Author: Gyeongbokgung

Whether you’re craving spicy kimchi stew or sizzling Korean BBQ, eating out in Korea is one of the best ways to experience the culture. But if you’re not sure how to act or what to say, the experience can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to order food like a local and enjoy your meal with confidence!

1. 

Wait to Be Seated or Seat Yourself?

In many Korean restaurants (especially casual ones), you can seat yourself.

If the place is busy, the staff might guide you to a table. Just make eye contact and say “Annyeonghaseyo” (Hello) politely.

2. 

Look for the Menu (메뉴)

Menus are often on the wall, at the table, or shown via QR code.

Many places don’t offer English menus—use apps like Papago or Google Lens to translate.

📌 Useful phrase:

“메뉴 있어요?” (Menu isseoyo?) – “Do you have a menu?”

3. 

Calling the Staff – Don’t Be Shy!

In Korea, it’s normal to call out to the staff. Just raise your hand a little and say:

👉 “Jeogiyo!” (저기요!) – “Excuse me!”

It’s not rude—it’s expected.

4. 

Use Korean Words When Possible

Ordering in Korean—even a little—makes a great impression.

📌 Try these:

• “이거 주세요.” (Igeo juseyo) – “Please give me this one.” (while pointing at a menu item)
• “하나 주세요.” (Hana juseyo) – “One please.”

Want two or three?

• 둘 (dul) – two
• 셋 (set) – three
  → Ex: “비빔밥 둘 주세요.” = Two bibimbap, please.

5. 

Side Dishes Are Free (And Refillable!)

Korean meals come with free side dishes, or “banchan”.

If you want more, just say:

👉 “반찬 더 주세요.” (Banchan deo juseyo) – “More side dishes, please.”

6. 

Paying at the Counter

In most Korean restaurants, you don’t pay at the table.

Go to the front counter when you’re done.

📌 Try this:

“계산할게요.” (Gyesanhalgeyo) – “I’ll pay now.”

7. 

Other Pro Tips

✅ You don’t need to tip in Korea — it’s not expected.

✅ In BBQ restaurants, don’t be surprised if the server helps cook your meat.

✅ Many restaurants offer self-service water and utensils.

Final Thoughts

Ordering food in Korea is a fun adventure—and locals will appreciate your effort to adapt. A few polite phrases and a friendly smile go a long way.

Ready to try your first “bibimbap” or “samgyeopsal”?

Just remember: “Jeogiyo!” is your best friend 😄

Whether you’re visiting Korea for a few days or staying for months, understanding local customs can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Koreans are kind and understanding, but being aware of certain unspoken rules will help you connect better with locals and avoid awkward moments.

Let’s explore the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them:

1. ❌ 

Speaking Too Loudly in Public

In many Western cultures, talking loudly is normal.

But in Korea, quietness is valued in public places like subways, buses, cafes, and restaurants.

✅ Tip: Keep your voice low, especially on public transportation. People will appreciate your quiet consideration.

2. ❌ 

Not Taking Off Shoes Indoors

Many foreigners forget to remove their shoes when entering a Korean home—or even some traditional guesthouses or restaurants.

✅ Tip: Always check the entrance. If there’s a step-up or shoe rack, take off your shoes. Bring clean socks!

3. ❌ 

Handing or Receiving with One Hand

Koreans value polite gestures. Giving or receiving money, gifts, or anything important with one hand may seem rude.

✅ Tip: Use both hands, or support your right hand with your left. It shows respect.

4. ❌ 

Pointing or Gesturing with Chopsticks

Using chopsticks to point, wave, or stick into your rice is considered bad manners in Korea.

✅ Tip: Place your chopsticks on the side of your plate or bowl when not in use. Never stick them upright in your rice—it resembles a ritual for the dead.

5. ❌ 

Ignoring Age and Hierarchy

In Korea, age matters—a lot! It often decides how people speak to each other and behave.

✅ Tip: If someone asks your age, don’t be surprised. It’s part of social etiquette. Also, be more polite to older people—use formal language and gestures like a light bow.

6. ❌ 

Using Casual Language Without Realizing

Many foreigners learn phrases from K-dramas or friends, but using casual Korean (반말) with strangers or elders can come off disrespectful.

✅ Tip: Stick to polite forms like “감사합니다 (Thank you)” and “안녕하세요 (Hello)” unless you’re sure casual speech is okay.

7. ❌ 

Tipping at Restaurants

In many countries, tipping is standard. In Korea, it’s not expected—and sometimes even refused.

✅ Tip: Don’t worry about tipping. Great service is already included in the price.

8. ❌ 

Standing in the Middle of Escalators

In Seoul and other cities, stand to the right so others can pass on the left. Blocking the way can annoy busy commuters.

✅ Tip: Observe how locals line up and follow the flow.

9. ❌ 

Not Saying Hello or Thank You

Even in shops or small cafes, a simple greeting goes a long way.

✅ Tip: Learn and use basic Korean expressions like:

• 안녕하세요 (Hello)
• 감사합니다 (Thank you)
• 괜찮아요 (It’s okay / No problem)

It shows effort, and locals will love it!

