Going in and ordering
At most restaurants, staff come to you once you sit down, or you press the call bell on the table. There is no need to call out loudly.
These days many places take orders through a tablet or QR code on the table. If the menu is only in Korean, point K-lifeon’s camera translation at it.
Some dishes are hard to order alone. Some barbecue and stew restaurants require an order of "2 servings or more", so check the menu.
Side dishes and water are free
Basic side dishes such as kimchi are free, and most places will refill them if you ask. Where there is a self-service corner, you help yourself. Water is usually free too, from a water purifier or bottles provided.
Paying
There is no tipping culture in Korea. The price on the menu is the final price.
You usually pay at the counter near the entrance after eating. Some places let you pay at the table.
If your group wants to pay separately, say "ttaro gyesanhae juseyo" (separate bills, please).
Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Good manners to know
When eating with elders, it is polite to wait until they pick up their spoon and chopsticks before you start.
Do not leave your spoon standing upright in your rice.
If you have a food allergy, be sure to say so when ordering. It helps to prepare a sentence in a translation app beforehand, such as "I have a peanut allergy".
Finding a good restaurant
In K-lifeon’s Food menu you can browse, by type of cuisine, model restaurants recognised by local governments for hygiene and service, and restaurants recommended by the Korea Tourism Organization. Check the opening hours and closing days again before you go.