How to Behave in a Korean Restaurant: Dining Rules and Tips for Travelers

Did you know that in South Korea, pouring your own drink can be seen as bad manners? Dining out in Korea is more than just enjoying delicious barbecue or kimchi stew—it’s also about showing respect and understanding local customs. For travelers, knowing how to behave in a Korean restaurant helps you avoid awkward moments and makes your dining experience more enjoyable. Whether you’re trying street food in Seoul or sitting down for a traditional meal in Busan, following a few simple dining etiquette rules can go a long way.

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea or already have your tickets booked, this guide will help you navigate Korean restaurant etiquette like a local. Let’s break it down into easy-to-follow tips!

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✅ Before You Enter: Know What to Expect

Here are some things to keep in mind even before you sit down:

Step	What to Do
1	Wait to Be Seated – In many restaurants, the staff will guide you to a table. Don’t just pick a spot.
2	Remove Your Shoes (if required) – Some traditional restaurants have floor seating, so be ready to take off your shoes.
3	Look Around – Observe how others are behaving. If it’s your first time, don’t be afraid to follow their lead.

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🪑 Seating Etiquette: Respect Comes First

In Korean culture, hierarchy is important—even at the table. Here’s how to seat yourself properly:

• Wait for the elders to sit first if you’re dining with locals.
  
  

• Let older people or hosts choose their seats before you do.
  
  

• In traditional restaurants, sit cross-legged on the floor if there are no chairs.
  
  

• Always wait for someone older or higher in status to begin eating or drinking before you start.
  
  

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🍚 Dining Etiquette: What to Do (and Avoid) at the Table

Here’s a checklist to help you keep your dining manners in check:

✅ What to Do

• Use both hands when passing or receiving dishes, especially alcohol.
  
  

• Use your spoon for rice and soup, and chopsticks for side dishes.
  
  

• Take small portions of side dishes (called banchan). These are for everyone.
  
  

• Hold your cup with both hands when someone pours you a drink.
  
  

• Say “Jal meokgesseumnida” (잘 먹겠습니다) before you eat. It means, "I will eat well" and shows gratitude.
  
  

❌ What Not to Do

• Don’t stick chopsticks upright into your rice. It looks like a funeral ritual.
  
  

• Don’t eat before the eldest person starts eating.
  
  

• Don’t blow your nose at the table. Step away if needed.
  
  

• Don’t lift bowls off the table—keep them where they are.
  
  

• Don’t reach across the table; ask someone to pass what you need.
  
  

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🥢 Utensils Guide: Chopsticks and Spoons

Confused about how and when to use chopsticks? Here’s a simple guide:

Utensil	Use it for...	Tip
Chopsticks	Side dishes, meat, vegetables	Don’t point or wave with them
Spoon	Rice, soup, stews	Rest on the table, not in the bowl
Serving Spoons/Chopsticks	Shared dishes	Use them if available instead of your personal ones

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🍶 Drinking Rules: Respect with Every Sip

Drinking alcohol is common during meals in South Korea, especially at BBQ places. Here’s how to do it right:

• Never pour your own drink. Let others do it for you.
  
  

• Pour for others with both hands, especially elders.
  
  

• When drinking with someone older, turn your head slightly to the side out of respect.
  
  

• When someone offers you a drink, hold your glass with both hands while receiving it.
  
  

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💰 Payment and Tipping: What You Need to Know

You might be wondering who pays or whether you should leave a tip. Here’s what usually happens:

• One person usually pays the entire bill, especially in a group setting.
  
  

• If you’re with locals, let the eldest or the host offer to pay, but you can politely offer to help.
  
  

• Tipping is not expected in most Korean restaurants. In fact, it might be refused.
  
  

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💡 Quick Tips for Dining in Korea

Here’s a super helpful cheat sheet for first-timers:

Situation	What to Remember
Ordering food	Most menus have pictures or English translations, especially in tourist areas
Asking for water	Water is usually free—just say “Mul juseyo” (물 주세요)
Need more side dishes?	Ask for refills—they’re usually free! Say “Banchan deo juseyo” (반찬 더 주세요)
Finishing up	Don’t linger too long after finishing your food during busy hours

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📌 Summary: Korean Restaurant Etiquette at a Glance

Do's	Don'ts
Wait for elders to start	Don’t stick chopsticks into rice
Use both hands for pouring/receiving	Don’t eat too fast or too loud
Use correct utensils for each dish	Don’t blow your nose at the table
Say thank you before and after eating	Don’t lift bowls from the table
Offer to help with the bill	Don’t tip unless in high-end or foreign-owned restaurants

Ready to Eat Like a Local?

Now that you know how to behave in a Korean restaurant, you're all set to enjoy your meals with confidence and respect. These simple dining tips will not only help you avoid misunderstandings but also make your experience more authentic and enjoyable.

Save this guide for later, share it with your travel buddies, or send it to someone heading to South Korea soon! If you need help planning your food adventures or want custom travel tips, we’re here to help!