Dining in Korea is a unique cultural experience, and knowing a few key phrases can make it all the more enjoyable. Whether you’re a tourist looking to try local cuisine, a student, or even a new resident, using these basic Korean phrases will make it easier to order, ask questions, and interact politely with restaurant staff. Here are the top 10 essential Korean phrases to use in restaurants for a smoother, more immersive experience.
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| Photo of Bibimbap by fudowakira0 from Pixabay |
Ten Basic Korean Phrases in Restaurants
1. "이거 주세요" (Igeo juseyo) – "Please give me this."
When you’re in a Korean restaurant, ordering can be made simple by pointing to a menu item or dish on display and saying, "이거 주세요" (Igeo juseyo). This phrase means “Please give me this.” It’s useful if you’re unfamiliar with the dish’s name or can’t read Korean yet.
Example usage:
"이거 주세요." – “Please give me this.” (while
pointing to the menu)
2. "추천 메뉴가 뭐예요?" (Chucheon menyuga mwoyeyo?) – "What do you recommend?"
Not sure what to order? This phrase, "추천 메뉴가 뭐예요?" (Chucheon menyuga mwoyeyo?), means “What do you recommend?”. Koreans love sharing their favourite foods, so asking for a recommendation is a great way to try something popular or unique to the restaurant.
Example usage:
"추천 메뉴가 뭐예요?" – “What do you recommend?”
3. "얼마예요?" (Eolma-yeyo?) – "How much is it?"
Understanding the price is essential when dining out. Use "얼마예요?" (Eolma-yeyo?), meaning “How much is it?” You might ask this if the price isn’t listed or to confirm the total before you pay.
Example usage:
"이거 얼마예요?" – “How much is this?”
4. "덜 맵게 해주세요." (Deol maepge haejuseyo) – "Please make it less spicy."
Korean food can be spicy for those who aren’t used to it. If you’re concerned about the heat level, you can say, "덜 맵게 해주세요" (Deol maepge haejuseyo), which means “Please make it less spicy.” Many restaurants will adjust spice levels if you ask politely.
Example usage:
"불고기 덜 맵게 해주세요." – “Please make the bulgogi less
spicy.”
5. "물 좀 주세요" (Mul jom juseyo) – "Please give me some water."
Water is usually available for free in Korean restaurants, but sometimes it’s self-serve. If you need more, you can ask with "물 좀 주세요" (Mul jom juseyo), which means “Please give me some water.”
Example usage:
"물 좀 주세요." – “Could I have some water, please?”
6. "더 필요해요." (Deo piryohaeyo) – "I need more."
This phrase can be particularly useful when you need more side dishes, which are often served in small portions. Say "더 필요해요" (Deo piryohaeyo) to request more of something.
Example usage:
"김치 더 필요해요." – “I need more kimchi.”
7. "계산서 주세요." (Gyesanseo juseyo) – "Please give me the check."
When you’re ready to pay, ask for the bill with "계산서 주세요" (Gyesanseo juseyo). Many restaurants in Korea won’t automatically bring the check, so this phrase comes in handy.
Example usage:
"계산서 주세요." – “Please give me the check.”
8. "포장해 주세요." (Pojanghae juseyo) – "Please pack this to go."
If you want to take leftover food with you, simply say "포장해 주세요" (Pojanghae juseyo), meaning “Please pack this to go.” Most restaurants will provide you with containers if you ask.
Example usage:
"남은 음식 포장해 주세요." – “Please pack the remaining food to
go.”
9. "잘 먹겠습니다" (Jal meokgetseumnida) – "I will eat well"
This polite phrase is typically said before eating. While it doesn’t have an exact English equivalent, it’s a way to show gratitude for the food you’re about to eat, much like saying “Bon appétit.”
Example usage:
"잘 먹겠습니다!" – (Said before starting a meal,
showing appreciation for the food.)
10. "잘 먹었습니다" (Jal meogeotseumnida) – "I ate well"
Example usage:
"잘 먹었습니다!" – (Said after finishing a meal,
showing gratitude.)
Etiquette Tips for Dining in Korea
Knowing these phrases is helpful, but understanding a bit of Korean dining etiquette can enrich your experience:
- Wait for your host or the eldest person to start eating. In Korean culture, it’s respectful to wait for the oldest person at the table to begin eating before you start.
- Share food and side dishes. Side dishes are meant to be shared, and they’ll often be in communal bowls.
- Hold your rice bowl. Unlike some other Asian countries, it’s not common in Korea to lift your bowl off the table when eating. Instead, keep it on the table while you use your spoon or chopsticks.
These ten phrases and etiquette tips are essential for any beginner navigating Korean restaurants. With these basics, you’ll find that your dining experiences are not only more convenient but also more immersive, as you can engage with the culture and people around you. Happy dining, or as they say in Korea, 맛있게 드세요! (Mashitge deuseyo!) – "Enjoy your meal!"