Dining Etiquette

Dining etiquette refers to the customs and manners people follow while eating.

In Korea:

Dining is not only about eating.

It is also about:

Meals play an important role in Korean life.

Many friendships and business relationships develop during meals.

In Korea:

People often wait until everyone is served.

Especially:

When dining with older people.

Traditionally:

Older people start eating first.

Others often follow.

Many Korean meals are designed for sharing.

Examples:

One of the biggest surprises for foreigners.

Restaurants often provide:

called:

Side dishes

Many restaurants offer free refills.

Foreigners are often surprised by this.

Korean dining usually includes:

🥢 Metal chopsticks

🥄 Spoon

Both are commonly used.

There are several dining customs involving chopsticks in Korea.

Avoid:

These actions may be considered impolite.

Korean BBQ is one of Korea's most famous dining experiences.

People often:

Some restaurants require:

Look for signs saying:

Self-service

In Korea:

It is normal to call staff.

Example:

Excuse me!

Foreigners are often surprised.

Many Korean restaurants have call buttons on the table.

Customers can press the button when they need service.

This helps provide faster service.

Foreign visitors are often surprised by this feature.

Usually:

People pay at the counter.

Not always at the table.

16 Useful Korean Phrases

Excuse me!

Please give me some water.

I'd like to pay.

It's delicious.

Thank you.

Meals are often considered social events.

People often:

Many Korean meals involve sharing food.

People may share:

This can be surprising for visitors from other countries.

Many foreigners are surprised by:

Enter restaurant

↓

Sit down

↓

Order food

↓

Call staff if needed

↓

Enjoy meal

↓

Pay at counter

Korean BBQ

↓

Cook meat together

↓

Share dishes

↓

Enjoy group meal

In many countries:

People wait quietly for service.

In Korea:

Calling staff is normal.