Restaurants — what to expect
Verified 21 September 2026
Korean restaurants differ from what you may be used to.
- Side dishes (banchan) are free and refillable. Refills are usually free too; rice and soup depend on the restaurant
- Set meals often require one order per person. Even when the portions look huge, two people sharing one order may not be allowed
- You usually pay at the counter on the way out, not at the table
- Water is often self-service. Help yourself from the dispenser near the entrance
- Some restaurants have floor seating and you remove your shoes. Wearing socks makes this easier
- If there is a call button on the table, press it to get a server. Raising your hand is also fine
- Wet wipes or extra plates are occasionally charged