12 Korean Phrases Used In A Restaurant

Are you planning to eat in a restaurant in Korea for the first time? As a foreigner who doesn't speak Korean fluently, going to a local restaurant might be challenging. But here I am to save you and teach you the basic phrases so you won't end up in an uncomfortable situation and make your experience memorable! You can memorize these phrases and get ready to impress the locals when you use them.

1. Welcome!

: 어서오세요! (Eoseo oseyo!)

As you step into a Korean restaurant, expect a warm welcome to set the tone for your delightful dining experience.

Example:

Waiter: 어서오세요!

Welcome.

Customer: 네, 안녕하세요

Thank you.

2. How many people?

: 몇 명이세요? (Myeot myeong-iseyo?)

This phrase helps the staff find you the perfect table size and location for your group. 

Example: 

Waiter: 몇 명이세요?

How many people?

Customer: 한 명이에요.

One person.

3. Please sit here.

: 여기에 앉으세요. (Yeogie anjeuseyo.)

A waiter will say this and guide you in an available seat, ensuring you're comfortable while enjoying your meal.

Example:

Waiter: 여기에 앉으세요.

Please sit here.

Or they might also say:

편하신 자리에 앉으세요.

Please, sit where you feel comfortable.

4. Please give me the menu.

: 메뉴판 좀 주세요. (Menyupan jom juseyo)

Use this phrase when you ask for the menu.

Example:

Customer: 메뉴판 좀 주세요.

Please give me the menu.

Waiter: 네, 여기 있어요.

Sure, here you go.

5. Excuse me, please take my order.

: 주문 할게요! (Jumun halkkeyo)

If you are ready to order, use this phrase.

Example:

Customer: 여기요! 주문할게요.

Excuse me. Please take my order!

Waiter: 네, 주문하시겠어요?

Yes, would you like to order?

6. Is there anything else you need?

: 더 필요한 거 있으세요? (Deo pillyohan geo isseuseyo?)

The waiter might ask you this in case you have any requests or additional orders.

Example:

Waiter: 더 필요한 거 있으세요?

Is there anything else you need?

Customer: 콜라 하나 주세요.

I'll have a cola, please.

7. How long does it take?

: 얼마나 걸려요? (Eolmana geollyeoyo?)

Some dishes might take longer to prepare. If you are curious how long your order will take, don't hesitate to ask this question.

Example:

Customer: 얼마나 걸려요?

How long does it take?

Waiter: 10분 정도 기다려주세요.

Yes, I got it. Please wait about 10 minutes.

8. It looks yummy! Thank you for the food.

: 맛있겠다! 잘 먹겠습니다! (Masitgetda! Jal meokgetseumnida!)

Use this phrase if you want to compliment the food and appreciate the person who served it.

Example:

Customer: 맛있겠다! 잘 먹겠습니다!

Oh, it looks yummy. Thank you for the food.

Waiter: 네, 맛있게 드세요.

Thank you, have a good meal.

9. Please use the self bar.

: 셀프바를 이용해주세요. (Selpeubarule iyonghaejuseyo.)

You might encounter the word ‘self-bar’ in Korean restaurants. This actually means that there is a self-service section where people can refill or get food by themselves.

Example:

Customer: 저기요, 김치 좀 더 주세요.

Excuse me. Can I get more Kimchi, please?

Waiter: 죄송합니다. 셀프바를 이용해주세요.

Please use the self bar. Water is self-service.

10. I will pay

: 계산할게요. (Jeo gyesanhalgeyo)

Use this phrase if you are done with your meal and ready to pay.

Example:

Customer: 계산할게요. (Gyesanhalkeyo)

I will pay.

Waiter: 네, 몇 번 테이블이세요? (Ne, myeotbeon ta-ibeuliseyo.)

Sure, what is your table number?

11. How much is it?

: 얼마예요? (Eolmaeyeyo?)

Use this phrase when asking for the total cost.

Example:

Customer: 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)

How much is it?

Waiter: 24,000원 입니다. (Imansacheonwon imnida.)

It's 24,000 won.

12. See you again!

: 다음에 또 올게요! (Daeume tto olgeyo!)

You can say this to the waiter as you go outside the restaurant. If you enjoyed the food and the service, don't hesitate to visit again!

Example: 

Customer: 다음에 또 올게요!

See you again!

Waiter: 감사합니다! 안녕히가세요!

Thank you. Bye bye.

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You are now ready to impress the locals with these phrases when you visit a restaurant in Korea! What additional Korean phrases do you want to learn? Comment down below!