How to order food in Korea is one of the biggest questions many first-time visitors have.
You’ve probably ordered food hundreds of times in your own country.
So, can you order food in Korea the same way?
Not always.
In one restaurant, a staff member will come to your table and take your order. In another, you’ll order from a tablet built into the table. Some restaurants ask you to scan a QR code with your phone, while others have a small call bell that lets you request service whenever you’re ready.
There isn’t just one way to order food in Korea—and that’s exactly what surprises many first-time visitors.
As Koreans, these different systems feel completely natural because we’ve grown up with them. We instinctively know when to wait for a staff member, when to press the call bell, and when to order from a screen without anyone explaining the process.
Then there are the little cultural details that most travel guides never mention.
Why do Korean customers sometimes call a restaurant staff member “imo (이모),” which literally means “aunt,” even though they’re not related? Why do some restaurants expect everyone at the table to order the same menu? And why do you usually pay at the cashier instead of asking for the bill at your table?
These aren’t hidden travel secrets. They’re simply part of everyday life in Korea.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to order food in Korea like a local, understand Korean restaurant etiquette, and avoid common mistakes during your first meal.
Table of Contents
Understanding Korean Restaurant Culture
Before we get started, there’s one Korean word worth learning: sikdang (식당).
A sikdang isn’t a fine-dining restaurant or a place you visit only on special occasions. It’s the kind of local restaurant where Koreans have breakfast, lunch, or dinner almost every day. Some are family-run, some specialize in just one dish, and others have served the same neighborhood for decades.
Throughout this guide, when I say “local restaurant,” I’m usually referring to this type of Korean sikdang.
1. There Isn’t Just One Way to Order
Unlike many countries, Korean local restaurants don’t all use the same ordering system.
In one sikdang, a staff member may come to your table. In another, you’ll order from a tablet or scan a QR code. Some still use a call bell, while others ask customers to order at the counter.
There isn’t one “correct” way—each local restaurant chooses the system that works best for them.
2. Take a Quick Look Around First
One habit every Korean has is looking around the table before opening the menu.
Do you see a tablet? A QR code? Or maybe a small call bell?
These small details tell you exactly how you’re expected to order. Spending just a few seconds checking your surroundings can save you a lot of confusion.
3. The Call Bell Is Part of Korean Dining Culture
If your table has a call bell, don’t be afraid to use it.
Press it once when you’re ready to order or need assistance. That’s exactly why it’s there.
If there isn’t a bell, simply say “Jeogiyo (저기요),” a polite expression Koreans use to get a staff member’s attention.
4. How to Order Food in Korea Without Speaking Korean
Digital ordering has made it much easier to order food in Korea, especially for international visitors who don’t speak Korean. Many newer local restaurants now use tablets or QR codes instead of traditional table service.
This is especially common in Korean BBQ restaurants, cafés, and large franchise chains. Many digital menus also offer English, Chinese, or Japanese.
If no one comes to your table, don’t panic. The ordering screen in front of you may already be waiting.
Ordering Food Like a Local
How to Order Food in Korea Like a Local
Now let’s look at how to order food in Korea step by step, just like locals do every day.
5. Why Koreans Sometimes Say “Imo”
One word that surprises many visitors is “imo (이모),” which literally means “aunt.”
In older, family-run local restaurants, Korean customers sometimes call a female staff member “imo.” They aren’t actually related. It’s simply a warm and friendly way of addressing an older woman who works there.
As a visitor, you don’t need to use the word “imo.” Simply saying “Jeogiyo (저기요),” the Korean equivalent of “Excuse me,” is always polite and appropriate.
Using “imo” isn’t about family—it’s about friendliness. That’s one of the small cultural details that makes dining in Korea feel warm and welcoming.
6. Why Some Korean Dishes Have a Two-Serving Minimum
If you’re traveling alone, don’t be surprised if you can’t order certain dishes by yourself.
Many traditional Korean dishes, such as Korean BBQ, budae jjigae, and dakgalbi, are meant to be shared. They’re often cooked and served in one large pot or on one grill, making them difficult to prepare for just one person. That’s why some local restaurants require a minimum order of two servings.
If you’re dining solo, look for restaurants that welcome solo diners or choose individual dishes like bibimbap, kimchi jjigae, or seolleongtang.
Don’t worry—Korea has plenty of delicious meals designed for one person, so you’ll never run out of great options.
7. Don’t Be Surprised by the Free Side Dishes
Before your main dish arrives, you’ll usually be served several small side dishes called banchan (반찬).
