How to Order Food in Korea Without Speaking Korean (2026 Guide)

 

Introduction

"I'm hungry, but I can't read the menu." "Do I have to talk to the waiter?"

Ordering food in a foreign country can be intimidating, but in South Korea, it has actually become easier than ever. Thanks to a boom in digital kiosks and improved translation apps, you can eat like a king without speaking a single sentence of Korean.

Whether you are craving late-night fried chicken or a quick street snack, here is your survival guide to staying fed in 2026.

1. The "Kiosk" Revolution

Walk into any fast-food chain (Lotteria, Mom's Touch) or modern cafe (Mega Coffee, Paik's Coffee), and you will likely see a large touchscreen by the door.

• Look for the Flag: Almost every kiosk has a "Language" button in the corner (usually a globe icon or flags). Tap the Union Jack or US Flag for English.

• Card Only: Most kiosks are card-only. Insert your credit card chip firmly (don't just tap) if the machine is older.

• Take-out or Eat-in: The first question is always "For Here" (mae-jang) or "To Go" (po-jang).

2. Food Delivery Apps: The "Shuttle" Solution

Ordering food to your hotel room is tricky because major Korean apps (Baedal Minjok, Coupang Eats) often require a Resident ID to verify your identity.

• The Best Option: Shuttle Delivery.

  • This app is designed for foreigners. It is fully in English and accepts international credit cards.

  • Coverage: It works best in Seoul (Itaewon, Gangnam, Hongdae) and near US military bases (Pyeongtaek).

• The Concierge Option: Creatrip.

  • If you want fried chicken (Kyochon, BHC) but Shuttle doesn't deliver to your area, the Creatrip app offers a food delivery service specifically for tourists. You pay via the app, and they place the order for you.

3. In-Person Ordering: The "Papago" Method

When you sit down at a traditional restaurant with no English menu:

1. Download Naver Papago: Do not use Google Translate. Papago is far more accurate for Korean food terms.

2. Use "Image Translate": Open the app, tap "Image," and take a photo of the menu. It will overlay the English text directly on the picture.

3. Point and Speak: You only need one phrase:

   • "I-geo Ju-se-yo" (Please give me this).

   • Just point at the picture or the translated text and say "I-geo" (This) "Ju-se-yo" (Please give).

4. The "Call Button" (Ding-Dong!)

In Korean restaurants, you do not wait for the waiter to come to you.

• Look on the table: There is almost always a small button (usually attached to the utensil box or the corner of the table).

• Press it: It will make a "Ding-Dong" sound, and the server will come running.

• If there is no button: Raise your hand and say "Jeo-gi-yo!" (Excuse me!).

5. Useful Survival Phrases

• "Go-chu-jang Ppae-ju-se-yo" (Please take out the spicy red paste/sauce.)

• "Mul Ju-se-yo" (Please give me water.)

• "Gye-san-seo Ju-se-yo" (Please give me the bill.)

  • Note: In 99% of restaurants, you do not pay at the table. You take your bill to the counter by the exit to pay.

Conclusion

Don't let the language barrier stop you from trying amazing food. Between digital kiosks, the Shuttle app, and the magic of "I-geo Ju-se-yo" (This, please!), you will never go hungry in Korea.