What to Know About Korean Restaurant Culture — 10 Unique Things That Surprise Travelers

 

💝 From bell buttons to no tipping, Korean restaurant culture might surprise you in the best way 😮

안녕하세요! I’m Hangeulia ^-^

If you're traveling to Korea for the first time, dining out can be... a bit of a culture shock! ㅎㅎ
From ringing bells to call the waiter, to snipping noodles with scissors 

— Korean restaurant culture is full of charming surprises.💕

But don’t worry 

— I’ve got you covered with 10 things that will help you eat like a local (and avoid awkward moments too!). 

Let’s dig in~😉

1. Raise Your Hand 🙋 or Ring the Bell 🔔

“여기요~!” (yeo-gi-yo – Excuse me)
“사장님~!” (sa-jang-nim – Boss, literally “boss,” but it’s used to respectfully call any staff)

In Korea, it’s totally normal to raise your hand or press a little bell on the table when you need something.

Yelling across the room? Not rude here! ^^ Shouting “여기요~” (yeo-gi-yo) is normal and even expected in busy restaurants.

You can also say “사장님~” to show respect — even if the staff isn’t the actual owner. It’s a sweet way to say, I value your help. 😊

💛 Fun Fact: In the past, people often called female restaurant owners or staff “이모” (i-mo – auntie) as a friendly, family-like nickname. These days, unless you’re a regular at a small neighborhood spot, it’s not as common. Interestingly, many foreigners who learned Korean through older TV shows or cultural content still use “이모” — sometimes even more than Koreans do! It’s kind of ironic, but also really cute to hear. ^^

💛 Bonus Tip: In bigger restaurants or chain places, you might see a tablet (태블릿 – tae-beul-lit) ordering system right on your table.
You can use it to order food or even request things like 물 (mul – water) or 티슈 (ti-syu – napkin).
If you’re not sure how to use it, just raise your hand or press the bell —  someone will help you out with a smile. ^^

2. Find Your Own Spoon and Chopsticks 🥢

Don’t panic if you don’t see any utensils! 😉

You won’t always get utensils handed to you. 

Many restaurants expect you to grab your own from:

- a drawer under the table
- a utensil box on the tabletop
- a shared station nearby

💛 Tip: If you’re with older people or locals, let the youngest or closest person to the drawer set the table.
수저받침 (su-jeo-bat-chim – spoon rest) or a napkin (often called tissue in Korea) underneath the utensils is considered polite! 

That's because many Koreans feel it's more hygienic to place utensils on a napkin or a spoon rest rather than directly on the table. (But of course, some people prefer not to place a napkin under utensils.)

You can even spot this culture in K-Pop Demon Hunters! ^^. It's one of those small Korean habits that feels invisible to others, but so natural to us. 😄

Next time you watch a Korean show, try looking for the spoon-and-napkin combo — like a hidden picture game!

It’s such a subtle part of restaurant culture, but once you see it, you’ll start spotting it everywhere. ^^

3. Side Dishes Are Free and Meant to Be Shared🧫

Yes, 반찬 (ban-chan – side dishes) are not just free — they’re refillable!

Before your main dish arrives, you’ll usually get water and a colorful spread of 반찬. If you want more, just smile and say:

“이것 좀 더 주세요~^^” (ee-geot jom deo ju-se-yo – Can I have some more of this, please?)

Press the bell (벨) for service, rest your utensils on a paper utensil rest or a napkin for cleanliness, and enjoy colorful banchan — often refillable in Korean restaurants ^^

💛 Just so you know: some restaurants may not offer refills, or they might limit which dishes can be refilled. If that’s the case, staff may kindly say:  

“이건 리필이 안 돼요~” (ee-geon ri-pil-i an-dwae-yo – We don’t offer refills for this one).  

Also, 반찬 (ban-chan) are usually not served individually. They’re shared among everyone at the table, so don’t be surprised if there's just one dish for all.

In some restaurants, water and ban-chan are self-serve — just take what you need and don’t waste it~ ^^

4. Respect Elders When Dining 🧓

Respect for elders is big in Korea. If you’re dining with someone older, wait until they lift their spoon or chopsticks before you start eating.

