Ordering Food in Korean
Korean cuisine has taken the world by storm, and there is nothing quite like experiencing it in Korea itself. From sizzling BBQ joints to neighborhood kimchi jjigae restaurants, ordering food in Korean transforms a meal into a cultural connection. This guide covers the essential phrases for the full Korean dining experience, from entering to paying.
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Getting Started
Korean restaurant culture is communal and lively. Many restaurants specialize in one type of dish, and side dishes (banchan) come free with every meal. When you enter, staff will call out "Eoseo oseyo!" (Welcome!).
The phrase 저기요 (jeogiyo, literally "over there") is how you call a server in Korea. It is perfectly polite and expected. Many restaurants also have a call button on the table — press it to summon your server.
Ordering Food and Drinks
The magic pattern for ordering is: item + 주세요 (juseyo, please give me). This simple formula works for everything on the menu.
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During and After the Meal
Korean dining etiquette includes ritual phrases before and after eating, plus a distinctive approach to paying the bill. These phrases complete your dining experience.
In Korea, the check is usually paid at the counter near the exit, not at the table. Also, fighting over who pays the bill is a cultural norm — the oldest person or the person who invited usually pays. If someone insists on treating you, accept graciously and offer to pay next time.
Useful Food Vocabulary
Knowing these food categories helps you navigate Korean menus:
- 밥 (bap) — Rice / Meal
- 국 (guk) / 찌개 (jjigae) — Soup / Stew
- 고기 (gogi) — Meat
- 생선 (saengseon) — Fish
- 야채 (yachae) — Vegetables
- 김치 (gimchi) — Kimchi
- 후식 (husik) — Dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
What does jal meokgesseumnida mean?
잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgesseumnida) is said before eating and literally means "I will eat well." It expresses gratitude to the person who prepared or is paying for the meal. After eating, you say 잘 먹었습니다 (jal meogeosseumnida, I ate well). Both are considered essential manners.
Do I need to tip at Korean restaurants?
No. Tipping is not customary in South Korea and can sometimes cause awkwardness. Service is included in the price. The best way to show appreciation is by using the polite phrases in this guide and saying 잘 먹었습니다 as you leave.
What are the side dishes served with Korean meals?
Korean meals come with 반찬 (banchan, side dishes) that are free and refillable. Common banchan include 김치 (kimchi), 나물 (namul, seasoned vegetables), and 까두기 (kkakdugi, cubed radish kimchi). To request more, say 반찬 더 주세요 (banchan deo juseyo).
How do I say I have food allergies in Korean?
Say ...알레르기가 있어요 (...allereugi-ga isseoyo, I have a...allergy). Common allergens: 땅콩 (ttangkong, peanut), 우유 (uyu, milk), 밀 (mil, wheat), 갑각류 (gapgangnyul, shellfish). For serious allergies, showing a written Korean allergy card is very effective.
Is it okay to eat alone at Korean restaurants?
Korea is becoming more solo-diner friendly, but some traditional restaurants serve dishes for a minimum of two people (예 2인분). BBQ restaurants in particular often require two or more diners. Look for restaurants advertising 혼밥 / 혼술 (honbap / honsul, solo dining / solo drinking) if eating alone.