Restaurant culture varies from country to country, and Korea has its own unique characteristics. To make the most of your restaurant experience, read these 5 helpful tips on Korean restaurant culture.
❶ No tipping: Unlike some other countries, tipping is not customary in Korea. When you want to pay, go to the cash register or counter to pay your bill. Simply say, “계산할게요 (Gyesan-halgeyo)”, which means “I will pay” in Korean.
❷ Calling the server: In many Korean restaurants, there is a small bell on the table to call the waiters. The bell is usually placed in a corner or under the table. If you can’t find a bell, you can raise your hand and say “저기요 (Jeogiyo)”, which means “excuse me” in Korean.
❸ Check opening hours: Some restaurants take a break between 2 or 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Be sure to check the restaurant’s opening hours on the Naver map before you go, especially if you plan to eat during these hours.
❹ Unlimited side dishes: One of the advantages of Korean cuisine is the wide variety of free, refillable side dishes served with meals. If you want more side dishes, you can always ask the waiter for more. Many restaurants also have a self-service bar where you can help yourself to the side dishes and refill them without having to call the waiter.
❺ Ask for a phone charger: Most restaurants offer a free cell phone charging station. Even if they don’t offer a dedicated charging service, it’s very common in Korea to ask the restaurant to charge your phone if you need it. Feel free to ask the staff to charge your phone while you enjoy your meal.
Speak Korean: Speak Korean for use in restaurants
-
Sorry: Jeogiyo (저기요)
-
I would like to order: Jumun halgeyo (주문할게요)
-
I would like this: Igeo juseyo (이거 주세요)
-
Please give me more side dish: Banchan deo juseyo (반찬 더 주세요)
-
Can I charge my phone?: Handphone chungjeon hal su isseyo? (핸드폰 충전 할 수 있어요?)
-
I pay: Gyesan-halgeyo (계산할게요)
-
Thank you: Gamsa-hamnida (감사합니다)
