Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The first is that bargaining is a far more common tactic than it is in the West
and indeed some other parts of Asia. This applies particularly to markets and smaller
shops, but it certainly isn't unheard of at larger retailers, particularly if a substantial
purchase is made. Rather than negotiating for direct cash discounts (which is some-
times seen as a bit coarse), a bargainer will often seek a few extras—a tie or a couple
of belts if buying a suit, for example, or a carrying case or other accessories if pur-
chasing a digital camera. Many vendors will provide little “bonuses” without any
prompting at all, but if they don't, it can be worth asking, essentially, “Is this the best
you can do?” The most commonly used Korean phrase for these types of situations
is probably:
“jom kkakajusaeyo,”
or “Please give me a deal/discount.” Whatever
you're asking for, keep it good-natured with a smile firmly on your face; heated ar-
guments are rarely effective and demean both buyer and seller.
If you're a regular patron of any particular retailers or shops, it's also worth asking
if they have some kind of discount or member program—these are very common in
South Korea and often have more generous reward schemes than the North Americ-
an or British variety, with almost any trip to the shop likely to result in some sort of
sizable discount or giveaway. While there are few real barriers to non-Koreans sign-
ing up for these programs, unfortunately few local retailers provide information on
them in English, so you'll probably have to enlist the help of a local friend to sign up
if there is a language barrier.
Finally, all residents of South Korea should register for the National Tax Service
(NTS)'s cash receipt (
hyeongum yeongsujung
) system. This basically entitles con-
sumers to annual income tax deductions for every cash purchase they make, provided
they request the retailer issue a form of cash receipt that can be tracked by the gov-
ernment; it is a method to reduce tax evasion. After signing up for the system via the
NTS website (so far the application form is available in the Korean language only),
you'll be able to request cash receipts from any retailer by simply providing your
mobile phone number or the cash receipt card issued to you by the NTS. A year's
worth of small purchases can add up to some significant tax savings.
South Korea uses 220 volt wiring and usually two-pronged round plugs. Transformers
and converters are easy to find, so it's generally not a problem to bring appliances with dif-
ferent voltages or plug types.
