Korean Cafe Ordering: 8 Phrases You Actually Need

I go to cafes almost every day. It’s basically a Korean lifestyle at this point. And every time I see a tourist struggling to order, I want to help. So here’s everything you need to know.

Why Korean Cafes Are Different

Korean cafe culture is HUGE. We don’t just grab coffee and leave - we stay for hours. Cafes are our living rooms, our offices, our study spots.

What you need to know:

• Most cafes have for here and to go options
• You usually order at the counter and wait for your number
• Customization is totally normal (extra shot, less ice, etc.)

1. 주세요 (Juseyo) - Please Give Me

주세요 (juseyo) = Please give me / I’d like

This is your magic word. Just add it after whatever you want.

Pro tip: Koreans shorten 아이스 아메리카노 to 아아 (aa) and 뜨거운 아메리카노 to 뜨아 (ttua). You’ll sound very local if you use these.

2. 여기서 먹을게요 / 포장이요 (For Here / To Go)

After you order, they’ll ask where you’re having it:

• 여기서 먹을게요 (yeogiseo meogeulgeyo) = I’ll have it here
• 포장이요 (pojangiyo) = To go (takeout)

Some cafes just ask:

“드시고 가세요?” (deuisigo gaseyo?) = Having it here?

Just answer:

• 네 (ne) = Yes (for here)
• 아니요, 포장이요 (aniyo, pojangiyo) = No, to go

3. 하나요 / 두 개요 (One / Two)

• 하나요 (hanayo) = One
• 두 개요 (du gaeyo) = Two
• 세 개요 (se gaeyo) = Three

Example:

아메리카노 두 개 주세요 (amerikano du gae juseyo) = Two Americanos please

4. 아이스 / 핫 (Ice / Hot)

• 아이스 (aiseu) = Iced
• 핫 (hat) or 뜨거운 거 (tteugeoun geo) = Hot

They might ask:

“아이스요, 핫이요?” (aiseuyo, hasiyo?) = Ice or hot?

(아아 = iced americano, 뜨아 = hot americano)

5. 샷 추가해주세요 (Add an Extra Shot)

샷 추가해주세요 (syat chugahaejuseyo) = Please add an extra shot

Other customizations:

6. 사이즈 (Size)

Most Korean cafes use English size names, but pronunciation is different:

Some cafes use:

• 톨 (tol) = Tall
• 그란데 (geurande) = Grande
• 벤티 (benti) = Venti

They might ask:

“사이즈 어떤 걸로 하시겠어요?” (saijeu eotteon geollo hasigesseoyo?) = What size would you like?

7. 결제는 카드로요 (I’ll Pay by Card)

• 결제는 카드로요 (gyeoljaeneun kadeuroyo) = I’ll pay by card
• 현금이요 (hyeongeumiyo) = Cash

Korea is basically cashless now. Card is always fine.

They might ask:

“포인트 적립하시겠어요?” (pointeu jeokripasigesseoyo?) = Do you want to collect points?

If you don’t have a Korean phone number, just say:

아니요, 괜찮아요 (aniyo, gwaenchanayo) = No, it’s okay

8. 영수증 필요없어요 (I Don’t Need a Receipt)

영수증 필요없어요 (yeongsujeung piryoeopseoyo) = I don’t need a receipt

Or if you want one: 영수증 주세요 (yeongsujeung juseyo) = Receipt please

Complete Ordering Script

Here’s a typical cafe interaction:

Pronunciation guide:

My Experience

I probably say “아아 주세요” five times a week. It’s muscle memory at this point.

The funniest thing is watching my husband order. He’s Korean but somehow always overcomplicates it - “저기요, 아이스 아메리카노 한 잔 주시고요, 샷은 추가 안 해도 되고요…” Just say 아아 주세요. That’s it.

When tourists try to order in Korean, cafe staff genuinely appreciate it. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, the effort matters. I’ve seen baristas smile and slow down their Korean to help.

One time a tourist said “아메리카노… 음… 하나?” with the cutest uncertain tone. The barista just smiled and gave a thumbs up. You’ll be fine.

Quick Reference Card

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This post was inspired by questions from r/koreatravel - tourists asking what Korean phrases to learn before visiting Korea.