The normal flow
- Check that the machine is a customer-facing self-checkout.
- Scan one barcode at a time and watch the item list change.
- Answer whether you need a bag before final payment.
- Compare item count and total, then choose card payment.
- Wait for the completion message and take the receipt if offered.
Terms to recognize
| Korean | Meaning | Where it appears |
|---|---|---|
| 무인계산대 | Unstaffed checkout | A self-service lane |
| 바코드 | Barcode | Place it over the scanner |
| 봉투 | Bag | May add a small charge |
| 카드결제 | Card payment | Check supported card types |
| 영수증 | Receipt | Print, skip, or digital receipt choice |
| 결제완료 | Payment complete | The safe point to finish |
Retail machines vary more than restaurant kiosks. When the screen asks about membership, age verification, tax refund, or a security tag, ask staff instead of choosing the closest-looking option.
Know when self-checkout is actually available
A screen near a counter is not always a self-checkout. Some terminals are for staff or for ordering only. Look for 무인계산대, 셀프계산대, or a clear invitation to scan a product. 사용중 means in use and 사용불가 means unavailable. If the scanner is dark or the lane is physically closed, move to another register.
Before scanning, separate items with obvious age restrictions or security tags. These can require staff confirmation. A machine may also pause for a membership question. 회원 means member and 비회원 means non-member. Choosing non-member should continue the purchase without attempting to create an account.
Scan, count, and handle bags
Hold the printed barcode over the scanner until the item appears on screen. If it beeps twice, check the list before scanning again. 수량 is quantity, 취소 removes a selected line, and 전체취소 cancels the transaction. Weighted produce or items without a standard barcode usually require a separate lookup flow or staff help.
봉투 필요 means a bag is needed; 봉투 필요 없음 means no bag. Stores can charge for disposable bags or offer different bag types. Read the displayed price and quantity. Do not scan a bag from the rack unless the machine instructs you to, because some systems add it through the on-screen choice.
Finish only after confirmation
Review the total and select 카드결제 only if the terminal supports your card. Insert or tap as shown. A request for 비밀번호 can be a card PIN prompt; do not enter unrelated account passwords. If the terminal rejects the card, call staff rather than running the transaction repeatedly.
Wait for 결제완료 or a clear completion screen. 영수증 출력 prints a receipt and 영수증 미출력 skips it. Keep the receipt for a high-value purchase, a tax-refund transaction, or any payment that produced an unusual error. Remove all items only after the machine releases the transaction.
Sources checked
We use official operators and public agencies for details that can change. The practical interpretation is written and reviewed by MeKorean.
- Basic Korean DictionaryNational Institute of Korean Language
- Korea travel informationKorea Tourism Organization