Is tipping expected in Korea?

No. Tipping is not customary in restaurants, taxis or cafes.

Can I eat alone in Korea?

Yes, especially at casual places serving bibimbap, gukbap, noodles and kimbap. Some BBQ and stew restaurants prefer two or more diners.

Is the tap water safe?

Restaurants serve free filtered or boiled water, and bottled water is cheap at convenience stores. Ask locally if you have health concerns.

Eating in Korea: Ordering Tips, Vegetarian, Halal and Allergy Guide

Updated: 2026-09-20

Korean food is easy to enjoy, but a few local habits can surprise first-time visitors, and dietary needs take extra care.

1. Ordering basics

Side dishes (banchan) and water are usually free and refillable. Press the call button on the table or call out to get service. You typically pay at the counter when you leave. Tipping is not expected.

Korean BBQ is often ordered per portion with a 2-portion minimum, so it is harder for solo diners.
Solo-friendly meals: bibimbap, kimbap, gukbap (soup with rice) and convenience-store meals.

2. Vegetarian and vegan

Many dishes that look vegetarian are not. Kimchi often contains fish sauce or shrimp, and many soups and stews use anchovy or beef broth. Vegetarian options exist, such as temple food restaurants and some bibimbap without meat and egg. Always ask about the broth and sauces.

3. Halal and allergies

Certified halal restaurants are limited and are more common in areas such as Itaewon in Seoul. Pork, alcohol and animal-based sauces are used widely in regular cooking, so ask carefully and consider halal-certified or seafood/vegetable options. For allergies, common ingredients include sesame, soy, peanuts, shellfish and wheat, so show your allergy in Korean and confirm before you eat.

4. Useful Korean phrases

Show these on your phone screen if pronunciation is hard.

저는 채식주의자예요 (I am vegetarian)
고기 빼 주세요 (Please leave out the meat)
땅콩 알레르기가 있어요 (I have a peanut allergy)
안 맵게 해 주세요 (Please make it not spicy)

FAQ

Is tipping expected in Korea?: No. Tipping is not customary in restaurants, taxis or cafes.
Can I eat alone in Korea?: Yes, especially at casual places serving bibimbap, gukbap, noodles and kimbap. Some BBQ and stew restaurants prefer two or more diners.
Is the tap water safe?: Restaurants serve free filtered or boiled water, and bottled water is cheap at convenience stores. Ask locally if you have health concerns.

Prices, hours and rules change. Please confirm on official sites before you go.