✅ Introduction
Ordering food in a foreign country can feel intimidating, especially when the language is different. But in Korea, you don’t need to worry — most restaurants are friendly, many menus have photos, and there are simple phrases you can use to order like a local.
한국 여행 중 식당에서 음식을 주문하는 일은 낯설게 느껴질 수 있습니다. 하지만 한국은 사진 메뉴가 많고, 직원들도 친절하며, 초보 여행자가 쉽게 사용할 수 있는 간단한 표현만 알아도 충분히 주문할 수 있습니다.
This guide will help you confidently order food in Korea using easy English, basic Korean phrases, and practical travel tips. Perfect for beginners, first-time visitors, and solo travelers.
이 글은 한국에서 음식 주문할 때 사용할 기본 표현, 유용한 팁, 알레르기 확인 문장, 계산 방법 등을 체계적으로 안내합니다.
✅ Useful Phrases for Ordering Food in Korea
➖ 1. Entering the Restaurant
When you enter, staff may say “어서오세요!” (Welcome!).
You can respond with a smile and sit anywhere unless guided to a seat.
Useful phrases:
- “One person.” → 한 명이에요 (Han myeong-ieyo).
- “Two people.” → 두 명이에요 (Du myeong-ieyo).
- “Is this seat available?” → 자리 있나요?
➖2. Asking for a Menu
Most restaurants have picture menus.
- “Menu, please.” → 메뉴 주세요.
- “Do you have an English menu?” → 영어 메뉴 있나요?
- “Any recommendations?” → 추천 메뉴 있나요?
➖3. Ordering Food
Use this simple structure:
- “I would like .” → * 주세요.*
Examples:
- “Bibimbap, please.” → 비빔밥 주세요.
- “One fried chicken.” → 치킨 하나 주세요.
Special requests:
- “Not spicy, please.” → 안 맵게 해주세요.
- “A little spicy.” → 조금 맵게 해주세요.
- “No meat.” → 고기 빼주세요.
- “No seafood.” → 해산물 빼주세요.
➖4. Asking About Ingredients (Allergy Safety)
- “Does this contain nuts?” → 견과류 들어있나요?
- “Does this have seafood?” → 해산물 들어있나요?
- “I have an allergy.” → 알레르기가 있어요.
➖5. During the Meal
- “More water, please.” → 물 더 주세요.
- “More side dishes, please.” → 반찬 더 주세요. (Free in most places!)
- “Can I have a spoon?” → 숟가락 주세요.
➖6. Paying the Bill
In Korea, you usually pay at the counter, not at your table.
- “Check please.” → 계산할게요.
- “Card.” → 카드요.
- “Separate bills, please.” → 따로 계산할게요.
There is no tipping in Korea!
✅ Extra Tips for Ordering Food in Korea
✔ Many Korean restaurants specialize in one or two dishes → menus are simple
✔ If unsure, show a picture → very common and acceptable
✔ Street food: ask “freshly cooked?” → 방금 만든 거예요?
✔ Portions may be large — consider sharing
✔ Most restaurants provide free water and free side dishes
✅ Conclusion
Ordering food in Korea is easy once you know a few basic phrases. With this guide, you can confidently visit restaurants, order meals, request changes, and explore Korea’s food culture without stress. Enjoy your culinary journey in Korea!
간단한 한국어 표현과 기본 주문 방법만 알면 한국에서 음식 주문은 어렵지 않습니다. 이 가이드를 참고해서 한국 음식 문화를 더 자신감 있게 즐겨보세요!