Restaurant in Korean

If you like to try different kinds of food and enjoy Asian food in particular, you’ll have a wonderful time in Korea. Perhaps you’re dining out with Korean family or friends closer to home. Either way - imagine the satisfaction of being able to order in a restaurant in Korean.

Are you vegetarian? Need more rice? Ready for the bill? No problem!

This Rocket Korean lesson will teach you the basics so you can get the most out of your experience, and impress your companions! Listen to the audio and practice saying these Korean words and phrases aloud. When you’re ready, why not try them out on the staff at a local Korean restaurant?

Did You Know?

Korea has its own dining etiquette, which may seem unique to Westerners. For example, it is perfectly acceptable and even considered appreciative of the meal to make slurping sounds when eating. On the other hand, beware of sticking your chopsticks upright into the rice – as this is considered a sign of death!

You can eat well in Korea on any budget. Street stalls sell freshly made cheap ganshik (snacks); small family-run restaurants offer full meals and side dishes, called banchan for just a few dollars.

Well, I’m starving! Bae gopayo! Can you recommend a good restaurant?

Pronunciation help for inside a restaurant in Korean...

Here are some common types of eating and drinking establishments in South Korea.

In traditional Korean restaurants you may find low tables and bangsuk (a floor cushion). You may want to make sure your socks don’t have any holes, as you’re required to remove your shoes in these restaurants!

When you’re ready to order, call for the waiter or waitress by saying Yugiyo.

The waiter or waitress will attend you politely and may ask one of the following questions…

Sometimes all they may ask is…

You could answer by saying one of these phrases…

Or, if you’re unsure what a certain dish is, you can ask…

Not sure what you feel like eating? Just ask the waiter what he recommends…

The majority of restaurants don’t indicate vegetarian food but there are always some dishes for vegetarians on the menu. Don’t hesitate to ask!

SOUP

Soup is always part of a traditional Korean meal. It can be served as a main dish, or if a small portion of light soup, it is served simultaneously with the rest of the dishes.

RICE

Bap (rice) is served separately in an individual bowl. Korean bap is slightly sticky, and is the most important part of the meal. Koreans add various ingredients to it like barley, millet, peas and beans.

MEAT

It is not easy to find vegetarian choices in Korea – as its food culture is based primarily on meat dishes. Here’s a list of the most common types of meat:

In order to get the dish you want simply say…

Once you’ve finished your meal you‘ll need to ask for the bill…

A service charge of 10% is normally added to the restaurant bill. Tipping is optional but appreciated. Lastly, if your meal was satisfying, you may want to thank the waiter or waitress.

That’s all for this lesson, enjoy your next Korean meal!

Here are a few recommended Korean lessonsto try next!

• There's lots of wonderful sights in Korea. Let's talk about sightseeing in Korean.
• All about the parts of the body in Korean.
• This lesson is all about using a computer in Korean.

Anyoung hee gaseyo!

Sujung Lee Rocket Korean