Free Korea travel tool
Korean Restaurant Ordering Show Card: Useful Phrases
Navigate South Korea's vibrant dining scene with confidence! Our Korean Restaurant Ordering Show Card is your ultimate tool to overcome language barriers and enjoy authentic meals. Designed by a local expert, this resource equips you with essential phrases to order food, handle payments, and communicate effectively, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable culinary journey.
메뉴를 보여 주세요.
What this means
This 'Show Card' provides easy-to-understand Korean phrases presented in both Hangul and Romanized English, complete with clear explanations. Simply point to the relevant phrase on your phone or printed card to communicate your order, ask for the bill, or specify dietary needs. It's designed for quick reference, eliminating guesswork and empowering you to fully immerse in Korea's rich food culture without relying solely on translation apps or tourist-oriented menus. Enhance your dining experience and interact like a local!
How to use this for your Korea trip
Utilize a Wowpass for easy currency exchange and cashless payments at most stores, and don't forget a T-Money card for seamless public transport and small purchases like convenience store snacks. Cash is mainly needed for T-Money top-ups at older subway kiosks.
Download Naver Map for essential directions and public transport schedules, and Papago for instant translation. Kakao T is invaluable for booking taxis, especially during peak hours or late at night.
Be aware that many Korean restaurants operate on a '1 person, 1 dish' policy during peak hours, especially for popular items like stews. It's polite and expected to stick to this unwritten rule.
For instant tax refunds, shop at Olive Young or department stores displaying 'Tax Refund' signs. Olive Young offers immediate refunds for purchases between 15,000 KRW and 1,000,000 KRW, requiring your passport at the time of purchase.
When departing from Incheon Airport, remember AREX Express train tickets are for specific terminals (B2/B7 for Express in T1/T2). For liquid rules, pack liquids over 100ml in checked baggage, or ensure they fit in a single 1-liter clear, re-sealable bag for carry-on.
V0 phrase card
Sources and freshness
- VISITKOREA — Dining etiquette and ordering guideLast verified: 2026-08-20
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay taxi with T-money in Korea and what are the late-night surcharges?
While some taxis accept T-money, credit cards are universally accepted. For convenience, use Kakao T Pay linked to your card or pay directly with a foreign credit card. A late-night surcharge of 20% applies to taxi fares from 22:00 (10 PM) to 04:00 (4 AM).
How do I top up my T-money card for public transport in South Korea?
You can easily top up your T-money card at any subway station using cash at automated machines or service centers. Additionally, most convenience stores like GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, and Emart24 offer top-up services, often accepting both cash and card.
What's the process for getting a tax refund at Incheon Airport?
For items purchased with a tax refund receipt (typically 30,000 KRW minimum per transaction), locate the designated tax refund kiosks or counters at Incheon Airport (often near check-in counters or after immigration). You will need your passport, receipts, and potentially the purchased items for inspection by customs officials.
Which local apps are essential for navigating and living in Korea as a traveler?
Naver Map is indispensable for public transport, walking directions, and searching for restaurants or amenities. Kakao T is crucial for booking taxis, while Papago is a highly effective translation app. For food delivery, Baemin (Baedal Minjok) is dominant, though it often requires a local phone number and payment method.
Where can I store my luggage at Seoul Station and what are the operating hours?
At Seoul Station, you can utilize T-Luggage facilities, typically located on the B2 level, offering secure storage for various bag sizes. Their standard operating hours are from 09:00 to 22:00 daily. Additionally, coin lockers are available throughout the station for shorter-term storage.