + Noun Compounds

학교 매점 (School canteen)

Sequential Action ~아/어 사다

빵을 사 먹었어요. (I bought and ate bread.)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

매점에 가요.

I go to the canteen.

Basic 'Subject + Place + Particle (에) + Verb (가요)' structure.

2

매점은 1층에 있어요.

The canteen is on the first floor.

Using '에 있어요' to indicate location.

3

매점에서 물을 사요.

I buy water at the canteen.

Using '에서' for the location of an action (buying).

4

매점이 아주 작아요.

The canteen is very small.

Using the adjective '작다' (small) with the subject marker '이'.

5

매점에 빵이 있어요?

Is there bread at the canteen?

A simple question using '이/가 있어요?'

6

학교 매점에 친구가 있어요.

My friend is at the school canteen.

Compound place '학교 매점'.

7

매점에서 기다려요.

Wait at the canteen.

Using '에서' with the verb '기다리다' (to wait).

8

매점은 문을 닫았어요.

The canteen is closed.

Past tense of '닫다' (to close).

1

쉬는 시간에 매점에 갔어요.

I went to the canteen during the break.

Time expression '쉬는 시간에' combined with the past tense.

2

매점에서 맛있는 과자를 샀어요.

I bought delicious snacks at the canteen.

Adjective '맛있는' modifying the noun '과자'.

3

우리 학교 매점은 인기가 많아요.

Our school canteen is very popular.

Using the phrase '인기가 많다' (to be popular).

4

매점 아줌마는 정말 친절해요.

The canteen lady is very kind.

Compound noun '매점 아줌마'.

5

배가 고파서 매점에 들렀어요.

I dropped by the canteen because I was hungry.

Reason clause '-아서/어서' with the verb '들르다' (to drop by).

6

매점에서 우유를 사 마셨어요.

I bought and drank milk at the canteen.

Sequential action '-아/어 마시다'.

7

매점 앞에 학생들이 줄을 서 있어요.

Students are lining up in front of the canteen.

Position word '앞' (front) and the state '줄을 서 있다'.

8

공원 매점에서 아이스크림을 팔아요.

The park canteen sells ice cream.

Using the verb '팔다' (to sell).

1

매점에서 파는 빵은 추억의 맛이에요.

The bread sold at the canteen is the taste of memories.

Relative clause '매점에서 파는' (sold at the canteen).

2

매점이 붐비기 전에 미리 가야 해요.

We have to go early before the canteen gets crowded.

Using '-기 전에' (before) and '-아야/어야 하다' (must/have to).

3

기차를 타기 전에 매점에서 간식거리를 샀어요.

I bought some snacks at the canteen before boarding the train.

Noun '간식거리' (snack items).

4

매점에는 학생들이 좋아하는 물건이 다 있어요.

The canteen has everything that students like.

Relative clause '학생들이 좋아하는' modifying '물건'.

5

병원 매점에서 환자용 슬리퍼를 구입했어요.

I purchased slippers for patients at the hospital canteen.

Formal verb '구입하다' (to purchase).

6

매점 운영 시간이 변경되었다고 해요.

I heard that the canteen's operating hours have changed.

Indirect discourse '-다고 하다'.

7

매점에서 산 복권이 당첨되면 좋겠어요.

I wish the lottery ticket I bought at the canteen would win.

Conditional '-면 좋겠다' (I wish/hope).

8

대학교 매점은 중학교 때보다 훨씬 커요.

The university canteen is much bigger than the one in middle school.

Comparison structure '~보다 훨씬'.

1

학교 매점의 수익금은 장학금으로 사용됩니다.

The profits from the school canteen are used for scholarships.

Passive voice '사용됩니다' (is used).

2

매점에서는 일회용품 사용을 줄이기로 했습니다.

The canteen has decided to reduce the use of disposable items.

Decision expression '-기로 하다'.

3

매점 아주머니의 넉넉한 인심 덕분에 기분이 좋아졌어요.

I felt better thanks to the canteen lady's generous heart.

Noun '인심' (generosity/heart) and '덕분에' (thanks to).

4

많은 학교 매점이 대기업 편의점으로 바뀌고 있는 추세입니다.

There is a trend where many school canteens are being replaced by large-scale convenience stores.

Current trend expression '-고 있는 추세이다'.

