Korean Restaurant Ordering Guide 2026: Table Bells, Cutlery Drawers and Solo Dining

Find the hidden cutlery drawer

Many casual Korean restaurants store stainless-steel spoons, chopsticks, napkins, or bottle openers in a shallow drawer under the tabletop or along one side. Look before assuming the table was not set. Some restaurants still use a covered container on top, while self-service shops may keep utensils beside the water station. Take only what your table needs.

Use the table bell naturally

A small button marked 호출, 벨, or simply a bell icon is an ordinary way to request staff attention. Press it once and wait; repeated ringing is unnecessary. In restaurants without a bell, a polite “Jeogiyo” (저기요) is acceptable. Do not whistle, snap fingers, or shout across the room. Tablet ordering and QR menus are increasingly common, but a staff member can usually help if payment or language settings fail.

Water, banchan and the self-service bar

Signs reading 물은 셀프 mean water is self-service. Basic banchan is normally included and refills are commonly free, but refill method varies: use a clearly marked self bar or point to the empty dish and ask “이거 좀 더 주세요.” Do not take food from an unmarked kitchen counter. Return trays only where the restaurant indicates.

One-person menus and solo dining

“One menu per person” is a common minimum, and barbecue, dakgalbi, hotpot, or shared set menus may require two portions even for one diner. Before sitting, ask whether one person can order: 혼자 먹을 수 있어요? Choose gukbap, noodles, rice bowls, kimbap, or restaurants displaying 혼밥 when shared-dish minimums make solo service impractical. Menu prices usually include VAT, and tipping is not expected at standard restaurants.

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