Korean Restaurant Etiquette Guide: What Every Foreigner Should Know Before Dining Out

Why Korean Restaurant Culture Feels So Different

Walking into your first Korean restaurant can be thrilling and confusing at the same time. You might smell sizzling meat, hear bells ringing from other tables, and see menus you can’t fully read. Then, someone hands you a laminated sheet with a bunch of circles and squiggles—and no prices in sight. If you’ve felt that moment of panic, you’re not alone.

Korean restaurant culture runs on a different logic. It’s not worse or better—just unfamiliar. This guide breaks down those “invisible rules” so you don’t feel lost. We’ll talk about things like why some menus don’t show prices, what the side dish culture is about, why you can’t order for one person sometimes, and even where the spoons are hiding.

Where Are the Prices? And Why You May Need Two People to Order

One of the most confusing parts of eating in Korea as a foreigner is the lack of visible pricing. Many Korean BBQ or hotpot restaurants, especially outside tourist zones, don’t list prices on the wall or even on the menu. Why? Because pricing is often assumed knowledge—or the menu is designed for locals who already understand the value.

Also, many dishes come in set sizes meant for two or more people. It’s not uncommon to see a note like “2인 이상 주문 가능” (minimum two portions required). This is especially true for dishes like samgyeopsal, jeongol, or budae-jjigae.

Pro tip: If you want to eat alone, ask “혼자 먹을 수 있어요?” (Can I eat this alone?) or head to places labeled “혼밥 환영” (Solo diners welcome).

All About Banchan: The Never-Ending Side Dish Mystery

Banchan, or Korean side dishes, are what make Korean meals feel endlessly abundant. From kimchi to stir-fried anchovies, you’re likely to get at least 3–6 small dishes with any entrée. And here’s the best part: they’re free and refillable.

Yes, you read that right. You don’t pay for banchan, and you can ask for seconds. Just say “반찬 더 주세요” or make eye contact and lift your empty dish slightly. Some restaurants even let you refill at a self-service corner.

• Kimchi – Spicy fermented cabbage
• Namul – Seasoned spinach or sprouts
• Gamja-jorim – Braised potatoes in soy sauce

Where’s the Server? Table Bells, Water Stations, and Self-Service

In many Western restaurants, servers constantly check on you. In Korea, things work differently. You might not see a server for 20 minutes unless you signal for them—and that’s where the famous table bell comes in.

Most Korean restaurants have a button at the edge of the table. Press it once. It’s not rude—it’s expected. If there’s no bell, say “저기요!” clearly, and someone will come.

Also, water, spoons, chopsticks, and sometimes napkins are self-service. Look under the table drawer or at the communal corner. Locals don’t wait—they grab what they need. You can, too.

Useful Korean Phrases for Ordering Like a Local

Don’t worry—you don’t need to be fluent. A few Korean phrases go a long way. Most restaurant staff will appreciate your effort.

English	Korean
Can I see the menu?	메뉴판 주세요
I’d like to order this	이거 주세요
Water, please	물 주세요
More side dishes, please	반찬 더 주세요
Check, please	계산이요

Takeout, Delivery, and the “포장” System

Korean restaurants have a highly developed takeout culture. Want to take leftovers? Say “포장해주세요.” They’ll pack it up. But soups may not be allowed unless you bring your own container.

For delivery, apps like Baemin or Yogiyo work best but require Korean-language addresses. If unsure, ask for help at your hotel or hostel.

For food delivery in Korea, popular apps like Baemin and Yogiyo are essential. You can learn more about how Baemin works here.

포장 = Takeout / 배달 = Delivery

Cafés Are Not Restaurants: Know the Key Differences

At first glance, Korean cafés might look just like restaurants. But culturally, they serve a different purpose. While most Korean restaurants are fast-paced and optimized for quick eating, cafés are relaxed social spaces where people stay for hours with a single drink.

