Korean Food Guide for Foreigners

Restaurant Basics & Etiquette

Korean restaurants operate differently from what most foreigners are used to. Understanding these basics will make your dining experience much smoother:

• Free side dishes (반찬 / banchan): Every Korean restaurant serves complimentary side dishes with your meal -- kimchi (김치), pickled radish (단무지), bean sprouts (콩나물), and more. These are free and refillable. Just ask: "반찬 더 주세요" (banchan deo juseyo = more side dishes please).
• Water is self-service: Most restaurants have a water dispenser (정수기) or water pitcher area. Water, chopsticks, and spoons are typically self-service. Look for a dispenser near the entrance or side of the restaurant.
• Call button or "여기요!": Many restaurants have a buzzer button (호출벨) on the table to call staff. If there is no button, simply call out "여기요!" (yogiyo = over here!) or raise your hand. This is perfectly polite in Korea.
• Shoes off (sometimes): Traditional restaurants with floor seating (좌식) require you to remove your shoes. Look for a shoe rack or step up at the entrance to the seating area.
• No tipping: Do NOT tip. It is not customary and can cause confusion. The price on the menu is the total price including tax.
• Payment: Pay at the counter (계산대) when leaving, not at the table. Most places accept credit/debit cards. Cash is rarely needed except at very small traditional eateries or street food vendors.

How to Order

There are several ordering methods in Korean restaurants, and they vary by establishment:

• Call the server: Say "여기요!" (yogiyo) or press the table buzzer (호출벨). Point at the menu item you want and say "이거 주세요" (igeo juseyo = this one please). Add "하나" (hana = one), "둘" (dul = two), or show fingers for quantity.
• Kiosk ordering (키오스크): Increasingly common at chain restaurants, fast food, and cafes. Touch-screen machines at the entrance where you select, pay, and get a number. Some have English options -- look for a flag icon or "English" button.
• Tablet ordering (태블릿 주문): Some restaurants have tablets at each table. Browse the menu, select items, and submit your order digitally. Popular at BBQ and izakaya-style restaurants.
• Useful ordering phrases: "메뉴판 주세요" (menupan juseyo = menu please), "추천 메뉴 뭐예요?" (chucheon menu mwoyeyo = what do you recommend?), "안 맵게 해주세요" (an maepge haejuseyo = not spicy please), "계산이요" (gyesaniyo = check please).

Must-Try Korean Dishes & Prices (2026)

These are the essential Korean dishes every foreigner should try. Prices are typical ranges for Seoul and may be lower in other cities. Use our Grocery Calculator to compare eating out vs cooking at home.

Street Food Guide

Korean street food (길거리 음식) is legendary. You will find food stalls (포장마차) at markets, outside subway stations, and in popular areas. Most items cost ₩1,000-5,000 and are paid in cash.

• Eomuk / Odeng (어묵/오뎅): Fish cake skewers in warm broth, ₩1,000-2,000 per skewer. A perfect winter snack. You drink the broth from cups at the stall.
• Hotteok (호떡): Sweet filled pancakes with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, ₩1,500-2,000. Best in winter from street vendors.
• Bungeoppang (붕어빵): Fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste (팥), ₩1,000-2,000 for 3-4 pieces. A beloved winter street snack.
• Tteokbokki (떡볶이): The street food version -- spicier and cheaper than restaurant versions, ₩3,000-4,000 per serving.
• Tornado potato (회오리감자): Spiral-cut potato on a stick, deep-fried, ₩3,000-4,000. Popular at markets and festivals.
• Sundae (순대): Korean blood sausage stuffed with glass noodles. Often served with tteokbokki. ₩3,000-4,000 per serving.

Best street food spots: Gwangjang Market (광장시장), Myeongdong (명동), Hongdae (홍대), Namdaemun Market (남대문시장), and any traditional market (전통시장) in your neighborhood.

Delivery Apps (배달앱)

Korea has one of the most advanced food delivery systems in the world. You can get almost anything delivered to your door in 30-60 minutes, including convenience store items.

• Baemin / 배달의민족: The largest delivery platform. Huge restaurant selection, regular discounts and coupons. The app has limited English but is navigable with pictures. Delivery fee: ₩0-4,000.
• Coupang Eats (쿠팡이츠): Coupang's food delivery service. Clean interface, competitive pricing, and integration with Coupang membership (로켓와우). Often offers free delivery promotions.
• Yogiyo (요기요): Another major delivery platform with a wide selection. Frequently offers discount coupons. Similar to Baemin in functionality.

Tip: Delivery minimums are typically ₩10,000-15,000. Delivery fees range from free to ₩4,000. Late-night delivery (야간 배달) after 12 AM may have higher fees. Most delivery drivers will bring the food directly to your door -- leave detailed address notes including apartment building number and unit.

Convenience Store Food (편의점)

Korean convenience stores (편의점) -- CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and emart24 -- are a budget-friendly meal option with surprisingly good food. They are open 24/7 and found on virtually every block.

• Triangle gimbap (삼각김밥): ₩1,200-1,800. Rice triangles with various fillings (tuna mayo, kimchi, bulgogi). The ultimate quick Korean snack.
• Dosirak / lunchbox (도시락): ₩3,500-5,500. Full meal boxes with rice, meat, and side dishes. Microwave at the store. Quality rivals fast food restaurants.
• Cup ramyeon (컵라면): ₩1,200-2,000. Hot water dispensers are available at all convenience stores. Some stores have seating areas for eating.
• Sandwiches and wraps: ₩2,500-4,000. Fresh sandwiches are restocked daily and are a solid breakfast option.
• Frozen meals: ₩2,500-4,500. Frozen dumplings (만두), fried rice (볶음밥), and pasta that you microwave at the store.

Money-saving tip:Convenience stores run "1+1" (buy one get one free) and "2+1" promotions constantly. Check the promotional tags on products. The CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven apps show current deals.

Dietary Restrictions

Korea is not the easiest country for dietary restrictions, but options are improving, especially in Seoul:

• Vegetarian (채식): Challenging but possible. Many soups use anchovy or beef stock even if they appear vegetable-based. Temple food restaurants (사찰음식) are fully plant-based. Bibimbap without egg is a safe option at most restaurants. Say "고기 빼주세요" (no meat please) and "해산물도 빼주세요" (no seafood either).
• Vegan (비건): More difficult but growing. Seoul has a growing number of dedicated vegan restaurants and cafes, especially in Itaewon, Gangnam, and Hapjeong areas. The app HappyCow is your best resource.
• Halal (할랄): Halal-certified restaurants are concentrated in Itaewon's Muslim quarter near Seoul Central Mosque (서울중앙성원). The Korea Tourism Organization maintains a list of halal-certified restaurants. Some Korean fried chicken chains are halal-certified at specific locations.
• Gluten-free: Korean cuisine naturally includes many gluten-free options since rice (not wheat) is the staple. However, soy sauce (간장) contains wheat, and many sauces and marinades include it. Stick to grilled meats, rice, and fresh vegetables. Ask for dishes without soy sauce: "간장 빼주세요" (ganjang bbae juseyo).

Use our Tip Calculator for reference when traveling to other countries -- but remember, you never need it in Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions