Korean for Travelers: 5 Must-Know Phrases for Restaurants
Korean restaurant phrases for travelers are essential if you want to order food like a local in Korea. Whether you’re at a traditional Korean restaurant or a modern eatery, knowing these Korean restaurant phrases for travelers will make your dining experience much smoother.
Why You Need Korean Restaurant Phrases for Travelers
If you’re traveling in Korea, eating at local restaurants is a must. However, it can feel intimidating when you don’t speak Korean and need to order food, ask for water, or pay your bill. That’s why these Korean restaurant phrases for travelers will help you navigate any menu and interact with staff confidently.
Each phrase includes:
- Hangul (Korean script)
- Romanized pronunciation
- English translation
Let’s get started!
1. Korean for Travelers: When You Want More Side Dishes
- 저기요, 반찬 더 주세요
- Jeo-gi-yo, banchan deo ju-se-yo
- Excuse me, please give me more side dishes.
At Korean restaurants, side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, or seasoned vegetables are usually refillable for free. If the server is far away, start your sentence with “저기요 (Excuse me).”
Cultural Tip:
Koreans often call male restaurant staff “사장님 (sajang-nim)” and female staff “이모 (imo),” which means “auntie.” These terms are not rude — they’re actually warm, familiar ways of addressing someone in Korean culture.
2. Korean for Travelers: When You’re Ready to Pay
In Korea, you usually pay at the counter instead of waiting for the check at your table. Simply walk up to the register and say “계산이요!” Even if no one is at the counter, someone will come help you right away. This one word is all you need — super useful for travelers!
3. Korean for Travelers: When You Need More Water
Water is usually free in Korean restaurants, but it’s not always served right away. If there’s no water at your table, just say this phrase politely. Some places are self-serve these days, but many still bring water when asked.
4. Korean for Travelers: If You Can’t Eat Spicy Food
- 안 맵게 해 주세요
- An maep-ge hae ju-se-yo
- Please make it not spicy.
Some Korean dishes look mild but turn out to be quite spicy! If you can’t handle heat, use this phrase when ordering. Most places can adjust the spice level if you ask nicely. Definitely a must-know phrase for eating out in Korea!
Coming soon: A full guide to spice levels in Korean food.
5. Korean for Travelers: When You Want to Order a Dish
- 김치찌개 하나 주세요
- Kimchi-jjigae ha-na ju-se-yo
- One kimchi stew, please.
The basic sentence structure is:
[Dish name] + [Quantity] + 주세요 (Please give me)
Examples:
비빔밥 하나 주세요 → One bibimbap, please
불고기 둘 주세요 → Two bulgogi, please
Don’t worry if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. Most restaurant staff are used to hearing different accents and will understand you just fine.
Popular spots may have English-speaking staff, but at older or more traditional restaurants, these phrases really help!
Your Korean Survival Phrases for Restaurants
| Hangul (Korean script) | Romanized pronunciation | English translation |
| 사장님, 반찬 더 주세요 | Sajang-nim, banchan deo juseyo | Please give me more side |
| 계산이요 | Gyesan-i-yo | Check, please. |
| 물 주세요 | Mul ju-se-yo | Please give me water. |
| 안 맵게 해 주세요 | An maep-ge hae ju-se-yo | Please make it not spicy. |
| 김치찌개 하나 주세요 | Kimchi-jjigae ha-na ju-se-yo | One kimchi stew, please. |
Final Words: Mastering Local Dining with Confidence
These five phrases are part of our “Korean for Travelers” series — short, practical language tips designed to help you navigate Korea like a local.
Ordering food is more than just a transaction — it’s an opportunity to connect with Korean culture. Even learning a few words can make your travel experience more meaningful and fun.
Now that you’ve learned these basic phrases, try using them at a Korean restaurant!
If you want to discover the best local spots and read real reviews, check out our Korean Restaurant Guide!
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