10. ❌ 

Taking Photos Without Permission

Some travelers take photos of people (especially in traditional dress or markets) without asking.

✅ Tip: Always ask politely. Most people will say yes—and appreciate your manners.

🎁 Final Thoughts

Koreans don’t expect perfection from foreigners. But showing basic respect and cultural awareness makes a big difference. You’ll not only avoid mistakes—you’ll build better connections and deeper experiences during your stay.

Coming Next:

• 10 Korean phrases that instantly make you sound polite
• What to do when you’re invited to a Korean home
• How to navigate Korean social situations with confidence

In Korea, people often compliment others by saying:

“You have good nunchi!” or “You’re so sense-itta!”

But what does this really mean?

Let’s break it down.

🧠 What Is “Nunchi”?

Nunchi (눈치) is a uniquely Korean concept that doesn’t have a direct English translation.

It’s often described as “the subtle art of sensing others’ feelings and reacting appropriately.”

Think of it as a mix of:

• social awareness
• emotional intelligence
• good timing
• knowing when to speak (or stay silent)

🎯 What Does It Mean to Be “Sense-itta”?

“센스 있다 (sense-itta)” literally means “you have good sense,”

but in Korean it’s a high compliment.

It means you:

• notice what others need without them asking
• act at the right time, in the right way
• show thoughtfulness that others appreciate

🧾 Everyday Situations Where Nunchi Matters

1. 

At the Dinner Table

If the group is sharing food and someone’s plate is empty, offering them more without being asked = good nunchi.

Also, waiting for the oldest person to start eating first is respectful and “sense-itta.”

2. 

In Conversations

If someone seems tired or upset, changing the topic or giving them space shows good nunchi.

Interrupting or being too loud = bad nunchi.

3. 

On Public Transportation

Giving up your seat for someone elderly or noticing a person needs help = very “sense-itta.”

4. 

In Group Settings (like meetings or travel)

Not taking too much time when others are waiting, offering to help, or reading the room and adjusting your energy — these are all part of good nunchi.

5. 

With Gifts or Favors

Bringing a small gift when visiting someone’s home—even just snacks—is a thoughtful, culturally sensitive action Koreans love.

🚫 What Happens Without Nunchi?

In Korea, people don’t usually say “no” directly.

So if someone says “maybe later” or goes quiet, they might be politely declining.

If you ignore the cues and insist, it can feel awkward—or even rude.

💡 How Can You Practice Good Nunchi?

• Watch how people behave more than what they say
• Observe the group energy before speaking or acting
• Be thoughtful before asking for something
• Show appreciation through small gestures

🎁 Final Tip

You don’t have to be perfect.

Just trying to be aware and considerate will make people say:

“와, 센스 있다!”

(“Wow, you’re so thoughtful!”)

Next up:

• How to say “thank you” in 5 Korean styles
• What to bring when visiting someone’s home
• Common mistakes foreigners make in Korea (and how to avoid them)

How to Be Respectful on Public Transport and in Restaurants

Planning to visit or stay in Korea?

Knowing a few basic etiquette rules can make your experience smoother—and leave a great impression on locals.

Korean society values respect, quietness in public, and being considerate of others.

Here are some simple etiquette tips for two everyday situations:

using public transportation and dining in restaurants.

🚇 On Public Transportation

1. Be Quiet
   Koreans usually stay silent or speak very quietly on subways and buses. Loud conversations, speakerphone calls, or music without headphones are considered rude.
2. Give Up Your Seat (If Needed)
   Seats marked for the elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities should be left empty unless you qualify.
   Even if the train is crowded, avoid sitting there.
3. Don’t Eat or Drink
   Unlike some countries, eating on public transportation is not common in Korea. It’s better to wait until you’re off the train or bus.
4. Wait in Line, Let People Exit First
   People line up neatly before boarding, and it’s polite to let others exit before entering. No pushing or rushing!
5. Wear Your Backpack on One Shoulder or Hold It
   To save space and avoid hitting others, many people take off their backpack during crowded rides.

🍲 In Restaurants

1. Wait to Be Seated (and Press the Bell)
   In many Korean restaurants, you don’t seat yourself. Staff will guide you.
   Some tables have a call button—press it if you need help instead of shouting.
2. Don’t Stick Chopsticks Upright in Rice
   This resembles a ritual for the dead in Korean culture. Lay them on the chopstick rest or across your bowl.
3. Share, But Don’t Double Dip
   Korean meals often involve shared side dishes. Use your spoon or chopsticks carefully—don’t dip after eating from them.
4. Thank the Staff with a Nod or a Simple ‘Gamsahamnida’
   You don’t need to tip, but a polite smile or “감사합니다” (gam-sa-ham-ni-da = thank you) goes a long way.
5. Clean Up a Little Before Leaving
   Stack your dishes, wipe spills, or return your tray if it’s a self-serve place. Koreans appreciate small acts of neatness.

🌟 Bonus Tip:

Even if you make a mistake, don’t worry—most people will understand.

Just showing a little respect for the culture goes a long way in Korea.

More topics coming soon:

• Elevator etiquette
• Visiting someone’s home
• What to say (and not say) to strangers

👉 Stay tuned—and explore Korea not just through places, but through people.