Korean restaurants offer a refreshingly straightforward dining experience with no tipping required, free water and side dishes with unlimited refills, efficient call button service systems, and welcoming attitudes toward foreign visitors.
One of the biggest culture shocks when traveling abroad? Figuring out restaurant customs. Should you tip? How much? Will they charge for water? Can you really ask for more side dishes? If you're planning a trip to Korea and these questions are stressing you out, I have fantastic news: Korean dining culture is surprisingly straightforward—and incredibly generous.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about eating at Korean restaurants so you can enjoy your meals without awkward moments or confusion.
The Beautiful Truth: No Tipping Required
Let's start with the question I know is on your mind: Do you tip in Korea?
The answer is simple: No.
Korea has no tipping culture. Zero. None. The price you see on the menu is exactly what you pay. Service charges and taxes are already included, so there's no mental math required when the bill comes. This isn't just a casual custom—it's actually regulated by law. Korean restaurants must display final prices that include all charges, meaning surprise fees simply don't exist.
For those of us coming from countries where tipping is expected, this takes some adjustment. You might feel awkward walking out without leaving anything extra, especially after receiving excellent service. But trust me—you're not being rude. Korean service staff receive proper wages from their employers and don't depend on tips for income. Good service is considered a standard part of the job, not something requiring extra payment.
In fact, attempting to tip can sometimes create confusion or embarrassment. Restaurant staff might not understand what you're trying to do or might feel uncomfortable accepting money beyond the bill amount. A warm smile, a hearty "thank you" (or "gamsahamnida" in Korean), and a slight bow as you leave express your appreciation far better than cash ever could.
There are rare exceptions—high-end international hotels, private tour guides who work frequently with foreign tourists, or valet parking services might accept tips if offered. But in your average Korean restaurant, café, or street food stall? Keep your money in your wallet and simply enjoy the meal.
Free Water, Free Side Dishes: Korea's Generous Dining Culture
Here's where Korean restaurants really shine: the complimentary offerings.
Water Is Always Free (And Usually Self-Service)
Walk into any Korean restaurant and you'll notice something missing from your table: water glasses. Don't panic—water is absolutely free, but in most casual restaurants, it's self-service.
Look around the dining area and you'll typically spot a water cooler or water dispenser somewhere along the wall. It usually has disposable cups stacked nearby, though some restaurants provide reusable glasses. Simply walk over, fill your cup, and return to your table. No one will judge you for making multiple trips or refilling throughout your meal.
In more upscale restaurants or traditional establishments, staff might bring water to your table automatically. But in casual spots—which make up the majority of Korean dining—self-service is the norm. This isn't about cheap service; it's simply how things work, and locals do the same thing without a second thought.
Pro tip: Koreans typically don't drink much water during meals. You'll notice locals barely touching their water cups until the end of the meal. This is normal cultural practice, but if you're thirsty (especially after spicy food), drink as much as you need. Nobody will find it strange.
Banchan: The Side Dish Paradise
Now let's talk about one of the absolute best parts of Korean dining: banchan (side dishes).
When you sit down at a Korean restaurant and order your main dish, don't be surprised when the table suddenly fills with numerous small plates. These aren't appetizers you ordered by mistake—they're banchan, complimentary side dishes that accompany every Korean meal. You might see kimchi, pickled radish, seasoned spinach, fish cakes, bean sprouts, or any number of other dishes depending on the restaurant.
Here's the magical part: these side dishes are completely free and unlimited. If you finish a dish you particularly enjoy, you can ask for more. Just catch a server's attention (more on how to do that in a moment) and point to the empty dish. They'll happily refill it at no charge.
Some restaurants, especially casual spots and buffet-style places, even have self-serve banchan stations. You'll see a dedicated area with various side dishes where you can help yourself to whatever you want, as many times as you want. This is particularly common for popular items like kimchi and pickled radish.
