Ordering Food in Korean: The Phrases You Actually Need
10-Second Answer
Ordering food in Korean follows a predictable rhythm: call the staff (여기요/저기요), name what you want plus a counter word, ask for banchan refills if needed, and signal you're ready to pay. A handful of set phrases cover nearly the entire meal from start to finish.
Getting Seated and Calling Staff
몇 분이세요?
myeot buniseyo?
How many people?
What staff typically ask when you walk in.
두 명이요.
du myeongiyo.
Two people.
명 (myeong) — the counter word for people.
여기요!
yeogiyo!
Excuse me! (over here)
The standard way to call a server — see the jeogiyo page for the full explanation.
Ordering
이거 주세요.
igeo juseyo.
This one, please.
Pointing at a menu item — works almost anywhere.
삼겹살 이 인분 주세요.
samgyeopsal i inbun juseyo.
Two servings of samgyeopsal, please.
인분 (inbun) — the counter for servings, common at BBQ places.
이거 맵나요?
igeo maepnayo?
Is this spicy?
덜 맵게 해 주세요.
deol maepge hae juseyo.
Could you make it less spicy?
During the Meal
반찬 더 주세요.
banchan deo juseyo.
More side dishes, please.
Covered fully on the banchan page — refills are usually free.
물 좀 주세요.
mul jom juseyo.
Some water, please.
맛있어요!
masisseoyo!
It's delicious!
A small, appreciated comment to staff.
Paying and Leaving
계산할게요.
gyesanhalgeyo.
I'd like to pay, please.
잘 먹었습니다.
jal meogeotseumnida.
That was a great meal (thank you).
Said on the way out — covered on the jal-meokgetseumnida page.
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Waiting silently for a server to notice you
As covered on the jeogiyo page, calling out is normal and expected, not rude.
Mistake #2 — Forgetting counter words for group orders
인분 (servings) and 명 (people) matter for ordering the right quantity — 이 인분 (two servings) is very different from just saying "two."
Mini Quiz
1. How do you call a server over?
2. What does 인분 mean in a food order?
3. How do you signal you're ready to pay?
Related Knowledge
Learn Next
Convenience Store Korean Phrases
Restaurants covered — the convenience store is the other everyday spot you'll need real Korean for.
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Start today's study →Last updated: 2026-08-10 · Written and reviewed by a native Korean speaker.