How to Make Restaurant Reservations in Korea

Most casual meals in Korea need no booking at all — you just walk in. But for popular, fine-dining, or view restaurants, a reservation saves you a long wait or a wasted trip.

When you actually need one

• Popular / trending spots, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Fine dining and tasting-menu restaurants.
• View restaurants (rooftops, riverside) at sunset.
• Large groups almost anywhere.

For everyday noodle shops, cafes, and casual BBQ, walk-ins are the norm.

Apps locals use

• Catch Table — the most popular restaurant reservation app, with some English support.
• Naver — many restaurants take bookings directly through their Naver place page ("예약" / reserve button).

Some places only take phone reservations. If that's a barrier, ask your hotel's front desk to call for you — this is a common and accepted request.

Deposits and no-shows

Deposits are more common at popular or higher-end places. Casual restaurants rarely ask for one.

Useful phrases

• "예약하고 싶어요" (ye-yak-hago sip-eo-yo) — "I'd like to make a reservation."
• "두 명이요" (du myeong-i-yo) — "Two people."
• "몇 시에 되나요?" (myeot si-e doena-yo?) — "What time is available?"