Feeling nervous about ordering food in Korea? You’re not alone! Korean dining culture is exciting but can feel intimidating if you don’t speak the language. The good news? You don’t need to be fluent—you just need the right survival phrases and cultural tips. 🧾
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get seated, read menus, place your order, and pay—all in Korean! Whether you're trying your first bibimbap 🥗 or hunting down the spiciest tteokbokki 🔥 in Seoul, we’ve got you covered from hello to checkout.
🥢 Why Learn Korean Restaurant Phrases?
Ordering food in a Korean restaurant isn't just about getting your meal—it's a full cultural experience! Whether you're in a casual street food tent or a fancy sit-down restaurant, knowing the basics of how to communicate your order can totally change your trip. ✨
While many restaurants in Korea have picture menus and some English translations, the majority still operate primarily in Korean. That means understanding and speaking a few core phrases can help you order more confidently and avoid surprises like unexpected spice levels! 🌶️
Koreans truly appreciate it when foreigners try to speak their language, even if it’s just a simple “주세요” (please give me…). It shows respect, effort, and often leads to better service—or even extra side dishes! 😄
From getting seated to asking for the check, knowing some Korean can help you avoid awkward moments and allow you to focus on enjoying the delicious food. Let’s dive into the must-know phrases next! 🍽️
📌 Benefits of Learning Restaurant Korean
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Avoid Miscommunication | Ensure you get what you actually want to eat |
| Connect with Locals | Effort in Korean = warm response, bonus banchan 😉 |
| Confidence in Any Setting | From street food to high-end restaurants |
Ready to order like a pro? Let’s learn the actual phrases you can start using today!
🗣️ Essential Ordering Phrases
Korean ordering phrases are short, polite, and often follow a predictable pattern. The phrase “주세요” (juseyo) means “please give me” and is the heart of almost every order. Let’s break down the key sentences you’ll use most. 🧾
1. 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) — “Please give me this.”
🧠 Point to the menu and say this. Super useful!
2. 물 좀 주세요 (mul jom juseyo) — “Please give me some water.”
💧 Most places offer free water, just ask!
3. 맵지 않게 해 주세요 (maepji anhge hae juseyo) — “Please make it not spicy.”
🔥 Life-saver if you’re spice-sensitive!
🍜 Quick Ordering Phrases Chart
| English | Korean | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| This, please | 이거 주세요 | When pointing at the menu |
| Can I have water? | 물 좀 주세요 | To ask for water |
| Not spicy, please | 맵지 않게 해 주세요 | If you're spice-sensitive |
Just these three expressions can cover most ordering situations. Bonus tip: If you’re eating alone, say “혼자예요” (honja-yeyo) when you walk in—it means “It’s just me.” Solo diners are totally normal in Korea! 🍽️
📋 Understanding Korean Menus
Korean menus can be overwhelming at first—especially if they’re only in Hangul! But don’t worry, once you learn a few key terms, you’ll be able to recognize your favorite dishes and avoid surprises like octopus stew 🐙 (문어탕) or pig feet 🐖 (족발) when you weren’t expecting them!
Menus often come with images, which helps a lot. Still, it's good to recognize categories like 국 (soups), 찌개 (stews), 구이 (grilled dishes), and 볶음 (stir-fried). Many dishes end in "-밥" (rice) or "-면" (noodles), so spotting these can give you clues. 🍜
Also, watch out for set menus, called "정식" (jeongsik), which usually include multiple small dishes (반찬, banchan) and a main. They’re great value and give you a full Korean meal experience! 🍱
If you're unsure, you can politely ask: “이거 뭐예요?” (igeo mwoyeyo?) which means “What is this?” Point at the menu while asking and the server will usually explain or even show you a picture.
🍲 Common Menu Vocabulary
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 국 | guk | Soup |
| 찌개 | jjigae | Stew |
| 구이 | gui | Grilled |
| 정식 | jeongsik | Set menu |
Menus in Korea can feel like a puzzle at first, but once you learn the basic categories and key ingredients, you'll feel way more confident ordering something new and exciting! 😋
🙇 Restaurant Etiquette in Korea
Dining in Korea comes with its own set of customs. Following these simple rules will help you blend in and avoid awkward situations. 🧑🍳
First, don’t wait for the server to come to you—they might not! In many Korean restaurants, you’re expected to call for service by saying “저기요!” (jeogiyo) politely. It means “Excuse me” and is the standard way to get someone’s attention.
