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

💝 Dining in Korea for the First Time? Here’s What to Expect

Korean restaurant culture guide – what to expect at the table in Korea, including utensils, banchan, and dining customs.

안녕하세요! I’m Hangeulia ^-^

If you're traveling to Korea for the first time, dining out can feel a little surprising — in the best way! From ringing a bell to call the waiter to snipping noodles with scissors, Korean restaurant culture is full of charming habits that are totally normal here. ^^

As a Korean who was born and raised in Korea and has eaten out more times than I can count, I’ve seen many travelers get confused or shy during their first meal. So I made this guide to help you feel comfortable and confident at any Korean 식당 (restaurant) — and to share the real-life Korean restaurant etiquette and dining customs most locals take for granted. 😊

In this guide, you’ll learn:

How to call the waiter naturally (“여기요~”, “사장님~”)
Where to find spoons/chopsticks and how utensil culture works
How free 반찬 (banchan) refills work — and how to ask politely
Korean dining etiquette with elders
Why scissors are used at the table
How grilling works at Korean BBQ
Aprons, secret bag storage under chairs, and other small comforts
When you might need to take off your shoes and sit on the floor
Umbrella stands and plastic sleeves on rainy days
No-tipping culture and how to bow politely when you leave

Let’s dig in~😉

💜 10 Korean Restaurant Habits You Should Know

1. Raise Your Hand 🙋 or Ring the Bell 🔔

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~” (sa-jang-nim) to show respect — even if the staff isn’t the actual owner. It’s a sweet way to say, “I value your help.” 😊

Quick phrases to remember:

“여기요~” (yeo-gi-yo) – Excuse me / Over here, please.
“사장님~” (sa-jang-nim) – Boss / Sir / Ma’am (polite way to call staff).
“물 좀 주세요~” (mul jom ju-se-yo) – Please give me some water.

💛 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 the person closest to the drawer set the table. Using a 수저받침 (su-jeo-bat-chim – spoon rest) or a napkin (often called tissue in Korea) underneath the utensils is considered polite!

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 often 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?)

💛 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~ ^^

Banchan basics:

Shared by everyone at the table
Often refillable – but not always
Take what you can finish, 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 ✂️

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!

If you watch Korean dramas or variety shows, you’ll notice this scene all the time — someone gently leaning over the table to cut noodles, kimchi, or meat for another person. It’s a tiny gesture, but it says a lot about warmth and care in Korean dining culture. ^^ For example, in Better Late Than Single Episode 5, Jeong-mok cuts meat for Yi-do at the table — a friendly, respectful gesture you’ll also see among friends, family, or coworkers in real life. Welcome to Korean dining!

6. You Might Be the One Grilling 🔥

If you order BBQ like 삼겹살 (sam-gyeop-sal – pork belly), 숯불갈비 (sut-bul-gal-bi – charcoal grilled ribs), or even premium 한우 (han-woo – Korean beef), 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.)

Korean BBQ checklist:

Flip the meat regularly so it doesn’t burn
Use scissors to cut into bite-sized pieces
Ask “불판 좀 갈아주세요~” for a clean grill

💛 Want to try real Korean BBQ?

For authentic Korean beef in the countryside, check out my review of Naedang Hanwoo (내당한우) in Hongseong.
If you’re in Seoul, you’ll love the Han River BBQ vibes at Arisu Manchan (아리수만찬).

7. Aprons & 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 Sleeve ☔

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. Bow + 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~ ^^

💜 FAQ: Korean Restaurant Culture

Q. How do you call the waiter in Korean?
A. Raise your hand and say “여기요~!” (yeo-gi-yo) or “사장님~!” (sa-jang-nim). Both are natural and commonly used in Korean restaurants.

Q. Are side dishes really free?
A. Yes. 반찬 (banchan) are usually complimentary and often refillable. Some restaurants limit which dishes can be refilled, so just ask politely if you’re not sure.

Q. Is it rude to share dishes?
A. Not at all. Sharing is the default style in Korea. Most dishes are placed in the center so everyone can eat together from shared plates.

Q. Why are scissors used at the table?
A. Kitchen scissors are a normal part of Korean dining. They’re used to cut noodles, meat, and kimchi quickly and cleanly — it’s practical, hygienic, and very common.

Q. Is water free in Korean restaurants?
A. Yes. Most Korean restaurants provide free water, either served at your table or from a self-serve water station. Just ask “물 좀 주세요~” (mul jom ju-se-yo) if you need more.

Q. Is it okay to eat alone in Korean restaurants?
A. Absolutely. Eating alone is very common in Korea, especially at casual spots and franchise restaurants. Staff are used to solo diners, so don’t feel shy. ^^

Q. Do Koreans usually split the bill?
A. It depends. Sometimes one person (often older) pays for the whole meal, or friends take turns paying. Younger people also use apps or bank transfers to split the bill more fairly these days.

Q. Do you need to tip in Korean restaurants?
A. No tip is needed in most places. Korea has almost no tipping culture. A slight bow with “감사합니다~” (gam-sa-ham-ni-da – thank you) is more than enough. 😊

💜 Final Thoughts

Korean restaurant culture might feel new at first, but once you understand the rhythm — bells, banchan, bowing — it becomes warm, friendly, and incredibly fun.

If you try these tips, someone might even say:
“오~ 현지인 다 됐네~!” (Oh~ you’re basically a local!) ^-^

With love,
Hangeulia 😊

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