How to Order at a Korean Restaurant — The Complete Script Tested in Seoul

The Script I've Used Every Day for 12 Years

Eating out in Korea often costs less than cooking. I've eaten at restaurants almost every day since 2014. Here's the exact dialogue at a typical Korean 식당 (sikdang).

Step 1: Enter and Sit Down

In most Korean restaurants, just sit wherever. No need to wait to be seated.

What the waiter says:

• 어서오세요! — Welcome!
• 몇 분이세요? — How many people?

Your answer:

• 두 명이요 — 2 people
• 혼자예요 — I'm alone

💡 From Seoul: eating alone is completely normal in Korea. Many restaurants have solo counters (혼밥).

Step 2: Order

Call the waiter:

• 저기요! — Excuse me!
• Or press the call button (벨) on the table

Order:

• [dish] 하나 주세요 — One [dish] please
• 이거 주세요 — This one please (pointing at menu)

Step 3: During the Meal

• 물 좀 주세요 — Water please
• 반찬 더 주세요 — More banchan please

💡 Banchan (side dishes) are free and unlimited!

Step 4: Pay

• 계산해 주세요 — Check please
• 카드로 할게요 — By card

💡 You pay at the counter on the way out, NOT at the table.

Step 5: Leave

• 잘 먹었습니다! — I ate well! (= thank you for the meal)

Mistakes to Avoid

1. Tipping: NO tipping in Korea. It can be considered insulting.
2. Expecting dish modifications: Korean restaurants are generally inflexible on changes

→ Start learning Korean for free