Refills for water and side dishes (반찬, banchan) are often free. If you want more, just ask: “반찬 더 주세요” (banchan deo juseyo). Most places won’t charge unless it’s a special side.
Lastly, never stick chopsticks upright into rice—it resembles a funeral ritual. Instead, lay them across your bowl or on the table rest provided. 🍚
🥢 Etiquette Do’s & Don’ts
| Action | Do / Don’t | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Calling server: “저기요” | ✅ Do | Expected and polite |
| Sticking chopsticks into rice | ❌ Don’t | Seen as disrespectful |
| Sharing food | ✅ Do | Korean meals are communal |
I’ve found that locals are always pleasantly surprised when foreigners know these small etiquette tips. It shows you care—and that makes a great impression! 😄
🥬 How to Order Vegetarian or Special Diet Meals
Korea is famous for its BBQ and seafood, but vegetarians and people with dietary restrictions can still eat well with a bit of language prep. Many Korean dishes are veggie-friendly by default, like 비빔밥 (bibimbap) or 김치전 (kimchi pancake)—if you know how to order them right. 🥦
One of the most important phrases you’ll need is: “고기 빼 주세요” (gogi bbae juseyo) — “Please remove the meat.” You can use this with any dish where meat is included by default.
If you’re vegan or have allergies, say: “저는 _____ 못 먹어요” (jeoneun _____ mot meogeoyo) — “I can’t eat _____.” For example, "계란 못 먹어요" = I can't eat eggs. Koreans are generally understanding when you explain clearly.
Some Buddhist restaurants (사찰음식) offer 100% vegetarian meals with no garlic, onions, or animal products. You can look for signs like “채식 가능” (vegetarian available) or ask directly: “채식 있어요?”
🥗 Special Diet Phrases Table
| English | Korean | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| I’m vegetarian | 저는 채식주의자예요 | Mention before ordering |
| No meat, please | 고기 빼 주세요 | Politely remove meat |
| I can’t eat seafood | 해산물 못 먹어요 | For allergies or preference |
Many traditional dishes are adaptable, so don’t hesitate to ask politely. Even if you don’t get a perfect dish, locals will try their best to accommodate you. 🌱
💳 How to Pay and Leave
You’re full and happy—now it’s time to pay. But wait! In Korea, you usually don’t pay at the table. Instead, head up to the cashier (usually near the entrance) and pay there. Don’t wait for the bill—it won’t come to you. 😄
Just say: “계산이요” (gyesan-iyo) — “Check, please.” Or even just hold your wallet and make eye contact while saying it with a smile. Easy!
Most restaurants accept both card and cash, and tipping is not expected in Korea. In fact, leaving a tip might confuse or embarrass the staff. 👍
When leaving, a friendly “감사합니다” (thank you) or “잘 먹었습니다” (jal meogeotseumnida – I ate well) goes a long way. It’s a polite way to close your meal and show appreciation.
💸 Useful Payment Phrases
| English | Korean | When to Say It |
|---|---|---|
| Check, please | 계산이요 | When you walk to the counter |
| I ate well (thank you) | 잘 먹었습니다 | When leaving |
| Card, please | 카드요 | If you're using a credit/debit card |
No tips, fast checkout, and big smiles—that’s the Korean way. 😎
❓ FAQ
Q1. Do Korean restaurants have English menus?
A1. Some do, especially in tourist areas. But smaller local spots usually don’t—so learning a few phrases helps!
Q2. Can I point at the menu and order?
A2. Absolutely! Point and say “이거 주세요” (igeo juseyo) — it works like magic!
Q3. Is it rude to call out to the waiter?
A3. Not at all! Saying “저기요!” is the normal way to get service in Korea.
Q4. Are free refills common?
A4. Yes—for water and side dishes. Just ask politely and you’ll usually get more.
Q5. What if I have a food allergy?
A5. Say “저는 _____ 못 먹어요.” Learn the word for your allergy (e.g. "땅콩" for peanuts).
Q6. How do I ask for no spice?
A6. Say “맵지 않게 해 주세요” (please make it not spicy).
Q7. Can I pay with card?
A7. Yes—most places in Korea accept credit and debit cards, even small shops.
Q8. Do I need to tip?
A8. Nope! Tipping is not part of Korean culture. Prices already include service.
⚠️ This article is intended for general cultural and educational purposes. Individual experiences may vary based on region, restaurant style, and personal preferences. Always be respectful and adapt as needed!
