Most Korean cafe orders follow one pattern: drink name, temperature, size, then “here” or “to go.” Say “ice americano, one, to go” as “aiseu amerikano han jan, gajigo galge-yo.” Korea has a strong iced-coffee habit, so “ice” is often the default word to learn first. Check current menus in each cafe’s app.
Last checked: 2026-11-12
- Why “ice” comes first
- Temperature and size words
- Here or takeout
- Sample price ranges
- Kiosks and apps
- FAQ
- Sources
Why “ice” comes first
Iced coffee is a huge part of Korean cafe life. Many people drink it even in winter. You may hear the joke “ahh” for iced Americano, spelled “A-A” and short for “ice americano.”
Korean data on this habit comes from national statistics. Statistics Korea (KOSTAT) and the Korea Customs Service publish coffee import and consumption figures. Industry groups and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs also release food-service data. I cannot confirm exact current numbers here. Please check those sites for the latest figures.
The takeaway for you is simple. Staff expect to be asked about temperature. If you say nothing, they may ask “hot or iced?” So learn these words first.
Temperature and size words
Korean cafes use short, clear words. Many are borrowed from English, so they are easy to remember.
- Hot: “ddeugeoun” (뜨거운), often shortened to “hat” (핫).
- Iced: “ahyi-seu” (아이스), said as “aiseu.”
- Small: “seumol” (스몰) or “reguleo” (레귤러) for regular.
- Medium: “mideum” (미디엄).
- Large: “laji” (라지) or “keu” (큰) for big.
Size names vary by chain. Many cafes use Tall, Grande and Venti or Regular and Large. Some independent cafes offer only one size. Always check the menu board or app first.
A simple sentence works well. Say “aiseu amerikano han jan juseyo.” This means “one iced Americano, please.” The word “juseyo” (주세요) is the polite “please give me.” It works almost everywhere.
Here or takeout
Staff often ask “meogo gasyeoyo, gajigo gasyeoyo?” This means “eating here or taking it with you?” You can answer with one short phrase.
- For here: “meogo gal-ge-yo” (먹고 갈게요) or “mae-jang” (매장).
- Takeout: “gajigo gal-ge-yo” (가지고 갈게요) or “po-jang” (포장).
Many Korean cafes use reusable cups for in-store drinks. Rules on disposable cups have changed in recent years. Policies differ by city and by shop. Check the Ministry of Environment website or the cafe’s own notice for current rules.
Sample price ranges
Prices differ by chain, city and neighborhood. The table below shows common ranges only. These are estimates, not official prices. Always check the menu or the chain’s app for today’s price.
| Drink | Approx. USD | Approx. KRW | Korean phrase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Americano | $2.50-$4 | 3,500-5,500 KRW | ddeugeoun amerikano |
| Iced Americano | $2.50-$4 | 3,500-5,500 KRW | aiseu amerikano |
| Cafe latte | $3.50-$5.50 | 4,500-7,500 KRW | kape latte |
| Specialty drink | $5-$7 | 7,000-9,500 KRW | siguneocheo |
USD figures use a rough rate of about 1,350 KRW per dollar. Exchange rates move, so check a current converter. Independent specialty cafes often cost more than big chains.
Kiosks and apps
Many cafes now use a touchscreen kiosk or a mobile app. You pick the drink, choose “ice” or “hot,” and pay. Most kiosks have an English mode. Look for a language button, often in a top corner.
Some cafes also use table QR codes. You order on your phone and wait for a buzzer or a call. A staff member may say your name or order number. Listen for “jumun-han bun” (주문하신 분), which means “the person who ordered.”
If the kiosk has no English, point to the picture. Staff are usually happy to help. A smile and a slow “juseyo” go a long way.
FAQ
What does “aa” mean at a Korean cafe?
It is slang for “ice americano,” from the letters A and A. You may see it written as “아아.” Staff will understand it, but the full phrase is safer.
How do I ask for less ice?
Say “eoreum jogeum-man juseyo” (얼음 조금만 주세요). This means “a little ice, please.” Some cafes may not adjust ice, so check first.
Is tipping expected in Korean cafes?
No. Tipping is not customary in Korean cafes. The price shown is usually the price you pay. Check the receipt if you are unsure.
Can I use English to order?
Often yes, especially in Seoul and tourist areas. Staff may know basic English drink names. Korean phrases are still helpful and polite.
Sources
- Statistics Korea (KOSTAT): https://kostat.go.kr
- Korea Customs Service: https://www.customs.go.kr
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs: https://www.mafra.go.kr
- Ministry of Environment: https://me.go.kr
- National Institute of Korean Language: https://www.korean.go.kr
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