Korean Dining Etiquette – Do’s and Don’ts at a Restaurant

Introduction

Korean dining culture is unique and deeply rooted in tradition. If you're visiting Korea or dining with Korean friends, knowing the basic etiquette can help you avoid awkward moments and fully enjoy your meal. Here’s a guide to essential Korean dining manners!

1. Before Eating – Table Manners

✅ Wait for the Elders – In Korea, it's polite to wait for the eldest person at the table to start eating first.
✅ Use Both Hands When Receiving – If someone offers you a dish or drink, accept it with both hands as a sign of respect.
✅ Say '잘 먹겠습니다' (Jal meokgetseumnida) – This phrase means "I will eat well" and is commonly said before starting a meal.

📌 Tip: Some restaurants provide free side dishes (banchan, 반찬), and you can ask for refills at no extra cost! In Korea, it's common to share dishes, so if you order multiple items, they are typically placed in the center for everyone to share. You can ask for small individual plates (앞접시, apjeopsi) to divide the food, and use shared tongs or chopsticks to take portions.

2. While Eating – Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Use Chopsticks Properly – Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in your rice, as it resembles a funeral ritual.
✅ Sharing is Caring – Many Korean dishes are served family-style, so use the communal spoon or chopsticks provided.
✅ No Blowing Your Nose at the Table – This is considered rude in Korean culture.
✅ Don’t Lift Your Bowl – Unlike in some other Asian cultures, lifting your rice bowl while eating is uncommon in Korea.

📌 Tip: If you're dining with others, don’t start eating before everyone has been served! Unlike in Europe, additional side dishes and water are provided for free, so don't hesitate to request them. However, in some restaurants labeled 'SELF,' you need to serve yourself for water and side dishes to help reduce labor costs.

3. Drinking Etiquette

✅ Pour Drinks for Others – When drinking soju or beer, it’s polite to pour drinks for others rather than yourself.
✅ Turn Away When Drinking – When drinking alcohol with elders, turn your head slightly away as a sign of respect.
✅ Use Two Hands – When pouring or receiving a drink, always use both hands.

📌 Tip: If your glass is empty, a friend will likely refill it—so drink responsibly! It's also considered polite to prepare spoons and chopsticks for others at the table. Placing a napkin under the utensils before handing them over adds an extra touch of courtesy.

4. Paying for the Meal

✅ One Person Usually Pays – In Korea, it’s common for one person (often the eldest or the host) to pay for the entire meal.
✅ Take Turns Paying – Friends often take turns paying rather than splitting the bill.
✅ No Tipping Required – Unlike in many Western countries, tipping is not expected in Korea.

📌 Tip: If you want to contribute, you can offer to pay for coffee or dessert afterward! Also, when dining with older generations, you may hear them eating with noticeable slurping sounds. While this is normal for some, younger pes!**ople often find it unpleasant, so keeping eating sounds minimal is appreciated. On the other hand, finig all your food is no longer strictly necessary—overeating just to avoid waste might lead to unwanted weight gain, which could cost more in dieting later!

Conclusion

Understanding Korean dining etiquette will help you enjoy your meals without any awkward moments. Whether you're at a casual eatery or a formal dinner, following these basic rules will make your experience much more enjoyable.

📌 **Have you had any interesting experiences dining in Korea? Share your thoughts in the comments!