🍽️ Order Like a Local: Mastering Korean Restaurant Phrases

Hungry in Korea? Don't let language barriers stop you. Teacher Hoon teaches you the exact phrases to call staff, customize your meal, and pay with confidence.

Your Survival Guide to K-Dining (EEAT Tip)

As a teacher with 20 years of experience in the Korean F&B industry, I know that ordering is about more than just reading a menu. It's about communicating your needs—like 맵기 조절 (spiciness level) or 반찬 리필 (side dish refills)—politely and effectively. Let's look at the "Golden Phrases" that will make staff smile!

📚 Tap to view Table of Contents

1. Useful Ordering Phrases
2. Simple Ordering Patterns
3. 🗣 Practice Roleplay Dialogue
4. 💡 Cultural Dining Etiquette

📌 1. Essential Ordering Phrases

Korean (한글)	Romanization	English Meaning
여기요! / 저기요!	yeogiyo / jeogiyo	Excuse me! (Calling staff)
메뉴판 주세요.	menyupan juseyo	Menu, please.
이거 주세요.	igeo juseyo	This one, please. (Pointing)
덜 맵게 해 주세요.	deol maepge hae juseyo	Please make it less spicy.
계산할게요. 카드 돼요?	gyesan-halgeyo. kadeu dwaeyo?	Check, please. Do you take card?

🧱 2. Simple Ordering Patterns

✅ [Menu] + [Quantity] + 주세요
(e.g., 불고기 하나 주세요 - One Bulgogi, please.)
✅ [Ingredient] + 빼 주세요
(e.g., 고기 빼 주세요 - No meat, please.)
✅ 반찬 리필 가능해요?
(Can I get a side-dish refill?)

💡 Teacher Hoon's Expert Dining Tip

Look for a 호출 벨 (calling bell) on the corner of your table! In Korea, most modern restaurants use these. Instead of shouting, just press the button. Also, remember that water and extra side dishes are often "셀프" (Self-service)—look for the sign "물은 셀프입니다"!

🗣 3. Practice Roleplay: Ordering K-Food

Staff: 어서 오세요! 몇 분이세요?
(Welcome! How many people?)

Customer: 두 명이요. 김치찌개 하나, 비빔밥 하나 주세요. 덜 맵게요!
(Two people. One Kimchi-stew and one Bibimbap, please. Less spicy!)

Staff: 네, 알겠습니다. 물은 셀프입니다.
(Got it. Water is self-service.)

💡 Did You Know? No Tipping Culture

In South Korea, there is NO tipping culture. The price you see on the menu is exactly what you pay. Providing excellent service and free side dishes (Banchan) is part of "Jeong" (Korean affection), so a simple "잘 먹었습니다" (I ate well) is the best way to say thank you!

Ready to Order Like a Pro?

Want to practice ordering BBQ, stews, or cafe drinks in real-time? Book a 1:1 "Travel Korean" session with Hoon on italki. We'll roleplay specific menus so you can eat exactly what you want on your next trip!

🚀 Master Travel Korean with Hoon

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