And when giving or receiving things (like a cup or bottle), use both hands or support one hand with the other — it’s a lovely gesture of respect.

Drinking? Turn your head slightly and lower your cup if you're with elders. You’ve probably seen this in K-dramas in company dinner scenes, right? 😉

💛 Bonus Tip: Say “맛있게 드세요~” (ma-sit-ge deu-se-yo – Enjoy your meal!) before eating together. It’s polite and shows care ^^

5. Yes, Scissors Are for Food – Really! ✂️

Don’t be surprised when the staff hands you 가위 (ga-wi – scissors) at the table.
In Korea, kitchen scissors are often used to cut 냉면 (naeng-myeon – cold noodles), 삼겹살 (sam-gyeop-sal – pork belly), and even 김치 (kim-chi – kimchi) right at the table — and it’s completely normal!

It's considered quicker and easier than using a knife and fork. 

And don't' worry — those scissors (가위, ga-wi) are strictly for food, never mixed with tools or office supplies 😄 Just snip and enjoy — no need to wrestle with your meal! 

You can even spot this custom in Better Late Than Single Episode 5, when Jeong-mok cuts meat for Yido at the table. It’s a small but caring gesture, showing respect and friendliness — especially common when dining with friends, family, or colleagues. ^^ Welcome to Korean dining! 

6. You Might Be the One Grilling 🔥

If you order BBQ like 삼겹살 (sam-gyeop-sal – pork belly) or 숯불갈비 (sut-bul-gal-bi – charcoal grilled ribs), be ready to grill it yourself!
Korean BBQ tables have a built-in grill. Sometimes staff will help at first, but you’ll need to flip the meat, cut it, and make sure it doesn’t burn 😆

💛 Need a clean grill? Just say:
“불판 좀 갈아주세요~” (bul-pan jom ga-ra-ju-se-yo – Please change the grill)

7. Aprons and Hidden Bag Storage 👚

Worried about your clothes getting splashed with 김치찌개 (kim-chi-jji-gae – kimchi stew)?
Ask for an 앞치마 (ap-chi-ma – apron). Many restaurants have them, especially for dishes with spicy red soup like 김치찌개. They offer disposable or reusable aprons for free — just ask nicely! ^^

And in some BBQ spots, check under your chair.
Surprise! There’s often a secret compartment to keep your 가방 (ga-bang – bag) safe from smell or oil. 😉

💛 Need an apron? Just say:
“앞치마 좀 주세요~” (ap-chi-ma jom ju-se-yo – Can I have an apron, please?)

8. You May Be Asked to Take Off Your Shoes 👣

In traditional restaurants, you might sit on the floor — and that means taking off your shoes.

No worries — just follow others’ lead and step onto the platform barefoot.

💛 Tip: You’ll usually sit cross-legged (아빠다리 – a comfortable way to sit) so wear comfy clothes… and no socks with holes, please 😅ㅎㅎ

9. Umbrellas Go in a Stand or Plastic Wrap ☔

When it rains, you’ll often see 우산꽂이 (u-san-kkot-ji – umbrella stand) or 우산비닐 (u-san-bi-nil – umbrella plastic sleeve machine) at entrances.
It’s all about keeping the floors dry and safe!

💛 Tip: If your 우산 (u-san – umbrella) looks just like everyone else’s, be careful — mix-ups do happen 😂

10. Bowing + No Tipping = Korean Style 😊

In Korea, a slight bow (고개 숙이기 – bowing) with a warm “감사합니다~” (gam-sa-ham-ni-da – thank you) is the perfect way to leave a restaurant.

And yes — Korea has no tipping culture.
Unless the restaurant tells you otherwise, you don’t need to leave a tip.
It might feel strange at first, but that’s just one more thing that makes Korean dining so refreshing~ ^^

💜 Final Thoughts

Korean 식당 (shik-dang – restaurant) culture might feel unfamiliar at first — but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually really fun, warm, and efficient.
From pressing buttons to sharing 반찬 (ban-chan – side dishes), 

it’s all about respect, togetherness, and great food. 
Try it out and soon you’ll hear, “오~ 현지인 다 됐네~!” (Oh~ you’re basically a local now!) ^-^

With love,
Hangeulia 😊