Meaning
Stating the intention to pay with cash.
Cultural Background
The 'Cash Receipt' system is unique. Cashiers will ask if you want one for tax purposes. You enter your phone number on a small keypad. In traditional markets (Sijang), paying in cash can often lead to 'Deom' (extra free items) or a small discount. Tipping is not practiced in Korea. When you pay with cash, you expect the exact change back to the last 10 won. Many small restaurants (Bunsik-jip) prefer cash because card fees are high for small transactions under 10,000 won.
Carry 10,000 won bills
The 10,000 won bill is the most versatile for cash payments. It's enough for most small meals and taxi rides.
Check for 'Card Only'
Many cafes in Seoul are now 'Card Only'. Look for signs that say '현금 없는 매장' (Cashless store).
Meaning
Stating the intention to pay with cash.
Carry 10,000 won bills
The 10,000 won bill is the most versatile for cash payments. It's enough for most small meals and taxi rides.
Check for 'Card Only'
Many cafes in Seoul are now 'Card Only'. Look for signs that say '현금 없는 매장' (Cashless store).
The 'Deom' Strategy
In markets, saying '현금으로 계산할게요' while smiling is the best way to get a little extra 'Deom' (free bonus food).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct particle to indicate 'by means of cash'.
현금____ 계산할게요.
'으로' is the particle used to indicate a method or tool.
Which of the following is the most polite and natural way to tell a cashier you will pay with cash?
Choose the best option:
'~ㄹ게요' is the standard polite ending for expressing intention to a listener in a service context.
Complete the dialogue between a taxi driver and a passenger.
Driver: 만 원입니다. Passenger: ________________.
This is the most natural response to a request for payment in a taxi.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Situation: You are at a traditional market and want to pay for apples.
Traditional markets are the most common places where cash is preferred and announced.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use Cash in Korea
High Cash Usage
- • Traditional Markets
- • Street Food
- • Small Snack Shops
Optional Cash
- • Taxis
- • Convenience Stores
- • Hair Salons
Practice Bank
4 exercises현금____ 계산할게요.
'으로' is the particle used to indicate a method or tool.
Choose the best option:
'~ㄹ게요' is the standard polite ending for expressing intention to a listener in a service context.
Driver: 만 원입니다. Passenger: ________________.
This is the most natural response to a request for payment in a taxi.
Situation: You are at a traditional market and want to pay for apples.
Traditional markets are the most common places where cash is preferred and announced.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot at all! While cards are common, cash is still very much accepted and often preferred by small business owners.
Yes, but for amounts over 50,000 won, people usually use cards or bank transfers for safety and tracking.
That's fine. The cashier will give you change. You don't need to say anything special, just hand over the bill.
They are asking for your phone number to issue a 'Cash Receipt' for tax deductions. If you don't live in Korea, you can say '괜찮아요' (It's okay).
Related Phrases
카드로 계산할게요
contrastI will pay by card.
계좌이체 할게요
similarI will do a bank transfer.
잔돈은 괜찮아요
builds onKeep the change.
현금영수증 해주세요
builds onPlease give me a cash receipt.
