여행 식사 꿀팁

Dining in Korea 101

The unwritten rules, what surprises foreigners, and phrases that'll get you fed.

🥢

Table etiquette

  • • No tipping — it's not expected anywhere.
  • • Banchan (side dishes) are free and refillable.
  • • Use two hands when pouring drinks for elders.
  • • Don't lift rice/soup bowls — eat with a spoon.
💳

Paying & tipping

  • • Most places take cards, even small ones.
  • • Foreign cards usually work; carry some cash for markets.
  • • No tipping. The price you see is the price you pay.
  • • T-money card works at convenience stores too.
🌱

Dietary needs

  • • Halal: look for the ☪️ tag — Itaewon has the most options.
  • • Vegetarian/Vegan is growing; temple cuisine is fully veg.
  • • Many soups use anchovy/beef stock — ask if strict veg.
  • • Say 돼지고기 빼주세요 (no pork) for pork-free.
💬

Phrases that work

  • 여기요!
    Yeo-gi-yo!Excuse me! (to call staff)
  • 이거 주세요
    I-geo ju-se-yoThis one, please
  • 맵지 않게 해주세요
    Maep-ji an-ke hae-ju-se-yoPlease make it not spicy
  • 계산해 주세요
    Gye-san-hae ju-se-yoCheck, please
  • 맛있어요!
    Ma-shi-sseo-yo!It's delicious!
  • 카드 되나요?
    Ka-deu doe-na-yo?Do you take card?
GOOGLE ADSENSE · ad slot · responsive
Dining in Korea 101 — Etiquette, Payment & Phrases for Travelers | MASIDA