Korean has two number systems. That surprises most learners. You use one set of numbers for some things and a completely different set for others. Once you know which is which, it's not complicated but you do need to know both.
Here's the simple version.
The Two Systems When to Use Each
Sino-Korean numbers (from Chinese) are for prices, phone numbers, dates, addresses, and minutes. Native Korean numbers are for counting objects, people, hours, and age. When in doubt prices are always Sino-Korean.
Sino-Korean Numbers For Prices and Dates
These come from Chinese and are the ones you'll use most often as a traveler. Prices, phone numbers, floor numbers, and dates all use these.
| Number | Korean | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 영 / 공 | Yeong / Gong |
| 1 | 일 | Il |
| 2 | 이 | I |
| 3 | 삼 | Sam |
| 4 | 사 | Sa |
| 5 | 오 | O |
| 6 | 육 | Yuk |
| 7 | 칠 | Chil |
| 8 | 팔 | Pal |
| 9 | 구 | Gu |
| 10 | 십 | Sip |
| 100 | 백 | Baek |
| 1,000 | 천 | Cheon |
| 10,000 | 만 | Man |
Native Korean Numbers For Counting Things
Use these when counting objects, people, animals, and for telling the hour. They only go up to 99 after that you switch to Sino-Korean.
| Number | Korean | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 하나 | Hana |
| 2 | 둘 | Dul |
| 3 | 셋 | Set |
| 4 | 넷 | Net |
| 5 | 다섯 | Daseot |
| 6 | 여섯 | Yeoseot |
| 7 | 일곱 | Ilgop |
| 8 | 여덟 | Yeodeol |
| 9 | 아홉 | Ahop |
| 10 | 열 | Yeol |
| 20 | 스물 | Seumul |
| 30 | 서른 | Seoreun |
| 100 | → use Sino | Baek |
Practical Examples
Prices: 오천 원 (Ocheon won) = 5,000 won. Always Sino-Korean.
Ordering: 하나 주세요 (Hana juseyo) = One please. Native Korean.
Time: 세 시 (Se si) = 3 o'clock. Native Korean for hours, Sino-Korean for minutes.
Age: 스물다섯 살 (Seumul daseot sal) = 25 years old. Native Korean.
Practice phrases with native audio
Get the free Korean shopping kit includes prices, quantities, and how to ask for discounts.
Get the free shopping kit →The One Thing to Remember
If you only learn one system, learn Sino-Korean first. Prices, dates, and phone numbers are what you'll use most as a traveler. You can always point for quantities.
But 하나 주세요 (one please) is worth knowing. It's the first thing you'll say at a street food stall.