When dining out in Korea, knowing a handful of essential phrases can make your experience much smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you are ordering food, asking for recommendations, or simply expressing gratitude, having some basic Korean vocabulary at your disposal is invaluable. Here are some key phrases and vocabularies that will help you navigate dining and restaurant scenarios in Korea.
메뉴판 (menyu-pan) – Menu
메뉴판 좀 볼 수 있을까요?
This phrase translates to “Can I see the menu?” It’s useful for asking the server to bring the menu to your table.
주문 (jumun) – Order
주문 도와드릴까요?
In English, this means “May I take your order?” This is commonly used by servers when they are ready to take your order.
추천하다 (chucheonhada) – To recommend
이 요리를 추천합니다.
This translates to “I recommend this dish.” It’s a phrase you might hear from the server if you ask for recommendations.
매운 (maeun) – Spicy
이 음식 매워요?
“Is this food spicy?” Knowing this word can help you avoid or seek out spicy dishes, depending on your preference.
달다 (dalda) – Sweet
이 디저트는 정말 달아요.
This means “This dessert is really sweet.” It’s useful when you want to comment on or inquire about the sweetness of a dish.
식사 (siksa) – Meal
식사 맛있게 하세요!
“Enjoy your meal!” This is a polite phrase to say before eating, similar to “bon appétit” in French.
계산서 (gyesanseo) – Bill
계산서 부탁드립니다.
“I would like the bill, please.” Use this phrase when you are ready to pay for your meal.
팁 (tip) – Tip
여기 팁 포함되어 있나요?
“Is tip included here?” This is a useful phrase to know, as tipping customs can vary widely by country.
예약 (yeyak) – Reservation
테이블 예약하고 싶어요.
“I would like to make a reservation for a table.” It’s helpful if you want to reserve a table in advance.
포장 (pojang) – Takeout
이 음식 포장 가능한가요?
“Is this food available for takeout?” This phrase is useful if you want to order food to go.
좌석 (jwaseok) – Seat
창가 자리 있나요?
“Is there a seat by the window?” Use this when you have a specific seating preference.
서비스 (seobiseu) – Service
서비스 정말 좋네요!
“The service is really good!” It’s nice to compliment the staff if you’re pleased with their service.
맛있다 (masitda) – Delicious
이 음식 정말 맛있어요!
“This food is really delicious!” Express your enjoyment of the meal with this phrase.
물 (mul) – Water
물 좀 더 주시겠어요?
“Could I have some more water, please?” Staying hydrated is important, so don’t hesitate to ask for more water.
채식주의자 (chaesikjuuija) – Vegetarian
저는 채식주의자예요. 이 요리에 고기 있나요?
“I am a vegetarian. Does this dish contain meat?” This is a crucial phrase for vegetarians to ensure that the dishes meet their dietary preferences.
알레르기 (allereugi) – Allergy
저는 땅콩 알레르기가 있어요. 이 음식에 땅콩 들어있나요?
“I have a peanut allergy. Does this food contain peanuts?” Always mention any allergies to avoid any health issues.
식당 (siktang) – Restaurant
여기 근처에 좋은 식당 있나요?
“Is there a good restaurant nearby?” This phrase is useful when asking locals for restaurant recommendations.
주방장 (jubangjang) – Chef
주방장님께 감사의 말씀 전해주세요.
“Please give my compliments to the chef.” If you enjoyed the meal, it’s polite to acknowledge the chef’s efforts.
By mastering these basic dining and restaurant phrases in Korean, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy your culinary experiences in Korea. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, these phrases will help you communicate more effectively and make your dining experiences more pleasurable.