Don’t try to have a full meal in a café unless it specifically offers it. Bringing outside food is usually not allowed. Also, many cafés use counter service: order and pay first, then wait for your drink using a buzzer system.

• 📍 Tip: Try themed cafés — they’re everywhere!
• ☕ One drink = one seat. No shared drinks in busy times.

Korean Table Manners: Turnover Speed and Shared Dishes

In Korean restaurants, you might feel like the staff is eager for you to leave as soon as you finish your last bite. That’s not bad service—it’s table turnover culture. Especially during busy hours, restaurants aim to serve as many people as possible. Once your meal is done, they often start clearing plates, even before you stand up. It’s not considered rude—it’s just efficient. If you’d like to linger, a polite “조금만 더 있을게요” (I’ll stay a little longer) is enough. But if your group plans to talk, it’s best to move to a café—restaurants are for eating, cafés are for chatting.

Dining with others in Korea also comes with its own etiquette, especially when it comes to sharing banchan (side dishes). While they’re placed in the middle of the table, it’s good manners to use your own chopsticks—unless the restaurant provides communal tongs or spoons. Reaching across the table is acceptable, but do so briefly and respectfully. Drinking culture also has rules: pour for elders with two hands, receive with both hands, and never refill your own glass first. These customs may seem small, but following them shows respect and earns appreciation from locals.

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Making mistakes is part of the learning process, but here are some easy ones to avoid:

Mistake	Do This Instead
Waiting for staff to check on you	Press the table bell or say “저기요”
Expecting to tip	Don’t tip. It’s included in pricing.
Trying to split the bill	One person usually pays. Settle later.

Q&A: What You Really Wanted to Ask

Q: Can I take food home?
A: Yes. Say “포장해주세요” and staff will help.

Q: Do I need to tip?
A: No. Service charge is built-in. Tipping is rare.

Q: Is eating alone okay?
A: Yes, but go to solo-friendly places like kimbap or stew shops.

Q: Can I sit wherever I want?
A: Usually yes, unless “자리 안내” (please wait to be seated) is posted.

Q: What if I drop utensils?
A: Say “죄송합니다” and ask for new ones. Totally normal!

Q: Are English menus available?
A: In tourist areas, yes. Elsewhere, use Papago or point.

Final Thoughts: Enjoying the Experience, Not Just the Food

Korean restaurant culture isn’t about rules—it’s about rhythm. Once you pick up on patterns, everything makes sense. Don’t worry about being perfect. A smile and effort go a long way.

You’ll get used to the bell, the self-service, and the group etiquette. And when you do, eating in Korea becomes second nature—and far more enjoyable.

You may fumble your first time, forget to ring the bell, or get flustered by shared dishes. That’s okay. Locals rarely expect foreigners to get it all right from the start. What they notice more is whether you’re open, curious, and respectful.

Over time, you’ll begin to notice the flow—when to call for service, when to offer a refill, and when to quietly grab your own spoon from the drawer. That’s the moment Korean dining becomes not just a meal, but an experience you’re part of.

So don’t just eat. Observe. Engage. Adapt. And enjoy the culture one bite at a time.

📚 You Might Also Like:

• 🧍‍♂️ Eating Alone in Korean Markets – Find the best 혼밥 spots across Korea’s traditional markets.
• 🗣️ English-Friendly Places in Seoul – Navigate Seoul with ease in restaurants, shops, and services.
• 👓 Buying Glasses in Korea – Foreign-friendly tips on affordable and fast eyewear shopping.

📚 You Might Also Like (External Resources)

• 🍱 How Baemin Works – Learn how Korea’s most popular delivery app helps you get meals fast, even without speaking Korean.
• 🏛️ Visit Korea – Official Site – Discover tourist-friendly restaurant tips, etiquette guides, and cultural insights in multiple languages.
• 🖥️ Korean Government Portal (gov.kr) – Access public services like address registration or COVID-related digital certificates as a foreigner.