If you've ever stood in front of a self-service kiosk in Korea, frozen by the sea of Korean buttons, you're not alone. From cafés and fast food chains to transportation and banking, self-service machines are everywhere. But without knowing the right words or layout, even buying a coffee can feel like solving a puzzle.
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This guide is your shortcut to confidence. You’ll learn how to read essential terms on kiosks, buy subway tickets, withdraw money from ATMs, and grab a drink from a vending machine — all using simple Korean phrases with English pronunciation (romanization).
Let’s break the barrier between you and self-service success in Korea. With a few key words and cultural insights, you’ll be navigating machines like a local — no translation app needed.
Understanding Self-Service in Korea
South Korea is one of the world’s most tech-savvy countries, and that means self-service is everywhere. Whether you're at a fast-food restaurant, train station, bank, or even a convenience store, you’ll likely interact with a machine rather than a person. Many of these machines only operate in Korean, making basic language understanding crucial.
The term for “self-service” in Korean is 셀프서비스 (sel-peu seo-bi-seu). You’ll often see signs that say 무인 (mu-in) which literally means “no staff.” These are common in places like 무인 카페 (unmanned cafés), 무인 편의점 (unmanned convenience stores), and 무인주차장 (unmanned parking lots).
For foreigners, the hardest part isn’t just the language — it’s the unfamiliar flow. Korean kiosks typically require payment first, then order confirmation. In ATMs, button labels might not match the English versions you're used to. Understanding this flow will prevent frustration and missteps.
Self-service is often preferred in Korea for its speed and efficiency. Many locals expect customers to use these machines without assistance. That’s why learning a few Korean words — or even just recognizing them — can greatly reduce anxiety during daily interactions.
Here are a few words you’ll commonly encounter on these machines: 결제 (gyeol-je) = Payment, 선택 (seon-taek) = Select, 시작 (si-jak) = Start, and 완료 (wan-ryo) = Complete. Just recognizing these will get you through most menus.
Some kiosks have an English button labeled “ENGLISH,” but these translations are often partial. That’s why many seasoned expats prefer using Korean menus — even with limited vocabulary. It's faster and often more accurate.
As you explore this guide, remember: you don’t need to be fluent. Just knowing a few key terms and buttons will boost your independence and confidence in Korea’s modern tech landscape.
💬 Common Terms on Self-Service Machines
| English | Korean | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | 결제 | gyeol-je |
| Select | 선택 | seon-taek |
| Start | 시작 | si-jak |
| Complete / Finish | 완료 | wan-ryo |
Using a Kiosk at Restaurants and Cafes
In many fast food chains and coffee shops across Korea, you'll find a kiosk near the entrance where customers place their orders. Staff will usually not take your order at the counter unless absolutely necessary. Learning to use these kiosks can save you time and reduce stress — especially during busy hours.
When you approach a kiosk, look for the language selection button. Some devices will show 언어 선택 (eon-eo seon-taek) = Language Selection at the top corner. Tap 영어 (yeong-eo) = English if available. But many local shops may not offer English menus, especially smaller cafés or franchise-free restaurants.
Menus usually follow a simple structure: food category first (like burgers or coffee), then item selection, followed by size, quantity, and add-ons. Words like 선택 (seon-taek) = Select, 확인 (hwak-in) = Confirm, and 결제 (gyeol-je) = Payment will appear often.
Let’s say you’re at a Korean coffee chain and want to order an iced Americano. You’d tap “커피 (keo-pi)”, then “아이스 아메리카노 (a-i-seu a-me-ri-ka-no)”, then select size: 레귤러 (re-gyul-leo) = Regular or 라지 (ra-ji) = Large. Lastly, hit 결제 to proceed to payment.
Many kiosks accept card and NFC payments like Samsung Pay. You’ll see buttons like 신용카드 (sin-yong ka-deu) = Credit Card and 간편결제 (gan-pyeon gyeol-je) = Simple Payment. Place your card or phone on the reader when prompted.
When the payment is successful, you’ll get a receipt with your order number. Watch the display screen or listen for your number being called. Example: 번호 27번, 나왔습니다! (beon-ho i-sip chil beon, na-wass-seum-ni-da!) = Number 27, ready!
Using kiosks might feel mechanical at first, but most locals use them daily. If you take your time and know a few key terms, you'll blend right in — and maybe even impress the person behind you in line!
📋 Essential Kiosk Terms in Cafés
| English | Korean | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| Order | 주문 | ju-mun |
| Pay | 결제 | gyeol-je |
| Cancel | 취소 | chwi-so |
| Confirm | 확인 | hwak-in |
Buying Tickets at Subway & Train Machines
If you're visiting Korea, using public transportation will be part of your daily life. The subway is fast, clean, and efficient — and nearly every station has a self-service machine for buying single-use tickets or topping up a transportation card. These machines can seem confusing at first, but with a few key words and simple steps, you’ll breeze right through.