A few important notes about banchan etiquette:
- Banchan are meant to be shared by everyone at the table, not individual servings
- Don't feel obligated to finish every single side dish—it's fine to leave what you don't want
- Very high-end restaurants might charge for additional banchan beyond the initial serving, but this is rare and they'll tell you upfront
- Don't be shy about asking for more of your favorites—it's completely normal and expected
Free WiFi (Usually)
While we're talking about complimentary offerings, most Korean restaurants also provide free WiFi. Look for a sign on the wall or table with the network name and password, or simply ask the staff. In a country with excellent internet infrastructure, staying connected during your meal is just part of the experience.
The Magic Button: How to Get Service
Coming from countries where you wave your hand or make eye contact to get a server's attention, the Korean system might seem strange at first. But once you understand it, you'll love how efficient it is.
Look for the Call Button
Most Korean restaurants—from casual eateries to mid-range establishments—have a call button at each table. It's usually a small button-like device placed at the corner of the table, sometimes under the table edge, or occasionally attached to the wall nearby. The button might say "호출" (ho-chul, which means "call") in Korean, or simply show a bell icon.
When you need service—to order, ask for more side dishes, request the check, or get help with anything—just press this button. It sends a signal to the staff, and someone will come to your table shortly. Some fancier systems even display which table number called, making service incredibly efficient.
The beauty of this system is that you're never frantically waving your hands trying to catch a busy server's eye. Press the button, relax, and someone will arrive. It eliminates the awkwardness of feeling ignored or interrupting staff who are helping other tables.
When There's No Button
Not all restaurants have call buttons, especially older establishments or very casual spots. In these cases, you'll need to verbally call for service. Don't be shy—raise your hand slightly and say "jeogiyo" (저기요), which means "excuse me" in Korean. You'll need to speak up a bit—Korean restaurants can be noisy and bustling, and a quiet whisper won't cut it.
This might feel rude if you're from a culture that values quiet restaurant behavior, but in Korea, it's perfectly normal and expected. Servers won't think you're being impolite; they're waiting for you to call them. Be confident, speak clearly, and they'll come right over.
Payment: A Different System Than You're Used To
In most countries, the server brings your bill to the table, you hand them your card, and they process it somewhere out of sight. Korea does things differently, and understanding this prevents confusion at the end of your meal.
Pay at the Front
In the vast majority of Korean restaurants, you don't pay at your table. Instead, when you're ready to leave, you take the bill (which has been sitting at your table or on the edge of the grill, sometimes even magnetically attached to the ventilation hood at BBQ restaurants) and walk to the cashier or front counter to pay.
Simply pick up the check, head to the entrance where you came in, and you'll typically find a payment counter there. Hand them your bill, pay with cash or card, and you're done. The Korean phrase for this is "gyesan-halgeyo" (계산할게요), which means "I'll pay now," though at tourist-friendly restaurants, simply saying "check please" or gesturing with your card usually works fine.
Both cash and credit cards are widely accepted in Korea. The country is essentially cashless, with card readers everywhere. However, traditional markets, street food vendors, and very small local restaurants might prefer cash, so it's wise to carry some Korean won just in case.
When the Server Comes to You
High-end restaurants, Western chain restaurants, and upscale hotel dining rooms might have staff come to your table to process payment, similar to what you're used to at home. But this is the exception, not the rule. When in doubt, wait to see if a server brings the check, or take the bill sitting on your table and head to the front.
Table Etiquette: A Few Important Rules
Korean dining comes with some etiquette rules rooted in Confucian traditions. You don't need to master everything perfectly as a tourist, but knowing the basics shows respect and helps you avoid unintentional rudeness.
Finding Your Utensils
Here's something that confuses many first-time visitors: you sit down at your table and there are no utensils. Where are the chopsticks and spoons?
Look under or beside your table for a small drawer or shelf. Most modern Korean restaurants store chopsticks (jeotgarak) and spoons (sutgarak) in these drawers to keep them clean between guests. Simply pull open the drawer, take out what you need, and close it. You might also find napkins in the same spot.
If you're dining with Korean friends or colleagues and you're the youngest at the table, it's considered polite to take out the utensils and distribute them to everyone. Same with pouring water—small gestures of consideration go a long way in Korean culture.
Wait for Elders to Start
If you're dining with Koreans, particularly in a business or formal setting, there's an important rule: wait for the oldest person at the table to pick up their utensils and take the first bite before you start eating. This shows respect for hierarchy and age, values deeply embedded in Korean culture.
