Kiosks and table ordering

Many kiosks have a language button on the first screen or in a corner that switches to English, Chinese, Japanese and other languages. Kiosks at smaller shops may be Korean only, though. In that case, choose by the menu photos or point a translation app's camera at the screen.

Typically you first choose dine-in or takeout, add dishes and options to your cart, then pay. After payment, a receipt with an order number prints, and you pick up your food when the number appears on the screen or is called. Some places hand out a vibrating buzzer instead.

Most kiosks accept credit cards, but some may not read foreign cards or may decline the payment. If that happens, ask staff at the counter for help. Many kiosks do not take cash, so carrying a second card is a good backup.

Many kiosks have no cash slot, but most shops will take a cash order at the staffed counter. Some kiosk screens even say cash payments should be made at the counter. Just ask staff "hyeongeumeuro gyesanhal su isseoyo?" (can I pay in cash?).

Scan the QR code on the table with your phone camera, and an order page opens where you choose dishes and send the order. Payment is either at the counter when you leave or right on the screen, depending on the restaurant. You need mobile data or Wi-Fi, but usually no app installation.

Your order reaches the kitchen only after you add items and press the final order button, so make sure you complete that step. Additional orders go through the same tablet, and payment is usually made at the counter on your way out. Many tablets also have buttons to call staff or request water and extra plates.

The buzzer you get after ordering vibrates and lights up when your food is ready, so head to the pickup counter then. Return the buzzer when you collect your food. If you wander far from the shop, the signal may not reach you.

Choose "maejang" (dine-in) if you will eat there and "pojang" (takeout) if you will take it with you. Dine-in meals come on reusable dishes, while takeout is packed in disposable containers. As of November 2026, cafés may restrict disposable plastic cups for customers drinking inside, though paper cups are not covered. Some places prefer that takeout food not be eaten at their tables.

Tapping a dish often opens an options screen for spice level, size, extra toppings or upgrading to a set. Extras may cost more, so watch how the total changes. You can simply skip any options you do not need. Set upgrades and size changes are often on the same screen.

At most restaurants, staff will help customers who struggle with the kiosk. It may take a moment during busy hours, so pick your dish from the photos in advance and point to it. Some unstaffed shops have no employees, so the kiosk is the only way to order there.

Often yes. Many kiosk restaurants are self-service, so you collect your food when your number appears and return the tray to the drop-off area afterward. Water, utensils and side dishes are commonly at a self-service station. Some places do bring food to your table, so check the shop's signs.

Many Korean restaurant tables have a call button for staff. Press it when you want to order or need water, more side dishes or extra plates, and someone will come over. If there is no button, it is normal to raise your hand and say "jeogiyo" or "yeogiyo" (excuse me). After pressing it, just wait a moment for someone to come.

At kiosks, snack shops and fast-food places, you pay when you order. At regular restaurants and barbecue places, you usually pay at the counter on your way out. Paying at the table with a bill is less common. Just go to the counter and mention your table number.

If the screen freezes during payment or no receipt prints, tell staff before trying to pay again. It also helps to check your card notifications for a double charge. At unstaffed shops, follow the customer support information posted on the machine.

At kiosk restaurants, the receipt shows your order number, which you may need when picking up your food, so keep it. For regular payments, you are often asked whether you want a receipt or can choose on the screen. A receipt also helps if you need a refund or exchange.

At fast-food and snack shop kiosks, after you pick a single item a screen often offers to upgrade it to a set. Sets usually include a drink or side, and you can often change the drink. If you do not want one, just keep the single-item option.

Korea has been strengthening accessibility standards for kiosks, and more machines now offer lowered screens or audio guidance. Conditions still vary widely by shop, so ask staff for help if needed. Many places also take orders at a staffed counter.

Turn on your mobile browser's page translation to see menu names and buttons in your language. If the translation is awkward, choose by photos and prices. When you are not sure the order went through, confirm with staff. Double-check the total on the payment screen in particular.

Many café kiosks let you choose hot or iced, size, extra shots, syrup and the amount of ice. Drinks for dine-in often come in reusable cups and takeout in disposable cups. If you want to use your own tumbler, tell the staff directly.

If a screen asks for your phone number to earn points before payment, tap skip or the option not to collect points. Travelers without a Korean number have no need to sign up. Feel free to skip it if you prefer not to enter personal information. Your order and payment go through normally without it.