How to Order Food in Korea: Restaurant, Kiosk and Payment Guide for Tourists

 

A foreign traveler ordering food in Korea using a restaurant kiosk, with menu photos, card payment, and Korean food in the background

In Korea, the hardest part of eating out is often not the food. It is figuring out how to order.

Most Korean restaurants follow one of four ordering systems: staff order, kiosk order, table tablet order, or counter-first payment.

Once you understand the system, ordering food in Korea becomes much easier, even if you do not speak Korean.

This guide explains how to order food in Korea at local restaurants, kiosks, table tablets, counters, and self-service places.




How Ordering Food in Korea Works

Korean restaurants do not all work the same way.

In one place, you may sit down first and order from staff. In another place, you may need to order at a kiosk before sitting. Some restaurants use table tablets, and some cafes or casual restaurants ask you to pay first at the counter.

The important thing is to look for the ordering system before you panic. Check the entrance, counter, table, and menu area. The restaurant usually gives clues.

  • ✓ If there is a kiosk near the entrance, order there first.
  • ✓ If staff gives you a menu at the table, order from staff.
  • ✓ If there is a tablet on the table, order from the tablet.
  • ✓ If there is a counter menu, order and pay at the counter.

Travel note: When you are not sure, watch what local customers do for a few seconds. In Korea, the ordering flow is often easier to understand by looking around first.


Quick Guide: What to Do First

Use this quick guide when you walk into a Korean restaurant, cafe, or casual food place.

  • ✓ Check if there is a kiosk.
  • ✓ Look for an English button or flag icon.
  • ✓ Choose dine-in or takeout if the screen asks.
  • ✓ Order first if it is counter service.
  • ✓ Sit first if it is table service.
  • ✓ Check if water, side dishes, and utensils are self-service.
  • ✓ Pay by card unless the place is cash-only.
  • ✓ Tipping is not expected in most Korean restaurants.

Food and travel map: Find useful Seoul spots before choosing where to eat.

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Korea food ordering infographic for tourists showing staff orders, kiosks, table tablets, payment, self-service water, and useful Korean phrases


1. Ordering from Staff at Local Restaurants

Many local Korean restaurants still use staff ordering.

You sit down, check the menu, and order when the staff comes to your table. In some restaurants, staff may wait for you to call them when you are ready.

Look for a small call bell on the table. If there is one, press it when you want to order or ask for help. If there is no call bell, you can raise your hand slightly or say “jeogiyo” to get attention.

  • ✓ Sit down first if the restaurant has table service.
  • ✓ Check if the menu has photos.
  • ✓ Point to the menu if you do not know the Korean name.
  • ✓ Use a translation app for handwritten or Korean-only menus.

Pointing at a menu photo is completely normal for travelers. You do not need to speak perfect Korean to order a bowl of noodles, a stew, barbecue, or fried chicken.


2. Using Korean Restaurant Kiosks

Kiosks are common in fast food restaurants, cafes, casual chains, and some busy food places in Korea.

The first thing to look for is an English button or a flag icon. Not every kiosk has English, but many tourist-area kiosks do.

The basic flow is usually simple: choose dine-in or takeout, select your menu, choose options, pay, and wait for your order number.

  • ✓ Look for English, ENG, or a flag icon.
  • ✓ Choose dine-in or takeout.
  • ✓ Select the food and options.
  • ✓ Pay by card if the kiosk accepts it.
  • ✓ Keep the receipt or remember your order number.
  • ✓ Pick up your food when your number appears or is called.

If the kiosk is too confusing, check whether staff can help. In small restaurants, there may be no English screen. In that case, a translation app or menu photo can save time.


3. Ordering from Table Tablets

Some Korean restaurants use tablets placed on each table.

This is common in some barbecue restaurants, pubs, casual chains, and places where customers may order more food or drinks during the meal.

With a table tablet, you usually choose your food on the screen and send the order directly to the kitchen. You can often order extra meat, drinks, side menus, or desserts without calling staff.

