Essential Korean Phrases for Ordering Food Like a Local
Essential Korean Phrases for Ordering Food Like a Local
Learn how to enter a restaurant, order confidently, make special requests, and pay naturally in Korean.
South Korea is a culinary paradise, famous worldwide for sizzling BBQ tables, rich stews, crisp street snacks, and aesthetic cafes. However, stepping into a bustling local eatery without knowing how to navigate the dining experience can feel a bit overwhelming for beginners.
Learning essential Korean phrases for ordering food empowers you to walk into any restaurant, request your favorite dishes, customize your order, and pay with confidence. In this guide, we break down every stage of a Korean meal—from getting a table to asking for the bill—complete with clear Hangul, pronunciations, and practical etiquette tips.
Core Korean Dining Culture Rules
Before diving into phrases, it helps to understand how Korean restaurants operate differently from those in Western countries.
• Call the Staff Directly: Waitstaff rarely drop by your table to ask how things are. When you need something, raise your hand and clearly say 저기요! (jeo-gi-yo!).
• Check for Table Buttons: Many modern establishments have a small service bell mounted on the side or corner of the table. Press it once when you are ready to order.
• Complimentary Side Dishes (Banchan): Side dishes (반찬) and water are typically free. Many spots feature a self-service bar (셀프) where you can refill side dishes yourself.
1. Entering and Getting a Table
When walking into a restaurant, the staff will greet you immediately. You will usually need to indicate how many people are in your party.
- 안녕하세요! (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) = Hello!
- ~명이에요 (~myeong-i-e-yo) = There are [number] of us.
Examples:
• 한 명이에요 (han myeong-i-e-yo) = 1 person
• 두 명이에요 (du myeong-i-e-yo) = 2 people
• 세 명이에요 (se myeong-i-e-yo) = 3 people
• 네 명이에요 (ne myeong-i-e-yo) = 4 people - 자리가 있어요? (ja-ri-ga it-seo-yo?) = Do you have seats/a table?
2. Essential Phrases for Placing Your Order
Once seated, use these core sentences to request menus, ask for recommendations, and order your food.
| Korean (Hangul) | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 저기요! | jeo-gi-yo! | Excuse me! (To call staff) |
| 메뉴판 주세요 | me-nyu-pan ju-se-yo | Please give me a menu. |
| 이거 주세요 | i-geo ju-se-yo | Please give me this one. |
| 어떤 게 맛있어요? | eo-tteon ge ma-sit-seo-yo? | Which one is good? / What do you recommend? |
| 잠시만요 | jam-si-man-yo | Just a moment, please. |
Counting Portions and Orders
In Korean, food quantities (like BBQ portions or drinks) are often counted using the native Korean counter 개 (gae) or 인분 (in-bun) for multi-person portions:
- 이거 하나 주세요 (i-geo ha-na ju-se-yo) = Please give me one of these.
- 이거 두 개 주세요 (i-geo du gae ju-se-yo) = Please give me two of these.
- 삼겹살 2인분 주세요 (sam-gyeop-sal i-in-bun ju-se-yo) = Please give us 2 servings of pork belly.
3. Dietary Preferences and Special Requests
If you have spice tolerance preferences, dietary restrictions, or simply need an extra item at table, these phrases keep your dinner customizable.
- 덜 매운 거 있어요? (deol mae-un geo it-seo-yo?) = Is there something less spicy?
- 안 매우게 해주세요 (an mae-u-ge hae-ju-se-yo) = Please make it non-spicy.
- 고기 빼주세요 (go-gi ppae-ju-se-yo) = Please leave out the meat.
- 물 좀 주세요 (mul-jom ju-se-yo) = Please give me some water.
- 휴지 좀 주세요 (hyu-ji jom ju-se-yo) = Please give me some napkins.
Saying 고기 빼주세요 only asks staff to leave out visible meat. Broth, seafood stock, fish sauce, or shared cooking equipment may still be used. For a serious allergy, clearly name the allergen and confirm with staff.
