10 Important Korean Table Manners for Beginners

Hey Daebak Fam! Are you prepping for a trip to South Korea? Or maybe dining out with your Korean friends or colleagues soon? You’ll want to understand some Korean dining etiquette, show respect to your tablemates, and potentially avoid some awkward cultural misunderstandings. We’ve compiled a list of these 10 major rules to remember at the table:

Saying “Jal-meok-gess-eum-nida (잘먹겠습니다)” Before and After Your Meal

In Korean culture, people say “Jalmeokgesseumnida” (잘먹겠습니다) right before and after eating their meal. This essentially translates to “I will eat well.” in English. Koreans want to know that you have eaten well and are satisfied with the food.  

With this phrase, you can show your appreciation for the person who made the food and respect those sitting at your table. 

Oldest Sits and Eats First

Let the elders and those ranked above you at work sit down first before yourself. Respect for elders is part of South Korea's Confucianism beliefs, and it extends to table etiquettes. If you're hanging out with colleagues or at a friend's home, find out who's older or has a higher rank in your company before heading to the restaurant. 

Let the elders eat first. We know it may be tricky to ask for the age and learn everyone's job titles after meeting them for the first time. So it may be easier to time these social cues correctly by following those of the same age and ranking to help you out.

Eating Soup First

Koreans usually have soups and stews in their everyday meals, which are served first or at the same time as other dishes. It is important to taste test your soup or stew using a clean spoon before digging into other food on your table. 

Spoon, Chopstick, Bowl Etiquette

The 2 main utensils for your meal are a spoon and chopsticks, and on the side, you get a bowl. It is also common in South Korea to order meals on shared plates. While it may be tempting, try not to lift up your bowl while eating from it. Doing so is considered unusual within Asian dining etiquette as a whole. 

Your spoon is mainly used for your soup and eating food out of your bowl. Meanwhile, your chopsticks are used for grabbing food from the shared plates on your table. Do not stick your chopsticks into your bowl straight up. Instead, place your chopsticks at the edge of your plate or bowl. After eating, put your chopsticks on top of your bowl. 

Get familiar with using chopsticks by getting a utensil set with a cover. Make sure to practice before your meal, especially if you want to impress a Korean elder, friend, or colleague. 

No Hoarding Food on Your Plate

Since Korean food is mainly served as shared dishes for the whole table, try your best not to hoard or store all of the food in your bowl. Take it slow and finish the portions in your bowl first before grabbing more. Also, try not to eat something directly from a shared plate as it is considered rude. Instead, put the food into your bowl first and then enjoy it with the rice or noodles. 

Exchanges are With Both Hands

When you pass and accept a bowl or dish from someone else, you should do so with both hands. The same should be done when pouring and accepting drinks at the table.

Drinking Etiquette

Drinking is a big part of Korean culture! If you and your tablemates are of age to enjoy alcoholic beverages, you will be invited to drink. If you find yourself here, you should know that it is considered rude to not accept a drink from your elders and higher-ranking colleagues.

It is also more respectable for you to pour someone else’s drink. Practice this at home with our "Morning Calm" Korean Traditional Tea Set. With this, also remember to drink responsibly! 

Pay Attention to Pacing

Try not to finish your meal too fast or slow after the oldest person has finished theirs. Timing is key. While this may be a challenging feat, you can keep track of the conversation and give a glance at your tablemate’s bowls every once in a while. This Korean etiquette may not be strictly implemented among friends and family, but it is greatly appreciated at company dinners. 

Keeping Things Sanitary

Like with most cultural etiquettes, being sanitary is key to showing respect to your tablemates in South Korea. For bones and inedible items, you should place them in your napkin for disposal, NOT on the table or the floor. Avoid coughing and sneezing at the table. If necessary, you should excuse yourself to the restroom, at least away from the table, or into your elbow/sleeve. 

Paying for the Food in Full

Lastly, the bill. In formal and professional settings, the eldest or highest-ranked person pays for the entire table’s bill. However, with friends, one person usually covers the entire bill for the meal, and the other person will cover the bill for the next meal you have together. Remember not to tip. This is considered rude in South Korean culture. 

The above tips should keep you covered for your next Korean meal! Interested in where to buy traditional Korean items? For more tips about Korean culture and traditional cultural Korean products, check out the Daebak Company. 

 Written by Jolie Tran