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Illustration created with AI as an example; it does not show an actual restaurant or a fixed set menu.

A Korean meal can arrive with several small dishes. You do not need to know every name before you sit down. Start with a few simple questions and enjoy discovering what is on the table.

What are the little dishes?

They are banchan, the side dishes that accompany a meal. Ask which dishes are included and whether additional portions cost extra rather than assuming that every restaurant follows the same policy.

Spoon or chopsticks?

A spoon is an important part of a Korean table setting. Use the utensils that help you eat comfortably, and ask for a fork if you need one. When finished, return the spoon and chopsticks to their resting place instead of leaving them standing in rice.

What should I ask before ordering?

Ask how many people a dish serves, how spicy it is, and whether ingredients can be changed. If you have an allergy, name it clearly and ask about ingredients and shared preparation equipment. A vegetable-looking dish should not be assumed to meet your dietary needs.

Do I leave a tip?

Tipping is not customary in Korea. Follow the restaurant’s stated payment instructions. Korean restaurants in other countries follow local practices, so do not apply this guidance automatically abroad.

Sources and further reading

Korea Tourism Organization: About Korean Food · Visit Seoul: Etiquette