5

매점 뒤쪽에는 학생들이 쉴 수 있는 공간이 마련되어 있어요.

There is a space provided behind the canteen where students can rest.

Passive state '마련되어 있다' (is prepared/provided).

6

군대 매점인 PX는 군인들에게 가장 인기 있는 장소입니다.

The military canteen, PX, is the most popular place for soldiers.

Appositive structure '군대 매점인 PX'.

7

매점에서 파는 음식의 영양 성분을 꼼꼼히 확인해 보세요.

Try checking the nutritional information of the food sold at the canteen carefully.

Imperative '-어 보세요' with the adverb '꼼꼼히'.

8

매점 입구에 붙은 공고문을 읽어 보셨나요?

Have you read the notice posted at the entrance of the canteen?

Honorific past question '-어 보셨나요?'

1

학교 매점 내 불량식품 판매를 금지하는 조례가 제정되었습니다.

An ordinance prohibiting the sale of junk food within school canteens has been enacted.

Legal terminology: '불량식품' (junk food), '조례' (ordinance), '제정되다' (to be enacted).

2

매점은 단순한 상점을 넘어 학생들의 자치 공간으로 활용되기도 합니다.

The canteen goes beyond being a simple store and is sometimes used as a space for student self-governance.

Expression '~을 넘어' (beyond) and '~기도 하다' (also/sometimes).

3

매점 위탁 운영업체 선정 과정에서 투명성이 강조되고 있습니다.

Transparency is being emphasized in the process of selecting outsourced canteen operators.

Abstract nouns: '위탁 운영' (outsourced operation), '투명성' (transparency).

4

매점에서 발생하는 수익의 일부를 지역 사회에 환원하기로 결정했습니다.

It was decided to return part of the profits generated from the canteen to the local community.

Verb '환원하다' (to return/restore) in a corporate social responsibility context.

5

디지털화가 진행됨에 따라 무인 매점이 늘어나고 있는 실정입니다.

As digitalization progresses, the reality is that unmanned canteens are increasing.

Expression '-함에 따라' (as ... progresses) and '실정이다' (the reality/situation is).

6

매점의 접근성은 시설 이용객들의 만족도에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

The accessibility of the canteen has a significant impact on the satisfaction of facility users.

Phrase '영향을 미치다' (to have an effect/influence).

7

과거 매점은 서민들의 애환이 서린 소통의 장이었습니다.

In the past, the canteen was a place of communication filled with the joys and sorrows of ordinary people.

Literary expression '애환이 서린' (imbued with joys and sorrows).

8

매점 물가가 외부보다 비싸다는 불만이 제기되고 있습니다.

Complaints are being raised that the prices at the canteen are higher than outside.

Passive phrase '불만이 제기되다' (complaints are raised).

1

학교 매점의 변천사는 한국 교육 환경의 변화를 투영하는 지표입니다.

The history of the school canteen's transformation is an indicator that reflects changes in the Korean educational environment.

Sophisticated vocabulary: '변천사' (history of change), '투영하다' (to reflect/project), '지표' (indicator).

2

매점이라는 공간이 지닌 사회적 상징성은 세대마다 다르게 해석됩니다.

The social symbolism inherent in the space called 'maejeom' is interpreted differently by each generation.

Abstract concept '사회적 상징성' (social symbolism).

3

매점의 독점적 운영권 부여에 따른 특혜 논란이 끊이지 않고 있습니다.

Controversies over preferential treatment following the granting of exclusive operating rights to canteens are ongoing.

Complex noun phrases: '독점적 운영권' (exclusive operating rights), '특혜 논란' (preferential treatment controversy).

4

고령화 사회에 접어들며 노인 복지관 내 매점의 역할이 재정립되고 있습니다.

As we enter an aging society, the role of canteens within senior welfare centers is being redefined.

Verb '재정립되다' (to be redefined).

5

매점의 공간적 배치는 이용자의 동선을 고려하여 치밀하게 설계되어야 합니다.

The spatial layout of the canteen must be meticulously designed considering the movement patterns of the users.

Technical terms: '공간적 배치' (spatial layout), '동선' (movement line/path).

6

매점은 단순한 소비의 장을 넘어, 공동체 의식을 함양하는 매개체 역할을 수행합니다.

The canteen goes beyond a simple place of consumption and serves as a medium for fostering a sense of community.

