Hot pot and dishes on a table in Euljiro-dong, Seoul

Photo: Bundo Kim · Unsplash License (Unsplash)

KVIBE IDOLS › Food guides › Food guides by topic › How to order at a Korean restaurant

🍜 KVIBE Eats · Korea food guide

How to order at a Korean restaurant

Korean restaurants are fast and casual. You call staff when you are ready, pour your own water, and pay at the counter on the way out.

저기요!Jeogiyo!Excuse me! — to call staff (or press the table bell).
여기 메뉴판 주세요.Yeogi menyupan juseyo.A menu, please. Many places use a table tablet or entrance kiosk instead.
물은 셀프예요?Mureun selpeu-yeyo?Is water self-serve? (It usually is — look for the water dispenser.)
반찬 더 주세요.Banchan deo juseyo.More side dishes, please — refills are normally free.
2인분 주세요.I-inbun juseyo.Two servings, please — BBQ and stews are ordered per person, often minimum two.
계산할게요.Gyesan-halgeyo.I'd like to pay. Take the bill to the counter; no tipping.
따로 계산해도 돼요?Ttaro gyesan-haedo dwaeyo?Can we pay separately?
잘 먹었습니다!Jal meogeotseumnida!Thank you for the meal! — said when leaving.

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FAQ

Should I tip in Korea?

No. Prices include service and tipping is not expected.

How do I call the waiter?

Press the bell on the table if there is one, or say "jeogiyo" (저기요) clearly.

Can I pay by foreign credit card?

Most restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard; small market stalls may be cash only.

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Places are long-running, well-known institutions checked against public listings (Michelin Guide, Wikipedia, tourism sites) in October 2026. No paid placements. Hours and prices change, so check the map app before you go.

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