Traveling in Korea is an amazing experience — but ordering food without speaking Korean can feel intimidating at first.
Don’t worry! With a few simple tricks, you can confidently order at any restaurant, café, or street stall — even without knowing a single Korean word.
Here’s your easy guide to ordering food in Korea like a pro traveler.
1. The Basics: How to Ask for Food
Let’s start with the most useful phrases. You’ll use these everywhere:
| English | Korean (Romanized) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| This one, please. | 이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo) | Most common and easy phrase for ordering. |
| One, please. | 하나 주세요 (Hana juseyo) | To ask for one item. |
| Two, please. | 둘 주세요 (Dul juseyo) | For two portions. |
| Can I take it to go? | 포장돼요? (Pojang dwaeyo?) | For takeaway. |
| Please recommend something. | 추천해주세요 (Chucheonhae juseyo) | When you want a local favorite. |
| Thank you! | 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) | Always a good way to end the order. |
💡 Tip: Just smile and point at the menu while saying “이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo)” — that works almost anywhere!
2. Ordering at Local Restaurants
Many local restaurants don’t require fluent Korean.
Usually, you’ll find:
- Photo menus (with numbers — point to what you want!)
- Set meals (정식, jeongsik) that include rice, soup, and side dishes
- Servers who are kind and patient with travelers
💡 Example:
If you’re at a bibimbap restaurant, point to the photo and say:
“이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo)”
The staff will nod, repeat your order, and prepare it.
3. Using Self-Order Kiosks
Kiosks are everywhere in Korea — from cafés and bakeries to fast-food chains and K-BBQ restaurants.
Most machines have language buttons (🇰🇷 🇺🇸 🇨🇳 🇯🇵).
If you can’t find one, just look for icons and photos.
Common kiosk steps:
- Tap your language (if available).
- Choose your dish by photo.
- Select size or drink combo.
- Pay with a card (Visa/Mastercard are usually accepted).
- Pick up your receipt and wait for your number to be called.
💡 Tip: If your number appears on a screen, listen for “번 (beon)” — it means “number.”
4. Ordering Drinks and Coffee
Korean cafés are super friendly for solo travelers and non-Korean speakers.
Here’s how to order your coffee easily:
| English | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Iced Americano | 아이스 아메리카노 | Aiseu Amerika-no |
| Hot Latte | 따뜻한 라떼 | Ttatteuthan Latte |
| One cup, please | 한 잔 주세요 | Han jan juseyo |
| For here | 매장에서 (Maejang-eseo) | |
| To go | 포장해 주세요 (Pojanghae juseyo) |
💡 Pro Tip: Most cafés in Seoul use English menus — just say “One Iced Americano, please,” and you’re good to go!
5. Using Delivery Apps (for Hotels & Airbnb)
If you’re staying in Korea longer, food delivery apps make life so easy!
Two of the most popular apps are:
- Baedal Minjok (배달의민족 / Baemin)
- Yogiyo (요기요)
You can use the English-friendly “Baemin Global” version — it shows photos and lets you pay with foreign cards.
📍Great for ordering fried chicken, tteokbokki, or bibimbap right to your hotel!
6. Ordering Street Food
Street food vendors often have open displays — just point and say:
“이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo)”
Common snacks:
- Tteokbokki (떡볶이)
- Hotteok (호떡)
- Odeng (어묵)
- Twigim (튀김)
Prices are shown on signs, usually ₩1,000–₩5,000 per item.
💡 Tip: Vendors appreciate a smile and a simple “감사합니다!” when you pay.
7. Paying Like a Local
You can pay with:
- Cash (현금, hyeongeum)
- Credit cards (카드, kadeu) — accepted almost everywhere
- T-money card (for cafés, bakeries, and convenience stores)
💡 Etiquette: Hand your card or cash with two hands as a sign of respect.
8. When You Don’t Understand
Don’t panic — Koreans are used to helping foreigners!
If you don’t understand something, just say:
“몰라요 (Mollayo)” → I don’t know.
“영어 메뉴 있어요? (Yeongeo menyu isseoyo?)” → Do you have an English menu?
They’ll usually switch to basic English, show pictures, or even use a translation app.
9. Bonus: Handy Apps for Food Lovers
- Papago (translation app by Naver) — excellent for menus.
- KakaoMap — find restaurants nearby.
- Baemin Global — order food delivery in English.
10. Enjoy the Experience!
Even if you make mistakes, locals will appreciate your effort to try Korean words.
Ordering food is part of the adventure — and a great way to connect with people.
So take a deep breath, smile, and say confidently:
“이거 주세요!” (“This one, please!”)
You’ll be amazed how easy it becomes.KR✨
Created by Visit Korea Tips — Your local guide to traveling Korea.
