[Learn][Korean] Useful Korean Phrases for Eating Out – What to Say at a Korean Restaurant

what to say at a korean restaurant

If you're traveling in Korea, one of the best experiences is enjoying delicious local food.
But to make the most of it, it's helpful to know a few basic Korean phrases that you can use when entering a restaurant, ordering, or asking for water or side dishes.

In this guide, I’ll introduce essential Korean expressions for eating out, along with practical tips about how Korean restaurants work—including self-service water, side dishes, and table buzzers!

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1. Entering the Restaurant

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• 안녕하세요. (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello.
• 혼자예요 / 두 명이에요. (Honja-yeyo / Du myeong-ieyo) – Just me / Two people.
• 자리 있어요? (Jari isseoyo?) – Do you have a seat available?
• 여기 앉아도 돼요? (Yeogi anjado dwaeyo?) – Can I sit here?
• 포장 돼요? (Pojang dwaeyo?) – Do you offer takeout?

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2. Ordering Food

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• 이거 하나 주세요. (Igeo hana juseyo) – One of this, please.
• 추천 메뉴 있어요? (Chucheon menyu isseoyo?) – Do you have a recommendation?
• 덜 매운 거 있어요? (Deol maeun geo isseoyo?) – Do you have anything less spicy?
• 비건 음식 있어요? (Bigeon eumsik isseoyo?) – Do you have vegan food?
• 물 좀 주세요. (Mul jom juseyo) – Please give me some water.

Tip:
In many Korean restaurants, water is self-service. You’ll find a water station with cups and pitchers near the entrance or at the side of the room.

 

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3. During the Meal

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• 여기요! 주문할게요. (Yeogiyo! Jumunhalgeyo) – Excuse me! I’d like to order.
• 이거 추가로 주세요. (Igeo chugaro juseyo) – Please add this to my order.
• 반찬 더 주세요. (Banchan deo juseyo) – More side dishes, please.
• 앞치마 있어요? (Apchima isseoyo?) – Do you have an apron?

Tips:

• Side dishes (반찬), water, and aprons are often self-service—check for a corner station with trays and supplies.
• Most restaurants have a call bell (a button on your table). Press it to call the server instead of shouting or raising your hand.
• Many places now use kiosks or QR code table ordering systems. Look around the table or entrance to see how the restaurant takes orders.

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4. After the Meal

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• 잘 먹었습니다. (Jal meogeotseumnida) – Thank you for the meal. (Polite phrase after eating)
• 계산할게요. (Gyesanhalgeyo) – I’ll pay now.
• 카드 돼요? / 현금만 돼요? (Kadeu dwaeyo? / Hyeongeumman dwaeyo?) – Do you take cards? / Cash only?
• 영수증 주세요. (Yeongsujeung juseyo) – Please give me the receipt.

Tip:
Some restaurants bring the bill to your table, while others expect you to go to the counter to pay. 

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5. Quick Review: Must-Know Phrases

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English	Korean	When to Use
Hello	안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaeseyo)	When you walk in
One of this, please	이거 하나 주세요 (Igeo hana juseyo)	While pointing to a menu item
More side dishes, please	반찬 더 주세요 (Banchan deo juseyo)	During the mean
Excuse me! (call server)	여기요! (Yeogiyo!)	To get the staff's attention
Thank you for the meal	잘 먹었습니다 (Jal meogeotseumnida)	After finishing your meal
I'll pay now	계산할게요 (Gyesanhalgeyo)	When going to pay

 

 

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Final Tips

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• Don’t be shy! Pointing at a picture on the menu and saying “이거 주세요” (This one, please) works great.
• If no one comes to your table, try pressing the call bell (벨).
• Self-service water and side dishes are common—look around or ask politely.
• After your meal, saying “잘 먹었습니다” is a nice way to show appreciation.

Next time you eat out in Korea, try using these phrases—you’ll feel more confident, and locals will appreciate your effort!