Ordering Food in Korean: Restaurant Phrases and Etiquette

Eating out is one of the great joys of visiting Korea, and a few Korean phrases make the experience smoother and more fun. Staff appreciate any effort, and many restaurants have picture menus or ordering tablets, so you can combine phrases with pointing. Here is a step-by-step guide from walking in to paying.

Arriving

Staff will usually greet you and ask how many people are in your group.

• 어서 오세요.

  [eoseo oseyo]

  Welcome. (what staff say)

• 몇 분이세요?

  [myeot buniseyo]

  How many people?

• 두 명이요.

  [du myeongiyo]

  Two people.

At many casual restaurants, you can sit anywhere. If unsure, ask:

• 여기 앉아도 돼요?

  [yeogi anjado dwaeyo]

  May we sit here?

Calling the server

In many Korean restaurants, staff do not come to your table regularly. Instead, you call them politely, or press a call button if there is one on the table.

• 저기요!

  [jeogiyo]

  Excuse me!

• 사장님, 주문할게요.

  [sajangnim jumunhalkkeyo]

  Excuse me, we'd like to order.

Calling out 저기요 is completely normal and not rude.

Ordering

The simplest pattern is menu item + number + counter + 주세요.

• 김치찌개 하나 주세요.

  [gimchijjigae hana juseyo]

  One kimchi stew, please.

• 비빔밥 두 개 주세요.

  [bibimppap du gae juseyo]

  Two bibimbaps, please.

• 삼겹살 이 인분 주세요.

  [samgyeopsal i inbun juseyo]

  Two servings of pork belly, please.

• 이거 주세요.

  [igeo juseyo]

  This one, please. (while pointing)

For recommendations:

• 뭐가 제일 맛있어요?

  [mwoga jeil masisseoyo]

  What's the best dish here?

• 추천해 주세요.

  [chucheonhae juseyo]

  Please recommend something.

Spice and preferences

Korean food ranges from mild to very spicy. It is fine to ask.

• 이거 매워요?

  [igeo maewoyo]

  Is this spicy?

• 덜 맵게 해 주세요.

  [deol maepge hae juseyo]

  Please make it less spicy.

• 고기 빼 주세요.

  [gogi ppae juseyo]

  Please leave out the meat.

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, it is best to show a written note in Korean as well, since many dishes use broths or sauces with meat or seafood.

During the meal

Side dishes called 반찬 usually come free, and refills are often available. Some restaurants have a self-service area for refills.

• 반찬 좀 더 주세요.

  [banchan jom deo juseyo]

  Could we have more side dishes, please?

• 물 좀 주세요.

  [mul jom juseyo]

  Some water, please.

• 앞접시 주세요.

  [apjeopsi juseyo]

  Could we have small plates, please?

Water is often self-service too, so look for a water dispenser near the counter.

Table manners worth knowing

• Wait for elders to start eating first when dining with Korean elders.
• Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice; it resembles a ritual for the deceased.
• Keep your spoon for rice and soup, and chopsticks for side dishes.
• When someone older pours you a drink, hold your glass with two hands.

Paying

In many restaurants, you pay at the counter near the exit rather than at the table. Tipping is not customary in Korea.

• 계산할게요.

  [gyesanhalkkeyo]

  I'd like to pay.

• 카드 돼요?

  [kadeu dwaeyo]

  Do you take cards?

• 따로 계산해 주세요.

  [ttaro gyesanhae juseyo]

  Separate bills, please.

• 잘 먹었습니다!

  [jal meogeotseumnida]

  Thank you for the meal! (as you leave)

Saying 잘 먹었습니다 while leaving is a warm way to thank the staff.

Food is one of the best ways to connect with Korean culture. With these phrases, you can order with confidence, try new dishes, and enjoy every meal like a local.