Korean Restaurant Phrases: 8 Essential Expressions Every Traveler Should Know

 

Eating at a local restaurant is one of the best parts of traveling in Korea. But if you do not speak Korean, ordering food or asking a simple question can sometimes feel a little confusing.

The good news is that you do not need to learn a lot of Korean before your trip. Just a few short phrases can make eating at Korean restaurants much easier.

Here are eight useful Korean restaurant phrases that you can actually use during your trip.

1. 안녕하세요 — Annyeonghaseyo

Meaning: Hello

This is the easiest and most useful greeting to remember.

When you enter a restaurant, simply saying “Annyeonghaseyo” with a smile is a polite way to greet the staff.

You will hear this expression everywhere in Korea, not only in restaurants.

2. 이거 주세요 — Igeo juseyo

Meaning: This one, please

If reading a Korean menu feels difficult, this phrase can save you.

Just point to a picture or menu item and say:

“Igeo juseyo.”

It literally means “Please give me this.”

This is probably one of the most useful phrases for travelers eating in Korea.

3. 안 매운 거 있어요? — An maeun geo isseoyo?

Meaning: Do you have anything that is not spicy?

Korean food is not always spicy, but many popular dishes can be.

If you do not enjoy spicy food, ask:

“An maeun geo isseoyo?”

The restaurant staff can usually recommend something milder.

You can also point at a dish while asking if you are unsure.

4. 추천해 주세요 — Chucheonhae juseyo

Meaning: Please recommend something

Not sure what to order?

Try asking:

“Chucheonhae juseyo.”

This means “Please recommend something.”

It is especially useful at restaurants where you are unfamiliar with the menu or want to try something popular.

You may end up discovering a dish you would never have chosen on your own.

5. 여기요! — Yeogiyo!

Meaning: Excuse me! / Over here!

In many Korean restaurants, customers call the staff when they need something.

A simple way to do this is:

“Yeogiyo!”

It literally means something close to “Here!”

Do not worry about sounding rude. In Korean restaurants, this is a very normal way to get a server’s attention.

Some restaurants also have a call button on the table, so check for one before calling.

6. 계산해 주세요 — Gyesanhae juseyo

Meaning: The bill, please

When you are finished eating, you can say:

“Gyesanhae juseyo.”

This means “Please calculate the bill.”

However, in many Korean restaurants, you do not pay at the table.

Instead, you usually take your receipt or simply walk to the counter near the entrance and pay there.

7. 화장실 어디예요? — Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?

Meaning: Where is the restroom?

This is another useful phrase you may need during your meal.

Say:

“Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?”

It means “Where is the restroom?”

In some smaller Korean restaurants, the restroom may be outside the restaurant or inside the building hallway, so asking the staff can save you some time.

8. 포장해 주세요 — Pojanghae juseyo

Meaning: Please pack it / To go, please

If you cannot finish your food, you can ask:

“Pojanghae juseyo.”

This means “Please pack it.”

It is also useful when ordering food to take away.

Some dishes are easier to pack than others, so whether takeaway is possible can depend on the restaurant and the food.

A Small Tip for Eating at Korean Restaurants

You do not need perfect Korean pronunciation.

Most restaurant staff will understand what you mean, especially if you speak slowly and point to the menu when necessary.

Even using one or two Korean phrases can make communication easier and may make your restaurant experience more enjoyable.

Remember these three especially useful expressions:

Igeo juseyo — This one, please
Yeogiyo — Excuse me
Pojanghae juseyo — To go, please

Learning just a little Korean before your trip can make eating your way through Korea much easier.