How can I explain trouser alterations at a clothing repair shop in Korea?
I am settling into Suwon and would like to have a pair of trousers shortened without changing the fit at the waist. My Korean is still limited, so I am unsure how to explain the length I want. Should I bring shoes and ask to try the trousers on when showing the tailor where the hem should sit?
1 Answer
Yes, bringing the shoes you expect to wear with the trousers can help you show the length you want. Ask whether you can try the trousers on at the shop before the tailor marks the hem; do not assume there is a fitting area. Stand naturally in those shoes and have the proposed length pinned or marked so you can check it before any fabric is cut.
You can say: 허리와 통은 그대로 두고, 바지 길이만 줄이고 싶어요. This means: I would like to shorten only the trouser length and leave the waist and leg width unchanged. To show the hem position, say: 이 신발을 신었을 때 밑단이 여기까지 오면 좋겠어요. This means: I would like the hem to reach here when I wear these shoes. Point to the exact position or bring a photo as a reference, then check the actual pinned length rather than relying only on the photo.
Before agreeing, confirm that only the length will be altered, whether the existing hem style can be kept, the total price and the collection date. You can ask: 밑단 모양은 그대로 유지할 수 있나요? 수선비와 찾는 날짜를 알려 주세요. For jeans or trousers with a distinctive hem, ask the tailor what finish is possible before cutting. Prices, fitting facilities and turnaround times vary by shop, so those details need to be confirmed with the particular Suwon shop.