Korean dining culture has a unique charm, with traditions that surprise even seasoned travelers. Here’s a quick guide to help you experience three key aspects of Korean dining: banchan (side dishes), unlimited refills, and the low-key tipping culture.
1. Banchan (Side Dishes): Small Plates, Big Flavors
When you sit down at a Korean restaurant, don’t be surprised if your table quickly fills with small dishes known as banchan. From spicy kimchi and tangy pickled radish to lightly seasoned spinach or fish cakes, banchan are as essential to Korean dining as the main course itself.
- Variety and Balance: Banchan add variety to the meal, offering a range of flavors and textures. You’ll get spicy, sweet, salty, and savory notes, creating a beautifully balanced dining experience.
- Shared Dining: In Korea, food is often enjoyed communally, and banchan are typically placed in the center of the table to be shared with everyone. It’s all about enjoying the meal together and sampling a bit of everything.
Whether you’re at a humble eatery or a fine dining spot, banchan is a staple and a memorable part of any Korean meal.
2. Unlimited Banchan (Side Dishes) Refills: The Joy of Korean Dining
One unique aspect of Korean dining that surprises many visitors is the ability to get free banchan refills. This generous tradition adds to the sense of abundance and hospitality you’ll find in Korean restaurants.
- Free Refills on Most Banchan: Most Korean restaurants offer free refills on banchan to make sure you have a satisfying meal. All you need to do is politely ask a server for more, saying “jogeum deo juseyo” (조금 더 주세요), which means “Please give me a little more.”
- Self-Serve Stations: In some casual or buffet-style places, you’ll even find self-serve stations where you can refill your own banchan without waiting for a server. This is especially common for popular items like kimchi and radish.
- Favorites and Exceptions: Some places are known for specific banchan that are popular among locals, such as spicy marinated tofu or mini pancakes (jeon). Feel free to request refills of your favorites, though note that very high-end restaurants may charge for extras. Checking with the server is always a good idea if you’re unsure.
Unlimited banchan refills are a truly delightful part of the Korean dining experience, and they allow you to explore a wide variety of flavors in a single meal.
3. Tipping Culture: No Tips, Just Enjoy
One aspect of Korean dining that’s refreshingly different from many countries is that tipping is not expected. While tipping is often a common practice in other parts of the world, it’s simply not part of the culture in Korea.
- No Tips Needed: Most restaurants in Korea do not expect tips, as service charges are usually included in the bill. Korean dining culture is based on the idea that good service is a standard part of the dining experience.
- Exceptions: In very high-end restaurants or international hotels, a service charge might be included in the bill, but this is rare. Leaving a tip outside of these situations might even confuse the staff, as they are generally not used to receiving them.
- Respect Over Tipping: Instead of tips, showing polite appreciation is more than enough. Koreans value respectful behavior, and a simple “thank you” (감사합니다, gamsahamnida) goes a long way toward making your dining experience more enjoyable.
With no tipping pressure, you’re free to focus on enjoying the meal and the company around you, making dining in Korea a relaxed and straightforward experience.
Jake