Korean clothing uses a numeric scale (44, 55, 66, 77, 88 for women and 90, 95, 100, 105 for men), and Korean shoes are sold in millimetres. Foreign visitors typically run one Western size larger here. Quick reference below, full converters one tap away.
Most-needed sizes only. Full tables (XS to XXL, bottoms, dresses, kids) on the converter page.
| Korean | JP | US | UK | EU | Bust cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 (S) | 7 | 2-4 | 6-8 | 34-36 | 84-87 |
| 66 (M) | 9 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 36-38 | 88-91 |
| 77 (L) | 11 | 6-8 | 10-12 | 38-40 | 92-95 |
| 88 (XL) | 13 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 40-42 | 96-99 |
| Korean | US | EU | UK | Chest cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 (S) | 34-36 | 44-46 | 34-36 | 88-92 |
| 95 (M) | 36-38 | 46-48 | 36-38 | 92-96 |
| 100 (L) | 38-40 | 48-50 | 38-40 | 96-100 |
| 105 (XL) | 40-42 | 50-52 | 40-42 | 100-104 |
Korea labels shoes by mm. Find your size below and remember the number. Every Korean store uses it.
| EU | US | UK | KR (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 4 | 2 | 225 mm |
| 36 | 5 | 3 | 230 mm |
| 37 | 6 | 4 | 235 mm |
| 38 | 7 | 5 | 245 mm |
| 39 | 8 | 6 | 250 mm |
| 40 | 9 | 7 | 255 mm |
| EU | US | UK | KR (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 7 | 6.5 | 255 mm |
| 41 | 8 | 7.5 | 260 mm |
| 42 | 8.5 | 8 | 265 mm |
| 43 | 9.5 | 9 | 275 mm |
| 44 | 10 | 9.5 | 280 mm |
| 45 | 11 | 10.5 | 290 mm |
Half of Korean online and Instagram brands sell "Free Size" only. That means one cut, no XS/S/M/L choice. It typically fits between KR 44 and 55 (Western XS to S, bust up to about 88 cm). Above a Western M, free-size pieces usually will not fit. Almost always marked final sale, so try in-store when you can or skip if you size above Western M.
Every conversion table assumes you know these. Soft tape, no shoes, light clothing.
Korean women's clothing uses a numeric scale where 44 = XS, 55 = S, 66 = M, 77 = L, 88 = XL. The numbers loosely combine height + bust measurement. 55 fits a Western US 2-4 / UK 6-8 / EU 34-36 with about 84-87 cm bust.
Free Size is one universal cut, common on Korean online brands like Instagram and Musinsa. It typically fits between KR 44 and 55 (Western XS to S, bust up to about 88 cm). Above a Western M, free-size pieces usually will not fit. Almost always final sale.
Korea uses millimetres (mm) for shoe sizes. EU 38 women = 245 mm. US men 8 = 260 mm. UK 6 women = 235 mm. Stores label everything in mm with the international size as a footnote, so foreigners should know their mm value before shopping.
Yes, Korean ready-to-wear runs roughly one Western size smaller on tops and dresses, and tighter through the shoulder and hip. Buy one size up from your usual Western or Japanese size if in doubt. Tax-refund-eligible department stores (Lotte, Shinsegae, Hyundai) carry full international ranges.
Department stores accept returns within 7 days with the tag attached. Independent boutiques and Instagram brands often mark items final sale, with no return or exchange. Always try things on in-store, especially anything labelled Free Size.