How to Order in a Korean Restaurant Without Speaking Korean

Ordering food in a Korean restaurant can feel intimidating if you don’t speak the language — but don’t worry! With a few key phrases, gestures, and smartphone tricks, you’ll be able to confidently enjoy any meal in Korea.

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🔍 Step 1: Choosing What to Eat

Most restaurants in Korea either:

• Use photo menus (especially at casual eateries)
• Have set meals with numbers or combo names

What to do:

• Point at the menu item and say: “이거 주세요” (I-geo ju-se-yo) – “I’d like this, please”
• If you’re unsure, ask: “추천해 주세요” (Chu-cheon-hae ju-se-yo) – “Please recommend something”

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📞 Step 2: Placing Your Order

Once you’ve chosen your dish:

• Call the server with “저기요!” (Jeo-gi-yo!) – “Excuse me!”
• Use your finger to point or read off the name from the menu

Basic order phrases:

• “OO 하나 주세요” (OO ha-na ju-se-yo) – “One [dish name], please”
• “두 개 주세요” (Du-gae ju-se-yo) – “Two, please”

Pro tip: Practice saying one or two dishes from the menu out loud before ordering!

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🍽️ Step 3: Asking for Things During the Meal

Servers won’t interrupt you often, so if you need something, call them politely:

• “물 주세요” (Mul ju-se-yo): Water, please
• “반찬 더 주세요” (Ban-chan deo ju-se-yo): More side dishes, please
• “덜 맵게 해주세요” (Deol maep-gae hae-ju-se-yo): Please make it less spicy

Some restaurants have buttons on the table to call the server — press it once and wait!

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💡 Step 4: Paying for Your Meal

• At most Korean restaurants, go to the counter to pay — they won’t bring the bill to the table
• You can say: “계산이요” (Gye-san i-yo) – “I’d like to pay”
• No tipping required — it’s not expected in Korea

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📱 Helpful Apps

• Papago: Real-time translation app with text and voice features
• Google Translate: Use the camera to read Hangul
• Naver Dictionary: Great for finding food terms quickly

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💬 Final Thoughts

Ordering in Korean restaurants is easier than you think — and locals are often happy to help if you try. With these phrases and tips, you’ll be able to enjoy every Korean meal with confidence and curiosity.

Next up: Understanding Korean food categories — from soups and grilled meats to jjigae and jeon. Stay tuned!