An international student was shopping for napa cabbage at the market when her eyes went wide. The price hadn't changed, but the woman at the stall had tossed a handful of green onions on top. "How much is this?" When she asked, the woman reportedly said, "Just take it." This is what we call 'deom.' ## Deom Isn't a Discount A bonus is something extra given on top of what you bought. It's different from giving a discount. The shop owner keeps the price and just adds a little more heart. That way, there's less chance of any bad feelings between them. ## Why give a bonus? A market is a place where the same people come and go for a long time. A regular who will come back tomorrow is worth more than a sale made today. So instead of haggling over the price, we leave some warmth behind with a little extra. During kimchi-making season, people buy a lot of napa cabbage and radish, so a handful of green onions, mustard greens, or garlic goes along with them easily. These are things that go into kimchi seasoning anyway, so they're useful to the person who receives them too. ## Try This at the Market Just don't ask for the extra first. A bonus item isn't a right, it's a gift. When you get one, smile and say "thank you." If you go back to the same shop, they'll be even happier to see you. At the market, it's not just goods that are bought and sold; hearts go back and forth too.