The Korean Guide

Why do Korean restaurants feel confusing to foreigners? A local explains the unwritten dining rules you won’t find in guidebooks. Introduction Many foreign travelers say the same thing after their first meal in Korea. The food is great, the prices are reasonable, but somehow… the experience feels confusing. No one explains what to do. The staff doesn’t come over often. Water appears without asking. Side dishes keep refilling. This guide explains why Korean restaurants feel confusing to foreigners, and more importantly, how Korean dining actually works — from a local’s perspective. 1. Why Staff Don’t Come to Your Table Often In many countries, servers frequently check on customers. In Korea, it’s the opposite. What foreigners expect ✅ Staff checks in regularly ✅ Orders taken proactively ✅ Refills offered without asking How Korean restaurants work ✅ Customers call staff when needed ✅ Staff assumes you’ll ask if you want something ✅ Silence means “everything is fine” Calling out “Excuse m...

For many travelers, tipping is almost automatic. In countries like the United States or parts of Europe, leaving a tip at restaurants, hotels, or in taxis is not only common but often expected. Because of this, one of the most frequently searched questions before visiting Korea is simple but important: Do you need to tip in Korea? The short answer is no. However, the full explanation is worth understanding, especially to avoid awkward moments during your trip. Tipping in Korea: The Basic Rule In South Korea, tipping is not part of everyday culture. Service charges are already included in the price you see, whether you are eating at a restaurant, taking a taxi, or staying at a hotel. Staff members are paid wages, and good service is considered a basic responsibility rather than something that requires extra compensation. Because of this, leaving a tip is neither expected nor required in most situations. Restaurants and Cafes In Korean restaurants, tipping is generally not practiced. Thi...

Jeyuk Bokkeum is one of the most popular Korean home-style dishes. It is a spicy pork stir-fry made with sliced pork belly, vegetables, and a sweet-and-spicy red pepper paste sauce. Many foreigners first encounter this dish at Korean restaurants, but what most people don’t realize is that the cooking order matters more than the ingredients. This recipe explains the process clearly, step by step, so even first-time cooks can follow along. Ingredients (Serves 2) Main ingredients ✅ Pork belly (300g / about 10 oz) ✅ Green onion (1 stalk) ✅ Onion (1/2) ✅ Garlic (a small handful) ✅ Perilla leaves (about 10 leaves, optional but recommended) Seasoning ✅ Korean red pepper paste (Gochujang): 2 tablespoons ✅ Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon ✅ Sugar: 1.5 tablespoons ✅ Vinegar: 1 tablespoon ✅ Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon ✅ Black pepper: to taste ✅ Sesame seeds: optional Step 1: Prepare the vegetables Cut the green onion into 3–4 cm pieces. Slice the onion thinly. Cut the perilla leaves into bite-sized pieces an...

One of the most common reactions foreigners have when trying Korean food for the first time is surprise at how spicy it feels. Many assume it is simply because Korean dishes use a lot of chili peppers. In reality, Korean spiciness is not just about heat. It is the result of history, climate, fermentation, and everyday eating habits that developed over a long period of time. Spiciness as Balance, Not Just Heat Korean spicy food is rarely designed to overwhelm the senses. Instead of sharp, one-dimensional heat, it often combines spiciness with sweetness, saltiness, and deep savory flavors. Gochujang, for example, is spicy, but also fermented and slightly sweet. This balance makes the food addictive rather than painful, encouraging people to keep eating even when it feels hot. The Role of Fermentation Fermented foods play a central role in Korean cuisine, and spiciness helps highlight their complex flavors. Kimchi is a good example. The spicy seasoning does not exist on its own but evolve...

  For many foreign travelers, Korean convenience stores are more than just places to buy snacks or drinks. They often become an unexpected highlight of the trip. Visitors are surprised not only by the variety of products, but also by how deeply convenience stores are integrated into everyday life in Korea. What makes Korean convenience stores feel so different from those in other countries? This article explores the reasons why foreigners find them unique, useful, and sometimes even fascinating. 1. Convenience Stores as Everyday Living Spaces In many countries, convenience stores are places people visit briefly—to buy a drink or grab something quickly. In Korea, convenience stores function more like small community hubs. People eat meals, charge their phones, wait for friends, and even rest for a while inside or outside the store. Some stores provide seating areas, microwaves, hot water dispensers, and trash sorting stations. It is common to see office workers eating lunch, student...

Korean BBQ is one of the most iconic dining experiences for visitors to Korea. The atmosphere of grilling meat at your table, sharing side dishes, and enjoying the meal together is deeply connected to Korean food culture. For many foreign travelers, however, walking into a Korean BBQ restaurant for the first time can be a little confusing—especially when it comes to understanding the menu, ordering the right cuts of meat, and knowing basic table etiquette. This guide provides practical and clear explanations to help foreign travelers enjoy Korean BBQ without feeling overwhelmed. From what to expect at a Korean BBQ restaurant to how to order and eat properly, everything is organized step-by-step. 1. What Makes Korean BBQ Unique? At a typical Korean BBQ restaurant, diners grill their own meat at the table. The restaurant provides a grill, tongs, scissors, and a variety of side dishes called “banchan.” The experience is interactive and social, and the meal usually takes place at a relaxed...

