Korea Restaurant Guide 2026: What Tourists Should Know Before Eating Out
Eating at local restaurants is one of the best parts of traveling in Korea, but the dining system may feel a little different if it is your first visit.
From ordering and paying to side dishes, water, call buttons, and self-service areas, here are the practical things tourists should know before eating out in Korea.
1. You Usually Do Not Need to Tip
Tipping is generally not expected at restaurants in Korea.
You normally pay the listed price without adding a separate tip.
Some hotels or high-end businesses may have their own service policies, but at ordinary Korean restaurants, you do not need to calculate a tip after your meal.
2. Side Dishes Are Often Included
Many Korean restaurants serve small side dishes called banchan with the main meal.
Common examples include:
- Kimchi
- Pickled vegetables
- Seasoned vegetables
- Small salads
- Other simple side dishes
At many restaurants, you can ask for more side dishes without an additional charge.
However, the system varies by restaurant.
Some restaurants provide refills at the table, while others have a self-service side dish bar.
3. Water May Be Self-Service
Do not be surprised if nobody immediately brings water to your table.
Many restaurants have a self-service area where customers can get:
- Water
- Cups
- Extra side dishes
- Napkins
- Utensils
Look around the restaurant before calling a server.
If you see a sign saying “셀프” (self-service), you may need to get these items yourself.
4. Check Under or Beside the Table for Utensils
In many Korean restaurants, spoons and chopsticks are stored in a drawer attached to the table.
Napkins may also be inside or underneath the table.
If you do not see utensils on top of the table, check the side of the table before asking the staff.
5. Use the Call Button
Many Korean restaurants have a call button on the table.
You can press it when you need:
- A server
- Extra food
- More drinks
- Help with your order
- The bill or another request
The sound can sometimes be surprisingly loud, but using the button is completely normal.
6. Some Restaurants Use Kiosks or Tablets
Self-ordering systems are increasingly common in Korea.
Depending on the restaurant, you may order using:
- A touchscreen kiosk near the entrance
- A tablet at your table
- A QR code
- A traditional printed menu
English may be available on some machines, especially in tourist areas, but not always.
A translation app can be useful if the menu is only in Korean.
7. You May Pay Before or After Eating
Payment systems vary.
Some restaurants ask you to:
- Order and pay first at a kiosk
- Pay at the counter before eating
- Eat first and pay at the counter when leaving
Do not assume the server will always bring the bill to your table.
At many Korean restaurants, customers simply walk to the cashier when they are finished.
8. Credit Cards Are Widely Accepted
Most restaurants in Korea accept credit or debit cards.
International cards often work, especially in cities and tourist areas.
However, it is still useful to carry a small amount of Korean won for smaller restaurants, traditional markets, or unexpected payment issues.
9. Some Meals Have a Minimum Order
Certain Korean dishes are designed for two or more people.
This is especially common with:
- Korean barbecue
- Hot pot
- Large stews
- Shared dishes
- Some set menus
A menu may show a minimum order such as “2 servings.”
Solo travelers should check before ordering, although many restaurants now offer individual meals.
10. Korean Barbecue Restaurants
At Korean barbecue restaurants, meat is often cooked directly at your table.
Depending on the restaurant:
- Staff may cook the meat for you
- You may cook it yourself
- Side dishes may be refilled at a self-service bar
- Scissors and tongs may be provided
If you are unsure what to do, watch the staff or simply ask for help.
11. Do Not Assume Every Side Dish Is Vegetarian
Vegetarian and vegan travelers should check ingredients carefully.
Kimchi and other side dishes may contain:
- Fish sauce
- Shrimp
- Seafood
- Meat-based ingredients
Soups and stews may also use meat or seafood broth even when the visible ingredients look vegetarian.
If you have dietary restrictions, explain them clearly before ordering.
12. Helpful Korean Words
A few simple expressions can make eating out easier.
주세요 (juseyo)
Please give me / I would like...
물 주세요 (mul juseyo)
Water, please.
이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo)
This one, please.
안 매운 거 있어요? (an maeun geo isseoyo?)
Do you have something that is not spicy?
계산할게요 (gyesanhalkkeyo)
I would like to pay.
13. Quick Restaurant Checklist
Before ordering:
- Check whether ordering is at the table, kiosk, or counter
- Check the minimum number of servings
- Ask about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions
During your meal:
- Look for a call button
- Check for a utensil drawer
- Look for a self-service area
When leaving:
- Check whether payment is made at the counter
- Take all your belongings
- No tip is normally required
Final Tip
Korean restaurants can feel unfamiliar at first, but the system becomes easy once you understand a few basic habits.
Look for self-service signs, check the table for utensils, use the call button when you need help, and remember that paying at the counter is common.
After a few meals, eating out in Korea will feel much easier.
Related Korea Travel Guide
Wondering how to pay while traveling in Korea?
Cash or Card in Korea? How Tourists Should Pay in 2026
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Get the Korea First 24 Hours mobile PDF guide with practical tips for transportation, money, apps, food, shopping, safety, and more.
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