Essential Ordering Phrases
Ordering food in Korean is straightforward once you know a few key phrases. Most Korean restaurants have picture menus or numbered items, so you can point and use 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo — this one, please). For more specific orders, combine the dish name with a counter and 주세요 (juseyo — please give me). Korean waitstaff are generally patient and helpful with foreign customers, and many appreciate any attempt to order in Korean. Many restaurants also have digital kiosks or tablet ordering systems with English options, though knowing the basic phrases shows cultural respect and makes the experience more rewarding. Side dishes (반찬, banchan) are served automatically and refills are free, so do not hesitate to ask for more by saying 반찬 더 주세요 (banchan deo juseyo). Understanding the Korean restaurant flow is important: unlike Western restaurants where a server comes to your table, many Korean eateries expect you to press a call button (벨, bel) or shout 저기요 (jeogiyo, excuse me) to get attention. This is not considered rude — it is simply how Korean restaurants operate. Also note that many BBQ and stew restaurants have minimum orders, often listed as 2인분 이상 (i-inbun isang, from 2 servings), which is important to know if dining alone. Water is typically self-serve from a dispenser, and utensils are often in a drawer at the table or in a container. Learning these customs alongside the ordering phrases gives you a complete Korean dining toolkit.
Common Ordering Phrases
| Situation | Korean | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| This one, please | 이거 주세요 | Igeo juseyo |
| One bibimbap, please | 비빔밥 하나 주세요 | Bibimbap hana juseyo |
| Two servings, please | 2인분 주세요 | I-inbun juseyo |
| Can I order? | 주문할게요 | Jumunhalgeyo |
| The bill, please | 계산해 주세요 | Gyesanhae juseyo |
| Water, please | 물 주세요 | Mul juseyo |
Step-by-Step Restaurant Ordering
- 1
Get attention
Say 저기요 (jeogiyo — excuse me) or press the call button (벨) on the table if available
- 2
Signal you're ready
Say 주문할게요 (jumunhalgeyo — I'd like to order)
- 3
Place your order
Say the dish name + 주세요 (juseyo). For quantities, add 하나 (hana — one), 둘 (dul — two), or 셋 (set — three) before 주세요
- 4
Handle extras
For side dish refills, say 반찬 더 주세요 (banchan deo juseyo — more side dishes, please)
- 5
Ask for the bill
Say 계산해 주세요 (gyesanhae juseyo) or bring the bill slip to the counter
Cultural Tip
In most Korean restaurants, side dishes (반찬, banchan) are free and refillable. Don't hesitate to ask for more by saying 반찬 더 주세요 (banchan deo juseyo). Tipping is not customary in Korea — the price on the menu is all you pay. Attempting to tip can actually create an awkward situation, as the server may try to return the money. Another important cultural note is that the eldest person or the person who invited the group typically pays for the entire meal. This practice, called 한턱 내다 (hanteok naeda), is deeply ingrained in Korean culture. If someone treats you, the polite response is 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgetseumnida — I will eat well) before eating, and 잘 먹었습니다 (jal meogeosseumnida — I ate well) after the meal. These phrases show gratitude and are considered essential table manners. Splitting the bill equally, called 더치페이 (deochipei, from 'Dutch pay'), is increasingly common among younger Koreans, but it is still polite to offer to pay first.
Full Ordering Dialogue Example
저기요, 주문할게요. 김치찌개 하나하고 불고기 하나 주세요. 밥은 따로 주세요.
Jeogiyo, jumunhalgeyo. Gimchijjigae hanahago bulgogi hana juseyo. Babeun ttaro juseyo.
Excuse me, I'd like to order. One kimchi stew and one bulgogi, please. Rice separately, please.
Handling Special Requests and Dietary Needs
Communicating dietary restrictions at Korean restaurants requires specific vocabulary. For food allergies, say 저는 [allergen] 알레르기가 있어요 (jeoneun [allergen] allereugi-ga isseoyo — I have a [allergen] allergy). Common allergens include 땅콩 (ttangkong, peanuts), 해산물 (haesanmul, seafood), 우유 (uyu, milk), and 밀 (mil, wheat/gluten). Vegetarians face unique challenges in Korea because many seemingly vegetable-based dishes contain hidden animal products. Kimchi is often fermented with fish sauce (젓갈, jeotgal), and most soups use anchovy or beef broth as a base. To request no meat, say 고기 빼 주세요 (gogi ppae juseyo). For truly vegetarian or vegan options, look for temple food restaurants (사찰음식, sachal eumsik) or search for 비건 (bigeon, vegan) restaurants, which have become increasingly popular in Seoul and other major cities. If you need your food less spicy, the phrase 덜 맵게 해주세요 (deol maepge haejuseyo — please make it less spicy) is invaluable. Some restaurants offer spice level choices listed as 순한맛 (sunhan mat, mild), 보통맛 (botong mat, medium), and 매운맛 (maeun mat, spicy).