Using public transportation in Korea can feel overwhelming at first, especially if it is your first visit. The subway system is large, the bus network is extensive, and the names of destinations may appear unfamiliar. Fortunately, Korea offers highly accurate mobile apps that make navigating the subway and bus system simple, even for travelers who do not speak Korean. This guide explains the essential apps and how to use them effectively during your stay. 1. Essential Public Transportation Apps for Foreign Travelers 1) KakaoMap KakaoMap is one of the most commonly used navigation apps in Korea. It provides accurate directions and supports English and other languages. You can use it for: ✅ Subway and bus routes ✅ Walking directions ✅ Real-time arrival information ✅ Nearby restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores Because Korea has many small alleys and complex streets, KakaoMap is usually more accurate than global navigation apps. 2) Naver Map Another highly reliable app used widely by...

Using mobile internet is essential when visiting South Korea. From transportation apps to hotel reservations, taxi booking, translation services, and digital payments, most daily travel activities rely on your smartphone. For this reason, purchasing a SIM card or eSIM immediately after arriving in Korea is highly recommended. This guide provides accurate and practical information on how foreign travelers can purchase and activate SIM cards in South Korea, starting from Incheon Airport. 1. Types of Mobile Services Available to Foreigners Foreign visitors can choose from the following services in Korea:       Type                                                                 Description USIM (SIM Card)               ㅣ         Physical SIM card inserted...

Traveling in a foreign country can be exciting, but unexpected problems can occur anywhere. Even in a safe country like Korea, travelers may experience situations such as getting lost, losing personal belongings, or needing medical help. When emergencies happen, knowing the right contact number can make a huge difference. This guide summarizes the essential emergency contacts for foreign travelers in Korea and explains how to get proper assistance quickly. 1. The Most Important Numbers: 112 and 119 In Korea, there are two main emergency numbers: 112 and 119. Both services are free and available nationwide. Foreigners can also request interpretation support when making a call. 112 (Police) Call this number if you experience theft, loss of items, threats, harassment, or any crime-related issue. If you lose your passport, report it to 112 first. For information about police protection and reporting crimes in Korea, visit the official Korean National Police website: https://www.police.go.k...

A passport is more than just an identification document when traveling abroad. It is required for hotel check-in, boarding flights, communication services, and even simple identity verification during your stay. For many travelers, discovering that a passport is missing can be a moment of panic. Fortunately, Korea has a well-organized reporting system and embassy support network that allows foreign visitors to resolve the issue without major difficulty. This guide explains what to do, step by step, if you lose your passport while visiting Korea. 1. Double-check the places you visited Before assuming the passport is lost, take a moment to verify the places you visited or where you might have placed it. Korea has a relatively high return rate of lost items, and it is common for belongings to remain untouched in public areas. Useful places to check: Areas where you last used the passport Hotel room, bathroom shelves, or inside luggage pockets Restaurant or cafe counters where you ordered ...

Complete Arrival, Departure, and Transportation Instructions 1. Understanding Incheon Airport Terminals Incheon International Airport has Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2 (T2), and a Concourse connected by a shuttle train. Your airline determines the terminal, so always check your e-ticket or the Incheon Airport website before traveling. Arrival floor: 2F Departure floor (check-in and baggage drop): 3F If you land at the Concourse, take the free shuttle train (24 hours) to your correct terminal. 2. Arrival Procedures (For Foreign Travelers) Step 1 : Arrival and Terminal Transfer Follow ARRIVAL / 입국 signs. Concourse arrivals must take the terminal shuttle. Step 2 : Customs Declaration Submit your Customs Declaration Form if required. Certain food, animal/plant products, and high-value goods must be reported. Step 3 : Immigration Inspection No entry card is needed for Korean nationals and registered foreign residents (those who already registered in Korea) Short-term visitors must complete an...

Korean convenience stores offer a wide range of ready-made food items that can be combined to create quick and satisfying meals. Among these combinations, one of the most well-known is a dish called “Mark Jeongsik.” It is made by mixing convenience store tteokbokki, cup spaghetti, sausage, and cheese into a single bowl. This combination creates a rich, filling meal without requiring any special tools. This guide explains exactly what ingredients you need and how to make Mark Jeongsik step by step. What Is Mark Jeongsik? Mark Jeongsik is a convenience store meal made by combining four common items: cup tteokbokki, cup spaghetti, sausage, and cheese. The spicy sauce from the tteokbokki, the savory flavor of the spaghetti, and the creaminess of the cheese blend together naturally, creating a satisfying and easy meal. Ingredients You Need You can find all ingredients in most Korean convenience stores. One cup tteokbokki One cup spaghetti One sausage (Vienna, frank sausage, hot bar, or any ...