4. Finishing Your Meal and Paying
In Korea, you usually pay at the front register near the door, rather than handing your card to the server at the table.
| Korean (Hangul) | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 잘 먹었습니다 | jal meog-eos-seum-ni-da | Thank you for the meal / I ate well. |
| 계산서 주세요 | gye-san-seo ju-se-yo | Please give me the bill. |
| 카드로 할게요 | ka-deu-ro hal-ge-yo | I will pay by card. |
| 따로 계산해 주세요 | tta-ro gye-san-hae ju-se-yo | Please split the bill / pay separately. |
Real-World Dining Dialogues
Dialogue 1: Ordering Korean BBQ
Staff: 어서오세요! 몇 분이세요? (Welcome! How many people?)
You: 두 명이에요. 자리가 있어요? ("Two people. Do you have a table?")
Staff: 네, 이쪽으로 앉으세요. ("Yes, please sit over here.")
You: 저기요! 삼겹살 2인분하고 사이다 하나 주세요. ("Excuse me! Please give us 2 servings of pork belly and one soda.")
Dialogue 2: Asking for Adjustments & Paying
You: 저기요, 이거 많이 매워요? ("Excuse me, is this very spicy?")
Staff: 조금 매워요. ("It's a little spicy.")
You: 그러면 덜 매운 거 하나 주세요. ("Then please give me one that's less spicy.")
(After eating)
You: 잘 먹었습니다! 카드로 계산할게요. ("Thank you for the meal! I'll pay by card.")
Interactive Knowledge Check
Test Your Dining Korean Skills!
Select the correct phrase for each practical dining scenario.
Question 1: How do you get a server's attention in a Korean restaurant?
A) 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da)
B) 저기요 (jeo-gi-yo)
C) 안녕 (an-nyeong)
Question 2: What should you say when pointing at a menu item to order it?
A) 이거 주세요 (i-geo ju-se-yo)
B) 계산서 주세요 (gye-san-seo ju-se-yo)
C) 자리 있어요? (ja-ri it-seo-yo?)
Question 3: How do you politely say "Thank you for the meal" as you leave?
A) 얼마예요? (eol-ma-ye-yo?)
B) 물 좀 주세요 (mul-jom ju-se-yo)
C) 잘 먹었습니다 (jal meog-eos-seum-ni-da)
Question 4: What phrase lets the staff know you want to pay by card?
A) 카드로 할게요 (ka-deu-ro hal-ge-yo)
B) 고기 빼주세요 (go-gi ppae-ju-se-yo)
C) 덜 매운 거 있어요? (deol mae-un geo it-seo-yo?)
Click here to reveal the answers
Answers:
1. B) 저기요 (Call out "Jeo-gi-yo" politely to summon staff).
2. A) 이거 주세요 ("I-geo ju-se-yo" means "Please give me this one").
3. C) 잘 먹었습니다 (Literally "I ate well", the standard post-meal thanks).
4. A) 카드로 할게요 ("I will pay by card").
Frequently Asked Questions
No, tipping is not practiced in South Korea. Tipping is generally not expected at ordinary restaurants in South Korea. In most situations, you simply pay the listed amount.
You can call staff and say 반찬 더 주세요 (ban-chan deo ju-se-yo - "Please give me more side dishes"). If you see a bar marked 셀프 (Self), help yourself!
Water (물) is usually provided without a separate charge at many restaurants. In casual places, it may be self-service.
Say 채식주의자예요 (chae-sik-ju-ui-ja-e-yo - "I am a vegetarian") or ask 고기 빼주세요 (go-gi ppae-ju-se-yo - "Please leave out the meat"). Note that broth or fish sauce can sometimes still be present in kimchi or soups.
Often, yes. When you reach the payment counter, say 따로 계산해 주세요 (tta-ro gye-san-hae ju-se-yo), The cashier may be able to divide the payment, though policies can vary by restaurant.
Lesson Summary
Mastering these essential Korean phrases for ordering food opens up an authentic culinary journey across Korea. Start with basic essentials like calling out 저기요, pointing with 이거 주세요, and showing gratitude with 잘 먹었습니다.
Practice these conversations out loud before your next meal, and enjoy exploring all the delicious dishes Korea has to offer!