You didn’t order them—and you don’t have to pay for them. They’re included with your meal at no extra cost.
At many local restaurants, you can even ask for free refills if you finish them. Just remember that free refills are meant to be enjoyed, not wasted. Taking only what you can eat is considered good table manners in Korea.
8. Sharing Is Part of the Meal
Sharing food is a big part of Korean dining culture.
Many Korean dishes are meant to be enjoyed together, so it’s common for the main dish to be placed in the center of the table for everyone to share. Because everyone usually starts eating at the same time, meals feel more like a shared experience than an individual one.
That’s why some local restaurants, especially Korean BBQ restaurants and places that specialize in stews, require everyone at the table to order the same main dish or a minimum of two servings. This isn’t a strict rule everywhere—it simply depends on the type of food being served.
If you’re dining with Korean friends, don’t be surprised if they encourage you to share everything on the table. In Korea, sharing a meal isn’t just about the food—it’s about spending time together. The more you join in, the more you’ll experience Korean dining the way locals do
Pay Like a Local
By now, you’ve probably enjoyed your meal like a local. Before you leave, though, there are still a few small differences that often surprise first-time visitors.
Knowing how to pay—and what to expect before you leave—will help you avoid some of the most common mistakes tourists make.
9. Don’t Wait for the Bill
In many countries, it’s normal to ask for the bill at your table. In Korea, things often work a little differently.
At many local restaurants, you simply take your receipt or table number to the cashier near the entrance and pay there. If you’re not sure what to do, just look around. Watching what the locals do is often the quickest way to figure it out.
10. No Tip? That’s Completely Normal
One of the easiest things to remember about dining in Korea is that you don’t need to leave a tip.
Good service is already included in the price of your meal, so there’s no expectation to tip the staff. In fact, leaving extra money may confuse them, as they might think you’ve accidentally left your change behind.
11. Good Manners Go a Long Way
You don’t need to know every Korean dining custom to make a good impression. A little courtesy goes a long way.
If the restaurant has a self-service station, return your tray when you’re finished. Enjoy free side dish refills, but only take what you can eat to avoid food waste. And if you’re dining in a small local restaurant, keeping your voice at a reasonable volume is always appreciated.
Most importantly, don’t worry about getting everything perfect. Koreans understand that visitors are still learning, and they’ll appreciate any effort you make to respect the local dining culture.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to order food in Korea may feel a little unfamiliar at first, and that’s completely normal. But there’s no need to worry about making mistakes. Most Koreans appreciate visitors who are genuinely trying to understand and respect the local culture.
Once you understand how local restaurants work, you’ll realize there’s nothing complicated about Korean dining. Most customs are simply designed to make meals faster, more convenient, and more enjoyable for everyone.
So don’t stress about getting everything perfect. Watch what the locals do, follow along, and enjoy the experience.
Before long, you’ll find yourself ordering, eating, and paying just like everyone else around you.
Now you know how to order food in Korea with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I order food in Korea if I don’t speak Korean?
Yes. Many local restaurants offer English menus, self-ordering tablets, or QR code menus. If you need assistance, simply say “Jeogiyo (저기요)” to politely get a staff member’s attention. Even if you don’t speak Korean, ordering food in Korea is usually easier than many first-time visitors expect.
Is it rude to press the call bell?
No. If there’s a call bell on your table, you’re expected to use it when you’re ready to order or need assistance. Press it once, then wait for a staff member to come over.
What if I don’t speak Korean?
No problem. Many local restaurants offer English menus, tablets, or QR code ordering. You can also say “Jeogiyo (저기요)” to politely get a staff member’s attention.
Do I need to leave a tip in Korea?
No. Tipping isn’t part of Korean dining culture, so you can simply pay the bill and leave.
Can I get free refills on side dishes?
Usually, yes. Most local restaurants offer free banchan (반찬) refills—just take only what you can finish.
Related Guides
Want to feel more confident when eating out in Korea?
These guides will help you understand local habits before and after you order.
Travel Like a Local in Korea: 25 Essential Korean Habits
Before you order food, it helps to understand the everyday habits Koreans use in public places, restaurants, and cafés.
→ Read the local habits guide
13 Things That Surprise Tourists at Korean BBQ Restaurants
Korean BBQ has its own rhythm, from table grills and side dishes to ssam, raw garlic, and the final fried rice.
→ Read the Korean BBQ guide
For official information about Korean food and travel, you can also visit the Korea Tourism Organization website.
→ Visit the official Korean food guide