Most machines have an English option. Look for the 언어 선택 (eon-eo seon-taek) = Language Selection button in the top-right corner. Tap 영어 (yeong-eo) = English to start. If the machine doesn’t respond or is only in Korean, don't worry — the steps are still intuitive.
To buy a subway ticket, select your destination by tapping the station name or searching by line number. You’ll often see 목적지 선택 (mok-jeok-ji seon-taek) = Select Destination. Then, choose the number of passengers (인원 수: in-won su), and insert your fare.
Some machines will issue a physical paper ticket and a reusable card that requires a small deposit. You can return this card later for a refund at the refund slot labeled 보증금 환급구 (bo-jeung-geum hwan-geup-gu) = Deposit Refund Slot.
For intercity trains like KTX or ITX, use a separate ticket machine near the entrance. You’ll need to choose your route, time, and seat type. Common buttons include 일반실 (il-ban-sil) = Standard Seat and 특실 (teuk-sil) = First Class. Make sure your name matches your ID if you're using a reserved ticket.
Payment options usually include 신용카드 (sin-yong ka-deu) = Credit Card, 현금 (hyeon-geum) = Cash, and sometimes 간편결제 (gan-pyeon gyeol-je) = Simple Payment like T-money or KakaoPay.
After payment, your ticket will print from the lower slot, often labeled 승차권 출력구 (seung-cha-gwon chul-ryeok-gu) = Ticket Output Slot. If you’re confused, station attendants are usually nearby and happy to help, even with limited English.
Once you’ve done it once or twice, you’ll find that buying subway and train tickets becomes second nature — and a big confidence boost for your Korean travel skills!
🚆 Key Phrases for Subway & Train Ticket Machines
| English | Korean | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| Select Destination | 목적지 선택 | mok-jeok-ji seon-taek |
| Refund Slot | 보증금 환급구 | bo-jeung-geum hwan-geup-gu |
| Ticket Output | 승차권 출력구 | seung-cha-gwon chul-ryeok-gu |
| Cash | 현금 | hyeon-geum |
Withdrawing Money from Korean ATMs
ATMs in Korea are widely available — from convenience stores to subway stations. They're essential for withdrawing cash, transferring money, checking balances, or even paying bills. While many ATMs support English, not all do, and some require Korean-only interaction. Understanding the basic layout and vocabulary will help you avoid costly mistakes.
First, insert your bank card. If the machine supports foreign cards, it will detect it automatically. Look for the button that says 외국인 카드 (oe-guk-in ka-deu) = Foreign Card or 영어 (yeong-eo) = English. Tap that to proceed in English — if the option is available.
Next, you’ll be prompted to enter your PIN. Then comes the transaction type. Here are common options: 출금 (chul-geum) = Withdrawal, 입금 (ip-geum) = Deposit, 송금 (song-geum) = Transfer, and 잔액조회 (jan-aek jo-hoe) = Balance Inquiry.
When withdrawing money, you'll be asked to choose the amount. Common increments like ₩10,000 / ₩50,000 / ₩100,000 appear on the screen. After selecting the amount, confirm with 확인 (hwak-in) = Confirm.
Some ATMs in Korea do not dispense ₩1,000 notes or coins. Be aware that you'll usually receive cash in ₩10,000 or ₩50,000 bills. The cash comes out from the cash slot labeled 현금 출금구 (hyeon-geum chul-geum-gu).
If you’re using a Korean bank card, you can also use mobile banking or QR codes, but for travelers, sticking to card-based transactions is simplest. After finishing, tap 종료 (jong-ryo) = Finish or 카드 반환 (ka-deu ban-hwan) = Return Card to complete.
Some bank ATMs charge a small fee for foreign cards, especially during night hours. If you see 수수료 부과됩니다 (su-su-ryo bu-gwa-doem-ni-da) = A fee will be charged, know that you may be paying extra for off-hours service.
Whether you need cash for a street market or simply want to check your balance, a little Korean can go a long way at the ATM. Don’t hesitate to ask a staff member nearby if you're unsure — many bank lobbies have attendants ready to assist.