Once the eldest person starts, everyone else can begin. In casual situations with friends of similar ages, this rule relaxes considerably, but it's still good practice to be aware of it.
Never Stick Your Utensils Upright in Rice
This is a serious taboo. In Korean ancestral rites and funeral customs, rice bowls with chopsticks or spoons stuck vertically into them are offerings for the deceased. Doing this during a regular meal is considered extremely bad luck and disrespectful, essentially suggesting someone at the table should die.
Always lay your utensils on the table, rest them on a utensil rest if provided, or place them on the edge of your bowl—just never stick them upright in your rice.
Other Quick Etiquette Tips
- Don't hold your rice bowl up to your face while eating (unlike in some Asian cultures). In Korea, bowls stay on the table
- Don't use your spoon and chopsticks at the same time—switch between them as needed
- Avoid making loud noises while eating or banging your utensils against dishes
- Don't pick through communal dishes searching for the best pieces—take what's nearest to you
- It's polite to place a napkin on the table and set your utensils on it before eating, showing consideration for cleanliness
Sharing Is Caring: Korean Communal Dining
One aspect of Korean dining that surprises many Western visitors is the emphasis on sharing. While you might be used to ordering individual meals, Korean culture centers around communal eating.
Many main dishes are designed to be shared—think Korean BBQ platters, stews served in large pots, or hot pot meals. Even the side dishes are placed in the center of the table for everyone to eat from. It's common to see multiple people's chopsticks going into the same dish, something that might feel unusual if you're used to more individualized dining.
If you're uncomfortable with this level of sharing (perhaps for hygiene reasons), it's perfectly acceptable to ask for an extra small plate called "ap-jeob-shi" (앞접시). Use this to take portions from the communal dishes before eating, and most Koreans will understand and respect your preference.
The sharing culture extends beyond just Korean restaurants too. Even when eating Western food like pasta or pizza with Korean friends, everything typically gets placed in the center of the table for everyone to share rather than each person ordering their own individual dish.
Special Situations and Helpful Phrases
Cooking Your Own Food
At Korean BBQ restaurants or some stew places, you'll often cook your own food at the table. If you've never done this before, don't panic. The staff are incredibly helpful and will often come over to show you how or even cook the first round for you. Just ask for help—they're used to tourists needing guidance and are always happy to assist.
When You Don't Speak Korean
Most restaurant menus include pictures, and many in tourist areas have English translations. If you're at a local spot without English, your magic phrase is "i-geo-ju-se-yo" (이거 주세요), which means "this one, please." Point at the picture or menu item you want, say this phrase, and smile. It works every time.
For dietary restrictions or allergies, having a translation card in Korean explaining your needs can be incredibly helpful. Show it to the staff before ordering.
Business Hours Can Be Tricky
Some Korean restaurants close for a break period between 2-3 PM and 5 PM, especially in business districts. Always check the hours on Naver Map or Google Maps before heading out for a late lunch or early dinner to avoid disappointment.
Why Korean Restaurant Culture Is Actually Amazing
Once you understand these customs, you'll realize Korean dining culture is wonderfully generous and efficient. Free water, unlimited side dishes, no tipping stress, and call buttons that ensure you get attention when you need it—what's not to love?
The system might feel unfamiliar at first, but it's designed for comfort and efficiency. You never feel ignored (thanks to call buttons), you never worry about hidden costs (no tipping), and you can eat as much as you want of the side dishes you love (free refills).
Korean restaurants also tend to be incredibly accommodating to foreigners. Staff in tourist areas often speak at least basic English, and even in local neighborhoods, people go out of their way to help visitors navigate the menu and customs. Koreans are genuinely pleased when foreigners show interest in their food culture, and a bit of effort on your part goes a long way.
So walk into that Korean restaurant with confidence. Press the call button without hesitation, help yourself to water, ask for more kimchi when you finish it, and walk up to the counter to pay when you're done. Don't worry about tipping or complicated calculations—just enjoy the incredible food and warm hospitality.
And when you leave, a genuine smile and a "gamsahamnida" (thank you) will show your appreciation far better than any tip ever could. Happy eating!
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