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Korean Food Guide for Travelers | KoreaGo
Discover what to eat in Korea, restaurant etiquette, common dishes, and practical food tips for first-time visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Is all Korean food spicy? Are there vegetarian options?
Not at all. Many popular dishes like bulgogi, samgyetang, and galbitang are mild. If spice is a concern, ask 'an maepge haejuseyo' (please make it not spicy). For vegetarians, bibimbap, vegetable namul, and soft tofu stew (sundubu jjigae) are generally safe. Be aware that many Korean broths contain meat stock. Vegan and vegetarian restaurants are increasingly common in Seoul and major cities.
Do I need to tip at restaurants in Korea?
No. Tipping is not customary in Korea and is generally not expected — not at restaurants, cafes, taxis, or hotels. Leaving a tip may even cause awkwardness. If you enjoyed the meal, a simple smile and 'gamsahamnida' (thank you) or 'massisseoyo' (it was delicious) is more than enough.
Can I order food at a Korean restaurant without speaking Korean?
Absolutely. Most Korean restaurants have a call button on the table — press it to call the server, then point at the menu and say 'igeo juseyo' (I'll have this). Kiosk ordering and QR code menus are increasingly common and work great with a translation app. Most tourist-area restaurants in major cities provide photo menus or English menus.