High-level verbs: '함양하다' (to foster/cultivate), '수행하다' (to perform/carry out).

7

매점 위생 관리 지침의 미비함이 집단 식중독의 원인으로 지목되었습니다.

The inadequacy of canteen hygiene management guidelines was pointed out as the cause of the mass food poisoning.

Formal cause-effect: '미비함' (inadequacy), '지목되다' (to be pointed out/fingered).

8

매점 내 키오스크 도입은 노동 집약적 산업의 기술적 전환을 단적으로 보여줍니다.

The introduction of kiosks in canteens clearly demonstrates the technological transition of labor-intensive industries.

Economic terms: '노동 집약적' (labor-intensive), '단적으로' (plainly/point-blank).

Colocaciones comunes

매점에 가다
매점에서 사다
학교 매점
매점 아줌마
매점 빵
매점을 이용하다
매점 문을 열다
구내 매점
매점 위치
매점 운영

Frases Comunes

매점 가자

— Let's go to the canteen. A very common phrase among students.

배고픈데 매점 가자!

매점에서 만나

— Meet me at the canteen. Used as a meeting point.

수업 끝나고 매점에서 만나.

매점 털러 가다

— To go and buy a lot of snacks (slang). Literally 'to rob the canteen'.

돈 생겼으니까 매점 털러 가자!

매점 빵

— Specific types of cheap, packaged pastries sold in schools.

매점 빵 중에서는 초코빵이 제일 맛있어.

매점 줄

— The line at the canteen. Usually very long during breaks.

매점 줄이 너무 길어서 포기했어.

매점 음식

— Food bought at the canteen, often referring to snacks.

매점 음식은 몸에 안 좋을 수도 있어.

매점 아저씨

— The man who runs the canteen.

매점 아저씨가 친절하게 인사해 주셨어.

매점 쿠폰

— Canteen coupons, sometimes used in schools for rewards.

선생님이 상으로 매점 쿠폰을 주셨어.

매점 심부름

— Running an errand to the canteen for someone else.

친구 매점 심부름을 하러 가요.

매점이 붐비다

— The canteen is crowded.

쉬는 시간이라 매점이 붐벼요.

Se confunde a menudo con

매점 vs 매정

Means 'cold-hearted'. Pronounced similarly but ends in 'ng'.

매점 vs 매장

Means 'store' or 'outlet'. Used for larger or branded shops.

매점 vs 서점

Means 'bookstore'. Both end in 'jeom'.

Modismos y expresiones

"매점매석"

— Cornering the market / Hoarding. This is a formal four-character idiom (Saja-seong-eo) related to buying up goods to create a monopoly.

그 회사는 매점매석으로 이익을 챙겼다.

Formal/Economic
"매점 죽돌이"

— Someone who practically lives at the canteen (slang). 'Juk-dol-i' refers to someone who stays in one place for a long time.

지훈이는 쉬는 시간마다 매점에 있는 매점 죽돌이야.

Slang
"매점의 여왕"

— The queen of the canteen. Often refers to a girl who is very popular or always has the best snacks.

그녀는 우리 반 매점의 여왕으로 불린다.

Informal
"매점으로 튀다"

— To bolt/dash to the canteen. Used to describe the fast movement of students when the bell rings.

종이 치자마자 매점으로 튀어 나갔어.

Informal
"매점 빵 셔틀"

— A derogatory term for someone forced to buy snacks for bullies (Bread Shuttle).

빵 셔틀은 학교 폭력의 한 형태입니다.

Sensitive/Slang
"매점 인심"

— The generosity of the canteen (usually giving extra snacks or rounding down the price).

매점 인심 덕분에 배불리 먹었어.

Neutral
"매점 한 턱"

— Treating someone at the canteen.

시험 잘 봤으니까 내가 매점에서 한 턱 쏠게!

Informal
"매점 단골"

— A regular customer at the canteen.

나는 그 매점의 10년 단골이야.

Neutral
"매점 꽃"

— The most beautiful or popular item at the canteen.

이 빵이 우리 학교 매점의 꽃이야.

Informal
"매점 쇼핑"

— Snack shopping at the canteen.

스트레스 풀 때는 매점 쇼핑이 최고야.

Informal

Fácil de confundir

매점 vs 편의점

Both sell snacks.

