K-Food Magic, Food I Didn't Order Just Arrived!
"I didn't order this!"
Don't Worry, It's Korean 'Jeong'!
Have you ever received food you didn't order at a restaurant? "Oh, I didn't order this... Is the bill wrong?" If you are new to Korea, you might be scared.
But guess what? In Korea, this is not a mistake. It is 'Love'.
Today, I will tell you about a special Korean culture called 'Service'. In English, service means 'helping'. But in Korean restaurants, it means 'a free gift from the boss'.
Read this, and you will love Korean restaurants!
1. Unlimited Side Dishes (Banchan) : "Is this all free?"
The first surprise is the side dishes. In Europe or the US, you often pay for water or bread. You pay for extra pickles too. But in Korea? The table is full of Kimchi, bean sprouts, and spinach.
It is Infinite
You can say, "More Kimchi, please!" They give it to you for free. Again and again!
Kind Auntie (Imo-nim)
Sometimes, the staff just fills your plate without asking. "Eat a lot!" she says.
My foreign friends ask, "How much is the refill?" I say, "It is 0 won." Their eyes go wide. It feels like a buffet!
2. Food Not on the Menu? (The Real 'Service')
Side dishes are just the start. The real 'Service' comes later.
Once, I went to a Sashimi place with a friend. We only ordered fish. Suddenly, they gave us fried sweet potatoes. My friend took out his wallet.
"Hey, Stop! It's Service!"
Korean service food is amazing.
Steamed Egg (Gye-ran-jjim)
It is a yellow, fluffy egg soup in a hot pot. It is great with spicy food.
Corn Cheese
Corn and mayonnaise on a hot plate. It is sweet and delicious.
Soda
In university towns, the owner often gives a free Coke or Sprite. "It's service, drink up!"
This means "Thank you for coming" and "Enjoy your meal."
3. Korean Restaurant 'Service' Guide (What will I get?)
Here is a simple chart. It helps you guess the free food. It is not 100%, but it is usually true!
| Restaurant Type | You Order | Possible Free Gift (Service) | Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBQ Place (Meat) | Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal) | Soybean Soup, Steamed Egg | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High) |
| Sashimi Place (Raw Fish) | Big Plate of Fish | Corn Cheese, Fried Food, Spicy Soup | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Almost Always) |
| Snack Bar (Bunsik) | Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cake) | Fish Cake Soup | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (100%) |
| Chicken Place | Chicken + Beer | Cabbage Salad, Snacks | ⭐⭐⭐ (Depends on the shop) |
4. Just One Sad Thing...
There is one small problem. 'Service' is unpredictable. Sometimes the owner gives a lot. Sometimes they don't give anything because they are busy.
Please remember this rule.
"Service is Luck, not a Right. Don't ask for it!"
If you say, "Give me service!", it is rude. You must wait for their kindness. That is the real Korean style.
5. Final Bonus : Dessert at the Door
Is the meal over? Not yet. Look at the front door.
Coffee Machine
You can get sweet instant coffee. It is free.
Peppermint Candy
It makes your breath fresh.
Yogurt drink
Sometimes, in the countryside, they give you a small yogurt bottle.
Even if you are full, you can eat these!
💡 Forget Your Diet in Korea
Eating in Korea is special. It is about a relationship between the owner and you.
When the owner brings a free Steamed Egg, you feel warm inside. You feel special.
Tell your friends this tip.
When the owner smiles and says, "Service~", give them a big smile back. Say "Kamsahamnida!" (Thank you!) loudly. Maybe they will give you one more Coke!
Are you ready to go to a Korean restaurant tonight?
#KoreanCulture #KFood #KoreaTravel #FreeFood #ServiceCulture #Banchan #KoreanBBQ #KoreaTrip #Kamsahamnida #SeoulEats
