How to order food in Korean restaurants phrases guide 2026

Walking into a bustling restaurant in Seoul can be an sensory overload of sizzling sounds, savory aromas, and rapid-fire Korean chatter. For many international travelers, the anxiety of the language barrier often leads to "menu pointing" or sticking to tourist traps. However, the true flavor of Korea lies in the local establishments where English menus might be scarce.

Related reading: Finding halal food in Seoul top restaurants and supermarkets.

For more details, check out our guide on Halal Korean Food Guide Best Muslim Friendly Restaurants.

Related reading: Andong Jjimdak best restaurants in the hometown guide.

You might also enjoy our article about Best food apps for English speakers TableCheck vs CatchTable.

In 2026, the dining landscape in Korea has evolved, blending traditional hospitality with high-tech ordering systems. Whether you are navigating a tabletop tablet in Gangnam or shouting for a refill in a retro BBQ joint in Euljiro, knowing the right phrases and etiquette is the key to unlocking an authentic culinary journey. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the essential vocabulary, cultural insights, and technical know-how to order like a local.

Getting a Table: The First Interaction

The moment you step through the door, the interaction begins. Unlike Western dining where you might wait to be seated by a host, many casual Korean spots operate on a "seat yourself" basis, while popular trendy spots utilize digital waiting systems.

Handling the Wait List

In 2026, the days of writing your name on a paper list are fading. Popular restaurants, especially in areas like Seongsu-dong or Hannam-dong, use tablet queuing systems (often "CatchTable" or "TableLing").

If there is no machine, you will be greeted by staff. The first question is always about the size of your party.

Key Phrase: "Myeot bun iseyo?" (How many people are there?)

Your Answer:

• One person: "Han-myeong-iyo" (Just me / One person)
• Two people: "Du-myeong-iyo"
• Three people: "Se-myeong-iyo"
• Four people: "Ne-myeong-iyo"

If numbers escape you, holding up fingers is universally understood and perfectly polite.

Deciphering the Menu and Ordering

Once seated, the clock starts ticking. In fast-paced Korean culture ("Ppalli-Ppalli" culture), servers expect you to order relatively quickly. The average time from seating to ordering in a lunch spot is typically under 5 minutes.

Calling the Server

This is the biggest culture shock for Westerners. In Korea, you do not wait for the server to make eye contact. You must actively summon them.

1. Look for the Bell: Check the table (often on the utensil drawer or napkin holder) for a call button. Press it once. A "Ding-Dong" sound will ring, and the table number will appear on a screen in the kitchen.
2. The Vocal Method: If there is no bell, raise your hand and confidently say:
   • Phrase: "Jeogiyo!" (Excuse me / Over here!)
   • Alternative (Friendly): "Sajangnim!" (Boss/Owner - used regardless of their actual rank).

Essential Ordering Phrases

When the server arrives, use the "Point and Speak" method for maximum accuracy.

• "Please give me this."
  • Phrase: "Igeo juseyo."
• "Please give me one serving of this."
  • Phrase: "Igeo il-inbun juseyo."
• "Please give me two servings of samgyeopsal."
  • Phrase: "Samgyeopsal i-inbun juseyo."

The Digital Shift: Kiosks and Tablets

As of 2026, approximately 65% of restaurants in Seoul's tourist districts utilize table-side tablets (T-Oder) or entrance kiosks.

Dietary Restrictions and Special Requests

Korea is a food paradise, but it can be challenging for those with dietary restrictions. While veganism is growing (with over 150 dedicated vegan restaurants in Seoul as of 2026), traditional broths often contain fish sauce or meat stock.

Common Modification Phrases

• "I am vegetarian."
  • Phrase: "Jeo chaesik-juuija yeyo."
• "Please remove the meat."
  • Phrase: "Gogi-neun ppae juseyo."
• "Is this spicy?"
  • Phrase: "Igeo maewoyo?"
• "Please make it less spicy."
  • Phrase: "Deol mapge haejuseyo." (Crucial for dishes like Jjigae or Tteokbokki).
• "I have a peanut allergy."
  • Phrase: "Ttang-kong allergy isseoyo."

The Side Dish (Banchan) Culture

One of the most delightful aspects of Korean dining is Banchan—the small side dishes that accompany your meal. These are almost always free and refillable.

Getting Refills

You do not pay for more kimchi. You just ask.

• "Please give me more of this." (While pointing at the empty dish)
  • Phrase: "Igeo deo juseyo."
  • Polite version: "Igeo ribil jom haejuseyo." (Please refill this).

Drinking Culture: Ordering Alcohol

Ordering alcohol (Sul) is integral to the Korean dining experience, particularly at BBQ or fried chicken restaurants. The legal drinking age is 19 (international age), meaning those born in 2007 or earlier are legal in 2026.

The Essentials

• Soju: The national spirit.
  • Phrase: "Soju han-byeong juseyo" (Please give me one bottle of Soju).
• Beer: usually generic lagers like Cass or Terra.
  • Phrase: "Maekju han-byeong juseyo" (Please give me one bottle of beer).
• Water: It is almost always free.
  • Phrase: "Mul jom juseyo." (Note: In 80% of places, water is self-service from a purifier near the kitchen).

Paying the Bill

The meal is finished. Do you ask for the check at the table? In 95% of cases, no.

The Payment Flow

1. Locate the Bill: It is usually a small clipboard on your table or stuck to the exhaust pipe (at BBQ places). Sometimes, there is no physical bill; the cashier just asks your table number.
2. Go to the Counter: Take the bill to the exit/register.
3. Payment Method:
   • Phrase: "Gyesan haejuseyo." (Please calculate the bill / I would like to pay).
   • Card: "Card-eyo." (It's a card).
   • Cash: "Hyeon-geum-iyo." (It's cash).

Restaurant Recommendation: Putting it into Practice

To practice your new skills, visiting a classic Korean BBQ spot is the best initiation. Here is a typical profile of what to expect in a mid-range Seoul establishment in 2026.

Advanced Tips for the Savvy Traveler

The "Service" Culture

If a server brings you a dumpling, a drink, or steamed eggs that you didn't order, and says "Service" (pronounced Seo-bi-su), it means it is on the house. This is common if you order a lot of alcohol or expensive meat cuts.

• Response: "Gamsahamnida!" (Thank you).

Solo Dining (Honbap)

Ordering food alone was once taboo, but in 2026, Honbap (eating alone) is normalized.

• Tip: Look for restaurants with bar seating or kiosks.
• Warning: Some traditional BBQ or Stew places still require a minimum order of 2 servings, even for one person. You can still eat there if you are willing to pay for two portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

By mastering these phrases and understanding the flow of service, you transform from a confused tourist into a confident diner. Korea's culinary scene is fast, efficient, and incredibly rewarding. So go ahead, press that button, and shout "Sajangnim!" with confidence.