Etiquette, Side Dish Refills, and Tipping Culture

"Did you eat yet?" is a loving greeting that Koreans offer. For Koreans, meals are paramount, so making sure their loved ones eat well has become a way of greeting them. Meals aren't just sustenance in Korea; they're crucial times for sharing warmth with others. To enjoy a delightful experience with delicious Korean food, remember a few aspects of Korean dining culture and etiquette!

① The side dishes (bokkeumbap) culture

If you watch Korean dramas or movies, you'll see scenes in which people sitting in a restaurant have tables full of plates in front of them, and it's not just for show! In Korean restaurants, various small plates are placed on the table even without ordering. These are called "side dishes" (반찬). Kimchi is always served as a staple, along with complimentary dishes such as seasoned vegetables (나물) and pickled vegetables (장아찌), which complement the main course.

Sharing:
Side dishes are generally meant to be shared by everyone at the table.
It's customary to share them directly from the large communal plates rather than transferring them to individual plates.