A convenience store is a 24/7 chain (like CU), while a 매점 is an internal shop in a building.

학교 안에는 매점이 있고, 학교 밖에는 편의점이 있어요.

매점 vs 식당

Both involve food.

A 식당 serves cooked meals; a 매점 sells packaged snacks.

점심은 식당에서 먹고, 간식은 매점에서 사요.

매점 vs 슈퍼

Both are stores.

A 'super' is a local grocery store for neighborhoods; a 'maejeom' is specifically for an institution.

엄마는 슈퍼에 가시고, 나는 학교 매점에 가요.

매점 vs 노점

Both are small.

A 'nojeom' is a street stall (often outdoors and temporary); a 'maejeom' is permanent and indoors.

길거리 노점에서 떡볶이를 먹고, 매점에서 물을 샀어요.

매점 vs 백화점

Both have 'jeom'.

A 'baekhwajeom' is a massive luxury department store.

백화점은 너무 비싸지만 매점은 싸요.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

[Place]에 가요.

매점에 가요.

A2

[Place]에서 [Noun]을/를 샀어요.

매점에서 빵을 샀어요.

B1

쉬는 시간마다 [Place]에 들러요.

쉬는 시간마다 매점에 들러요.

B2

[Noun] 때문에 [Place]이/가 붐벼요.

학생들 때문에 매점이 붐벼요.

C1

[Place] 내 [Noun] 판매가 금지되다.

매점 내 탄산음료 판매가 금지되다.

C2

[Place]의 사회적 기능은 [Noun]이다.

매점의 사회적 기능은 소통이다.

Mixed

[Place]에 [Noun]이/가 있어요?

매점에 우유가 있어요?

Mixed

[Place]에서 만나요.

매점에서 만나요.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

매점 (canteen)
구매 (purchase)
판매 (sale)
상점 (shop)
지점 (branch)

Verbos

매수하다 (to purchase/buy off)
매입하다 (to buy in bulk)
판매하다 (to sell)

Relacionado

편의점
슈퍼마켓
구내식당
백화점
시장

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in school and institutional contexts.

Errores comunes
  • Calling a supermarket a '매점'. 슈퍼마켓 / 마트

    A 'maejeom' is too small to be a supermarket and is located inside a building.

  • Saying '매정에 가요'. 매점에 가요

    The final consonant must be 'm' (ㅁ), not 'ng' (ㅇ).

  • Using '매점' for a place that serves full meals. 식당 / 구내식당

    A 'maejeom' is for snacks; a '식당' is for meals.

  • Using '에' for buying: '매점에 빵을 샀어요'. 매점에서 빵을 샀어요

    Actions like buying require the particle '에서'.

  • Confusing '매점' with '매장' in a department store. 매장

    In a department store, '매장' refers to the sales floor or brand section.

Consejos

Try Maejeom Bread

If you visit a Korean school or see these snacks in a supermarket, try 'Pokemon Bread' or 'Choco-pang'. They are the quintessential maejeom snacks.

Particle Choice

Always use '에서' when you are buying something. '매점에서 샀어요' is the most natural way to say 'I bought it at the canteen'.

Pronunciation

Keep the 'mae' short and crisp. Don't drag it out like 'maaaa-e'.

Institutional Focus

Remember that 'maejeom' implies it's *inside* something else. Use it when you are in a building.

Treating Friends

In Korea, saying '내가 매점에서 쏠게' (I'll treat you at the canteen) is a great way to make friends.

Listen for the Bell

In dramas, when the school bell rings, the next word you hear is often '매점'!

Compound Nouns

You can combine school subjects or activities with maejeom, like '체육 시간 끝나고 매점' (Canteen after PE class).

Hanja Roots

Knowing 'Jeom' (店) means store will help you learn words like 'Seojeom' (bookstore) and 'Jeom-won' (clerk).

Military PX

If you are talking to someone who served in the army, mentioning the 'maejeom' or 'PX' will start a long conversation about their memories.

Watch 'Reply' Series

The 'Reply' K-drama series has many scenes that perfectly illustrate the 'maejeom' culture of the past.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Mae' as 'My' and 'Jeom' as 'Gym'. 'My Gym' has a small snack shop—a 'Mae-jeom'.

Asociación visual

Imagine a small wooden window at a school where a student is handing over a coin for a bun.

