Knowing and understanding basic Korean table manners and etiquettes is important to show respect towards Korean cuisine culture. Even if you don’t have any circumstances to which you can use these tips, they are still very interesting to know. There are some things that are very different to western table manners. Read on for more!

Korean table and cuisine involve many different social and cultural traditions. The things listed in this blog are not a special list, but are things that all Korean people keep to without really paying attention to them; they are engraved deep in the mannerisms of Korean even now in the developed and modern society.

1. Eating with elders or special guests.

There are various thing you can do to show your respect to elders or speical guests when you are eating with them.

- Sit the elder/ guest at the head of the table, or as far away from the entrance door as possible.

- Everyone must wait until the elder/ guest has eaten their first bite and then start eating.

- Don’t get up from the table untill the elder/ guest has finished eating.

2. Express thanks in words.

You may have noticed your Korean friends, or the characters in your favourite K-drama saying something (often shouting) something before they start eating. In Korea it is important to express your thanks for the food in words. We say, Jalmeokgesseumnida (잘먹겠습니다) which it’s literal translation is “I will eat well”. It is a phrase that shows gratitude for the food you are about to eat. Similarly when finished eating, in Korean we say Jalmeokeosseumnida (잘먹었습니다). This may look identical to the first phrase but they are in fact different and the latter phrase means “I ate well.” Keep your eyes open for how many times you hear it next time you watch a Korean drama!

3. Do not lift your bowls and plates

Korean people do not lift any bowls when eating at the table. This is unique even in Asia as many Asian countries do this. Make sure to keep bowls and plates on the table and use your spoon and chopsticks. (A good reason to practice your chopsticks skills!)

4. Sharing is caring. (And the normal thing to do in Korea)

In Korea most dishes are shared all together. Various main dishes and banchan (which are Korean side dishes) are put in the middle of the table and everyone takes what they want to their own individual dishes. This may be feel odd at first but once you get used to it, it is very useful (especially since you can try all of the different dishes, yum yum!)

5. Utensils on the table

The chopsticks and spoon should be put on the right side of one persons place, with the spoon on the inside near to the plate. Do not stick your chopsticks into your rice bowl upright. This resembles traditional Korean ancestral ceremonies so is disrespectful and inappropriate. Utensils should go on the table or on a small ceramic rest that are often provided in restaurants and Korean households.