Market shopping in Korea feels awkward because traditional markets and big marts follow completely different rules. Markets run on people and bargaining, marts on price tags and systems.
Market vs mart
- Traditional market: some stalls have no price tags, and bulk buys invite bargaining or a freebie (deom)
- Big mart: no bargaining; price tags, 1+1 deals, and membership are key
- Sampling: usually fine, but take a small bite once and thank them
- Bags: vary by store, so one eco-bag handles most of it
Payment
Cards are convenient, but markets and flea markets sometimes work better with cash, so carry some small bills.
Market-shopping survival guide: bargaining, sampling, bagging, paying