Dining out in South Korea is a breeze once you understand the local dining etiquette. From securing a table to settling the bill, here’s a quick guide to navigating a Korean restaurant with confidence. 1. Grabbing a Seat Upon entering, the staff will typically inquire about the number of people in your party (myeot bun-i-se-yo? / 몇 분이세요?). You can indicate the number with your fingers or simply say “Du myeong-i-yo” (두 명이요) for two people. If you’re at a busy restaurant, look near the entrance for a waiting tablet (like CatchTable). Enter your party size and phone number on the tablet. 2. Getting the Server’s Attention In Korea, waitstaff don’t usually visit your table frequently to check on you. Instead, call them when you’re ready. - Check for a call bell: Many casual restaurants and BBQ joints have a small buzzer attached to the tabletop or utensil box. Press it once to call the staff. - If there’s no bell: Raise your hand slightly and politely say, “Jeogiyo” (저기요) (Excuse me) or “Sajangnim” (사장님) (Boss/Owner) in casual diners. 3. Placing Your Order Menus are often displayed on the wall, placed under the table glass, or accessed via an iPad. - Point to the item and state the quantity: The simplest way is to say “[Item Name] + [Number] + juseyo” (please give me). - Example: “Samgyeopsal i-inbun juseyo” (삼겹살 2인분 주세요) — “Two portions of pork belly, please.” - Note: At BBQ, stew (jjigae), and hot pot restaurants, dishes are ordered in inbun (인분) (portions per person). Often, a 2-portion minimum is required. • Helpful request phrases: – “Igeo hana juseyo” (이거 하나 주세요) – “Please give me one of this.” – “Mul jom juseyo” (물 좀 주세요) – “Water, please.” (Check first if water is marked as Self / 셀프.) – “Deol maep-ge hae-ju-se-yo” (덜 맵게 해주세요) – “Please make it less spicy.” 4. Side Dishes (Banchan) & Utensils: • Utensils, metal chopsticks, napkins, and bottle openers are usually tucked into a sliding drawer beneath the side of the table. • Side dishes (banchan) are complimentary. If you run out of kimchi or radish, hold up the small dish and say “Deo juseyo” (더 주세요) – “More, please.” (You can also refill at the self-bar.) 5. Paying the Bill: • Take the order slip clipped on your table directly to the front counter near the exit to pay. • Hand over your card or cash and finish with: – “Jal meogeotseumnida” (잘 먹었습니다) – “Thank you for the meal.”