Hello, international students living in Korea, this is Vijob. 👋
Have you ever gone to a Korean restaurant and felt a little confused because the staff didn’t come to your table first, or because you weren’t sure whether to press the button on the table? You might also wonder whether you need to tip at cafes or restaurants.
Today, for those of you who want to adjust quickly to life in Korea, we’ll explain Korean restaurant and cafe culture in an easy-to-understand way.
Knowing just a few small differences can make mealtimes in Korea much more comfortable. Vijob will explain only the key points. ⬇️
🤔 Why do people press call buttons at Korean restaurants?
At Korean restaurants, it is common to call the staff by pressing the call button on the table.
If you are used to staff constantly checking tables and coming over to take orders, this may feel a little awkward at first. However, in Korea, it is completely normal for customers to press the button when they need something and call the staff.
When ordering: You can press the table button to call the staff.
When you have an additional request: If you need something, it is common to press the button and ask.
💧 Why do customers get their own water?
At Korean restaurants, it is common for water and cups to be prepared so that customers can pour water themselves.
At first, you might wait and think, “Aren’t the staff supposed to bring me water?” But if there is water and cups on the table or in one area of the restaurant, you can help yourself.
This self-service culture is something you will often see when using Korean restaurants, so there is no need to feel too worried about it.
🧼 What do wet wipes before a meal mean?
At Korean restaurants and cafes, you will often receive a wet wipe to clean your hands before buying something or eating.
You can think of it as a simple way to clean your hands before a meal. Sometimes, you may receive another wet wipe after the meal to use afterward.
It may be just one small wet wipe, but it is a familiar service culture often seen at Korean restaurants and cafes.
🍲 Do people share food in Korea?
At Korean restaurants, it is common to share some dishes with the people at your table.
When several people eat together, each person may order their own dish, but some menu items are placed in the center of the table and shared.
If it is your first time eating with others, it’s a good idea to naturally observe the atmosphere and follow along to see which foods are meant to be shared. Understanding this culture can help you feel much more comfortable when eating with Korean friends.
💸 Do you need to tip at Korean restaurants and cafes?
There is no tipping culture at Korean restaurants and cafes.
After finishing your meal at a restaurant, you usually go to the counter to pay before leaving, and at cafes, you usually pay right when you order. You do not need to worry about preparing a separate tip.
Restaurants: You often pay at the counter after your meal.
Cafes: It is common to pay when you order.
Tips: Tips are not expected at restaurants or cafes.
💬 Why do Korean friends ask, “Have you eaten?”
In Korea, food plays an important role in everyday conversation.
When Korean friends ask, “Have you eaten?” they are not simply checking whether you had a meal. It is also often used as a natural way to ask how you are. Also, the phrase “Let’s have a meal sometime” is often used as a way to suggest meeting up.
Understanding these expressions can make conversations with Korean friends feel much warmer.
✅ What should you remember when going to a Korean restaurant for the first time?
Korean restaurant and cafe culture is not difficult; the way things are done is just a little different. If you remember just a few points below, you can use them much more comfortably.
When calling the staff: If there is a call button on the table, you can press it.
When drinking water: In many cases, you use the prepared water and cups yourself.
Before eating: You can clean your hands with the wet wipe you receive.
Shared dishes: Some foods may be shared with the people at your table.
When paying: At restaurants, you often go to the counter and pay after your meal.
Tips: You do not need to give a separate tip.
Even cultures that feel unfamiliar at first will quickly become familiar after you experience them a few times. Once you know the small rules of Korean restaurants and cafes, life in Korea will become more comfortable and enjoyable.
Vijob will always support international students in their lives and challenges in Korea and be a reliable source of help. Keep checking out the essential Korean culture and daily life information you need in Korea, and enjoy your own colorful life in Korea to the fullest! 💙