🏧 Key Korean ATM Terms
| English | Korean | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal | 출금 | chul-geum |
| Deposit | 입금 | ip-geum |
| Transfer | 송금 | song-geum |
| Balance Inquiry | 잔액조회 | jan-aek jo-hoe |
Using Vending Machines for Snacks & Drinks
Vending machines are everywhere in Korea — subway stations, universities, parks, and even some apartment lobbies. They offer everything from bottled water and coffee to ramen, snacks, and even face masks. Unlike in many Western countries, Korean vending machines often have touchscreen interfaces and can accept both cash and card payments.
Most vending machines in Korea operate in Korean only, with limited or no English support. That’s why learning the key terms and the usual process helps a lot. The word for vending machine is 자판기 (ja-pan-gi). You may also see labels like 음료 (eum-ryo) = Beverage or 스낵 (seu-naek) = Snack.
To begin, tap the product or press the number below the item you want. Some machines have a touchscreen where you scroll through categories. Once you've selected the item, the screen will display 결제 (gyeol-je) = Payment. If using cash, insert bills or coins into the slots labeled 지폐 투입구 (ji-pye tu-ip-gu) and 동전 투입구 (dong-jeon tu-ip-gu).
For card payments, tap your card on the reader or insert it. A message like 결제 중입니다 (gyeol-je jung-im-ni-da) = Processing Payment will appear. Once the payment is approved, the item will drop into the slot labeled 상품 배출구 (sang-pum bae-chul-gu).
Some high-tech vending machines offer digital receipts or QR codes to track purchases. You might also see seasonal items or limited-edition snacks advertised with banners like 한정 상품 (han-jeong sang-pum) = Limited Product.
If you make a wrong selection or change your mind, you can usually press 취소 (chwi-so) = Cancel. Some machines will allow refunds only if payment has not been completed.
And here’s a tip: many vending machines in Korea have hot and cold drink options. You’ll see the words 냉 (naeng) = Cold and 온 (on) = Hot next to the drink icon. Don’t be surprised if you get a warm can of coffee in winter!
Once you try vending machines a few times, they become a fun and convenient way to get quick refreshments — and they’re a great way to practice reading basic Korean words in real life!
🥫 Key Terms on Vending Machines in Korea
| English | Korean | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| Vending Machine | 자판기 | ja-pan-gi |
| Insert Bill | 지폐 투입구 | ji-pye tu-ip-gu |
| Insert Coin | 동전 투입구 | dong-jeon tu-ip-gu |
| Product Slot | 상품 배출구 | sang-pum bae-chul-gu |
Tips for Troubleshooting & Asking for Help
Even with the best preparation, self-service machines in Korea can sometimes be confusing or malfunction. Maybe the screen freezes, the machine doesn't take your card, or you’re just unsure what to press. In these situations, knowing how to handle small issues — or how to politely ask for help — can save time and reduce stress.
First, look for service bells or intercom buttons near the kiosk or ATM. These are usually labeled 직원 호출 (jik-won ho-chul) = Call Staff or 도움 요청 (do-um yo-cheong) = Request Help. Pressing the button alerts nearby staff, often found in smaller shops, cafes, and train stations.
If no staff responds, you can say aloud: 죄송하지만, 도와주실 수 있나요? (joe-song-ha-ji-man, do-wa-ju-sil su it-na-yo?) = Excuse me, can you help me? This is a polite and clear way to ask for assistance. Most Koreans will appreciate the effort and respond kindly.
When pointing to the problem, you might use words like 에러 (e-reo) = Error, 화면 멈췄어요 (hwa-myeon meom-chweoss-eo-yo) = The screen froze, or 결제가 안 돼요 (gyeol-je-ga an dwae-yo) = Payment isn't working. These simple sentences can get your point across quickly.
If you need to explain what happened, phrases like 잘못 눌렀어요 (jal-mot nul-leoss-eo-yo) = I pressed the wrong button or 취소하고 싶어요 (chwi-so-ha-go si-peo-yo) = I want to cancel can be very helpful in communicating with staff or nearby Koreans.
For emergency exits or machine resets, you might see labels such as 비상 버튼 (bi-sang beo-teun) = Emergency Button or 재시작 (jae-si-jak) = Restart. Only press these if instructed by staff or if the machine gives on-screen guidance.
And here's a real-world tip: many large transport stations like Seoul Station or major banks have multilingual kiosks and even foreigner help desks. Don't hesitate to approach them — they’re set up to make your journey easier!
Lastly, even if the machine itself doesn't cooperate, maintaining a smile and using simple Korean phrases will usually get the help you need. Most locals admire foreigners who try to speak Korean, no matter how basic — and they’ll often go the extra mile to assist you.
🆘 Common Help Phrases for Self-Service Situations
| English | Korean | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| Can you help me? | 도와주실 수 있나요? | do-wa-ju-sil su it-na-yo |
| The machine froze | 화면 멈췄어요 | hwa-myeon meom-chweoss-eo-yo |
| I want to cancel | 취소하고 싶어요 | chwi-so-ha-go si-peo-yo |
| Error | 에러 | e-reo |
FAQ
Q1. Are Korean kiosks available in English?
Some are, especially in franchise chains, but many smaller restaurants only provide Korean. Look for the 언어 선택 (Language Selection) button.
Q2. What if I press the wrong button on a kiosk?
You can usually hit 취소 (Cancel) to go back. If not, ask staff using: 도와주세요 (Please help me).
Q3. Can I use a foreign credit card at ATMs in Korea?
Yes, most bank ATMs accept major cards like Visa and MasterCard. Convenience store ATMs often support foreign cards too.
Q4. Do vending machines in Korea give change?
Yes, if paying with cash. The change is dispensed automatically into the coin slot labeled 거스름돈.
Q5. What if the kiosk doesn’t accept my payment?
Try another card or select a different method. Some machines only accept domestic cards. Ask staff if needed.
Q6. How do I buy a subway ticket without Korean?
Use machines with an English interface. Look for the 영어 (English) button at the top. If not, seek help at the counter.
Q7. Are ATMs available 24/7?
Yes, many are. However, service fees may apply after hours, especially when using foreign cards.
Q8. Can I cancel a purchase on a vending machine?
Some machines allow cancellations before payment is processed. After payment, refunds are not always possible.
Q9. What does “결제 오류” mean on a screen?
It means Payment Error. Try again or use a different card. Ask for help if it keeps happening.
Q10. Can I use mobile payments like Apple Pay or KakaoPay?
KakaoPay and Samsung Pay are common. Apple Pay works on some machines, but not all support foreign wallets yet.
Q11. Are all self-service machines touch screens?
Most kiosks and ticket machines are touch-based. Some older ATMs still use physical buttons, especially in rural areas.
Q12. What should I do if the machine eats my money?
Take a photo of the screen and machine, and report it to staff. They may contact the machine operator for you.
Q13. What’s the refund policy for train tickets bought at machines?
Refunds are possible but often limited by time. Use the app or ticket office for assistance with cancellations.
Q14. Are kiosk prices the same as ordering at the counter?
Yes, prices are the same. In fact, some places offer discounts for kiosk orders to reduce staff workload.
Q15. Can I top up my T-money card at a machine?
Yes, at subway stations. Look for machines labeled 충전 (Top-up). Insert the card and select the amount.
Q16. What’s the best time to use ATMs in Korea?
During business hours to avoid additional fees. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded.
Q17. Is it safe to use vending machines in public places?
Yes, very safe. Korea has low crime rates and machines are monitored regularly.
Q18. Can I get a receipt from a vending machine?
Some modern machines offer digital receipts or on-screen confirmations. Others may not print receipts.
Q19. Are there English-speaking staff near machines?
Not always, but in major areas like airports and stations, yes. In small shops, it’s less common.
Q20. Can I use coins to buy things from vending machines?
Yes, 100 and 500 KRW coins are accepted. Some machines may reject smaller denominations.
Q21. What do I do if the kiosk screen doesn’t respond?
Wait a few seconds and try tapping gently again. If the screen is frozen, alert staff using 화면이 멈췄어요 (The screen froze).
Q22. Can I order special customizations at a cafe kiosk?
Yes! Look for options like 샷 추가 (Add espresso shot) or 시럽 빼기 (No syrup) before checkout.
Q23. What if I can't read any Korean on the screen?
Use your phone’s translation app (camera mode), or press 도와주세요 (Please help me) to ask someone nearby.
Q24. Are receipts printed automatically at kiosks?
Sometimes. You may be asked: 영수증 필요하신가요? (Do you need a receipt?). Press 예 / 아니오.
Q25. What’s a “무인 키오스크 (mu-in kiosk)”?
It means an unmanned kiosk. There are no staff; you place and pay for your order completely on the machine.
Q26. Can I use my foreign debit card on Korean kiosks?
It depends on the machine. Some support Visa/MasterCard debit, but others may reject non-Korean cards.
Q27. How do I choose between hot and cold drinks?
Look for labels like 냉 (Cold) and 온 (Hot) on the vending screen or product label.
Q28. Can I use self-checkout machines in supermarkets?
Yes, most large stores have them. Scan your items, choose payment, and follow the on-screen steps.
Q29. Do ticket machines accept international phone numbers?
Not always. Some require Korean numbers. Try using a local SIM or ask staff for manual assistance.
Q30. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed?
Take a deep breath, look for help buttons, or ask someone nearby. Most Koreans are friendly and willing to assist!
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