3 Mistakes Foreigners Make in Korean Restaurants (And How to Fix Them)
"Wait, do I need to tip? How much?"
This is the #1 question my foreign friends ask when they visit Korea. In the US or Europe, you always calculate the tip. But in Korea?
Let me tell you the answer right now. Put your wallet away. Forget about tipping here.
However, there are "invisible rules" you need to know. If you don't know them, you might feel awkward. Today, I will teach you the essential tips and etiquette to eat like a local. (Honestly, you need to know this!)
Tipping? It Can Actually Be Rude!
Surprise! In Korean restaurants, leaving a tip can sometimes be seen as rude.
In the West, a tip means "Thank you for the service." But in Korea, some older owners might think, "Do you think I need your charity?" Also, the service charge and tax are already included in the menu price.
I didn't realize how amazing this system is until I traveled abroad. No math, no calculator, no awkward eye contact with the waiter. You just pay the price on the menu. Isn't that super cool and clean?
Are there exceptions? (Latest Trends)
Delivery Apps / Kakao Taxi
Recently, apps added a "Give a Tip" function. But this is 100% optional. Nobody cares if you don't do it.
Premium BBQ Places
Very rarely, older people give a little cash to the staff who grills meat for them perfectly. But as a tourist? Don't worry about it at all.
"Hey!" is Not Rude Here (The Magic Word)
In the West, you wait patiently for the waiter to look at you, right? If you do that in Korea, you might starve.
Korean restaurants have a special rule. Look at your table. Do you see a button? "Ding-Dong!" Press it. The staff will run to you and say, "Yes?"
What if there is no button? You need to be brave. Raise your hand and say loud and clear: "Jeogiyo! (Excuse me!)"
😲 Culture Shock
My foreign friends often ask with big eyes, "Can I really shout?" Yes! It is totally fine. In fact, if you just sit silently, the staff will think you don't need anything. Don't be shy!
War on the Table : Sharing and Chopsticks
A Korean table is not "My Plate." It is "Our Table." Here are some unique rules about sharing.
🥢 The Attack of Metal Chopsticks
Korea is unique. We use heavy metal chopsticks. (Unlike wood or plastic).
If you are not good at using chopsticks, your hand might cramp. Don't struggle alone. Just ask: "Fork, please?" They will happily give you one.
🍲 Sharing Food (Double Dipping?)
In the past, everyone put their spoons in one big stew pot. But these days, hygiene is important. We use "Personal Plates" (Ap-jeop-si).
- Side Dishes (Banchan) : Usually, we share these together.
- Main Dish (Stew/Chicken) : Use a ladle to move food to your own plate.
[Korean Dining Etiquette Checklist]
| Situation | Do this (Good 👍) | Don't do this (Bad 🙅♂️) |
|---|---|---|
| Rice Bowl | Leave it on the table. | Lift it to your mouth (Japanese style). |
| Starting | Wait for the oldest person to start. | Start eating first because you are hungry. |
| Utensils | Use a spoon OR chopsticks. | Hold a spoon and chopsticks in one hand. |
| Drinking | Pour drinks for others. | Pour your own drink. |
The Latest Trend : "Water is Self"
If you go to a casual Korean restaurant, you might see a sign: "Water is Self" (Self-Service).
This means the waiter will not bring you water. About 50% of restaurants are like this now. Stand up, find the fridge or water purifier, and get it yourself!
Also, many places now have tablets (Kiosks) at the table. You order and pay right from your seat. It often has English menus with pictures, so it's actually easier for foreigners!
🤔 A Little Sadness
It is convenient, but I miss the old days. We used to chat with the "Auntie" (staff) and ask for extra service. Now, machines do everything. It feels a bit cold, but it is super fast.
After the Meal : The Magic Spell
In Korea, you usually pay at the counter near the exit (not at the table). As you leave, say this magic phrase. You will become the most polite tourist ever.
"Jal meogeot-seumnida!" (Meaning: I ate well / Thank you for the meal)
When you say this, the owner’s face will light up. It is worth more than a cash tip.
Final Thoughts : Don't Be Scared, Just Eat!
Korean dining etiquette looks complex, but the core is simple.
"Enjoying food together."
Make a mistake? It's okay! Koreans love it when foreigners try to follow our culture. Even if you drop rice because of the slippery metal chopsticks, people will just smile and help you.
So, put your wallet away, empty your stomach, and go out!
Bon Appétit! Or as we say, Mat-Jeom!
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