How to Order Food at a Korean Restaurant

Ordering in Korea is easy once you know the small rituals. Here's how a typical meal works.

Seating and water

At most casual places you seat yourself. Water, cups, and cutlery are often self-service at a station near the counter or in a drawer at your table.

Kiosks and call buttons

Two things surprise visitors:

• Kiosks: many places, especially fast-casual, use a touchscreen kiosk. Some have an English button; many don't.
• Call buttons: at sit-down restaurants, press the little button on the table to call staff. It is normal and expected — no need to wave.

Banchan (side dishes)

Small side dishes arrive free with most meals. They are usually refillable at no charge — ask staff or, at some places, help yourself from a station.

Sharing and paying

• Many dishes are meant to be shared in the middle of the table.
• You usually pay at the counter on the way out, not at the table.
• Tipping is not customary — the price you see is what you pay.

A few phrases

• "여기요" (yeo-gi-yo) — "Excuse me / over here" to get attention.
• "이거 주세요" (i-geo ju-se-yo) — "This one, please" (while pointing).
• "계산이요" (gye-san-i-yo) — "Check, please."

New to solo dining? Some restaurants expect groups, but plenty welcome a table for one — look for counter seating and single-portion dishes.