  • ✓ Check if the tablet has an English option.
  • ✓ Select your menu items on the screen.
  • ✓ Confirm the order before sending it.
  • ✓ Use the call button if you need staff help.
  • ✓ Pay at the counter when you finish, unless the restaurant says otherwise.

If there is no paper menu and nobody comes to take your order, check the table first. The ordering system may already be sitting in front of you.


4. Paying at Korean Restaurants

Payment in Korea is usually simple, but the timing can be different by restaurant.

Some places ask you to pay before eating. This is common at counters, kiosks, cafes, fast food restaurants, food courts, and casual restaurants.

Other restaurants let you eat first and pay at the counter when you leave. In many Korean restaurants, you do not wait for a bill at the table. You go to the cashier or counter to pay.

VisitKorea explains that most places in Korea accept credit cards, including small purchases, except for some small family-run businesses. Still, it is smart to carry a small amount of cash for traditional markets, street food, older restaurants, or places where foreign cards may not work.

  • ✓ Card payment is common in Korea.
  • ✓ Some small places may prefer cash.
  • ✓ Kiosks may not always accept every foreign card.
  • ✓ Many restaurants expect you to pay at the counter.
  • ✓ Tipping is not expected in most Korean restaurants.

Payment tip: Keep one backup payment option. A foreign card, small cash, and a phone with internet access can prevent problems at kiosks or small restaurants.


5. Self-Service Water, Side Dishes and Utensils

Self-service is common in many Korean restaurants.

Water, cups, spoons, chopsticks, napkins, plates, and side dish refills may be placed at a self-service station. In casual restaurants, you may also need to return your tray after eating.

If staff does not bring water or utensils, look around before asking. There may be a water dispenser, utensil box, or self-service corner nearby.

  • ✓ Water may be self-service.
  • ✓ Spoons and chopsticks may be in a table drawer.
  • ✓ Side dish refills may be self-service or staff-served.
  • ✓ Some restaurants have a tray return area.
  • ✓ Do not take too much from a self-service side dish bar if you cannot finish it.

This part surprises many first-time visitors. The food may arrive fast, but water or utensils may be something you get yourself.


6. Simple Korean Phrases for Ordering Food

You do not need many Korean phrases to order food, but a few short ones help.

Use these phrases with pointing, menu photos, and a translation app. Keep your voice polite and simple.

  • ✓ Igeo hana juseyo: One of this, please.
  • ✓ Pojanghae juseyo: Please make it takeout.
  • ✓ Meokgo galgeyo: I will eat here.
  • ✓ Gyesanhalgeyo: I would like to pay.
  • ✓ Mul eodi isseoyo?: Where is the water?
  • ✓ Yeongeo menyu isseoyo?: Do you have an English menu?

If pronunciation feels difficult, show the phrase on your phone. Many restaurant staff are used to tourists doing this in busy areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Seoul Station, and Gangnam.


FAQ

How do I order food in Korea if I do not speak Korean?

Use menu photos, point to the item you want, look for English on kiosks, and use a translation app. Many restaurants in tourist areas are used to non-Korean-speaking visitors.

Do Korean restaurant kiosks have English?

Some Korean restaurant kiosks have English, but not all of them. Look for an English button, ENG label, or flag icon before ordering.

Can I pay by card at Korean restaurants?

Yes, card payment is common in Korea. VisitKorea says most places accept credit cards, except for some small family-run businesses.

Do I need cash for food in Korea?

You do not need cash for every meal, but carrying small cash is useful for traditional markets, street food, some older restaurants, and places where foreign cards may not work.

Do I tip at restaurants in Korea?

No, tipping is not expected in most Korean restaurants. Pay the listed price unless the restaurant has a special service charge or policy.

What does dine-in and takeout mean on Korean kiosks?

Dine-in means you will eat inside the restaurant. Takeout means you want the food packed to go.

How do I ask for water in a Korean restaurant?

You can ask “Mul eodi isseoyo?” which means “Where is the water?” In many casual restaurants, water is self-service.

What should I do if I cannot understand the menu?

Use a translation app, look for photos, point to another table’s dish politely, or ask if there is an English menu. If the kiosk is confusing, check whether staff can help.

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