Word Web

학교 (School) 빵 (Bread) 우유 (Milk) 과자 (Snacks) 쉬는 시간 (Break time) 돈 (Money) 아줌마 (Lady) 줄 (Line)

Desafío

Try to find a K-drama scene set in a school and count how many times they say '매점' or go to one.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja). 'Mae' (買) means to buy, and 'Jeom' (店) means a shop or store. Combined, it literally means 'a place for buying.'

Significado original: A small retail outlet within a larger facility.

Sino-Korean

Contexto cultural

Be aware that the term 'Bread Shuttle' (associated with the maejeom) is related to school bullying and should be used with caution.

The closest equivalent is a 'school canteen' or 'tuck shop' in British/Australian English, or a 'school store' in American English.

The 'Maejeom' scenes in the drama 'Reply 1988' highlighting 80s snacks. The webtoon/drama 'True Beauty' where the characters meet at the school shop. The song 'Maejeom' by various indie artists evoking nostalgia.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At school

  • 매점 가자
  • 매점 빵 샀어?
  • 매점 줄 길어?
  • 매점 아줌마 친절해

At a park

  • 매점에서 돗자리 팔아요?
  • 매점에서 물 사자
  • 저기 매점이 있네
  • 매점 문 닫았어

At a hospital

  • 병원 매점이 어디죠?
  • 매점에서 슬리퍼 사야 해
  • 매점은 24시간인가요?
  • 매점에서 음료수 사올게

At a station

  • 매점에서 신문 사자
  • 기차역 매점은 비싸
  • 매점에서 도시락 팔아?
  • 매점 옆에서 기다릴게

In the military

  • PX 매점에 물건 들어왔어
  • 매점 갈 시간이야
  • 매점에서 냉동식품 먹자
  • 매점 영수증 보여줘

Inicios de conversación

"학교 다닐 때 매점에서 가장 좋아했던 간식이 뭐예요? (What was your favorite snack from the canteen when you were in school?)"

"이 근처에 매점이 어디 있는지 아세요? (Do you know where there's a canteen around here?)"

"우리 같이 매점에 가서 아이스크림 먹을래요? (Shall we go to the canteen and have ice cream together?)"

"매점 줄이 너무 길면 어떡하죠? (What should we do if the canteen line is too long?)"

"요즘 학교 매점에는 어떤 것들을 팔아요? (What kind of things do they sell in school canteens these days?)"

Temas para diario

오늘 매점에서 무엇을 샀는지, 그리고 왜 샀는지 적어보세요. (Write about what you bought at the canteen today and why.)

가장 기억에 남는 학교 매점에서의 추억을 써보세요. (Write about your most memorable memory at a school canteen.)

내가 만약 매점을 운영한다면 어떤 물건을 팔고 싶은가요? (If you ran a canteen, what items would you want to sell?)

매점과 편의점의 차이점에 대해 자신의 생각을 써보세요. (Write your thoughts on the differences between a canteen and a convenience store.)

미래의 매점은 어떤 모습일지 상상해서 적어보세요. (Imagine and write about what canteens will look like in the future.)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, while most famous in schools, it is also used for small shops in hospitals, parks, train stations, and government buildings.

Not usually. You should call it a '편의점'. However, if a 7-Eleven is located inside a school, some people might call it the 'school maejeom'.

In schools, it's 'maejeom bread' (packaged pastries) and 'banana milk'.

It is neutral. It can be used in both polite conversation and with friends.

The common term is '매점 아줌마' (mae-jeom a-jum-ma) or more politely '매점 아주머니'.

Usually not. It sells pre-packaged items. If they serve cooked food, it's usually just cup noodles where you add hot water yourself.

'매점' is a small canteen. '매장' is a general term for a store, sales floor, or department.

Yes, but they may also use terms like '상점' or '매대' depending on the context.

Because break times are only 10 minutes long, and the lines get very long quickly.

Yes, many school canteens sell basic pens, notebooks, and erasers.

Ponte a prueba 103 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence: 'I go to the canteen.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I bought bread at the canteen.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Where is the canteen?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The canteen is small.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Let's go to the canteen together.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Let's go to the canteen' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I bought milk at the canteen' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to the sound 'mae-jeom' and identify the meaning.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 103 correct

Perfect score!

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