Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Hello. This is JH from My Korean Guide.
In Korea, how you order and pay at restaurants depends largely on one thing:
whether there is a kiosk or not.
For first-time visitors, this can be confusing —
especially because payment methods change depending on the system used.
Here’s how it actually works.
🧾 If the Restaurant Has a Kiosk
Many casual Korean restaurants use self-order kiosks, usually near the entrance.
How it works
- You order by yourself at the kiosk
- Payment is made before you eat
Accepted payment methods
- Credit / debit cards
- Samsung Pay
⚠️ Cash is usually not accepted at kiosks.
Important:
If you see a kiosk, assume:
Card or Samsung Pay only.
🪑 If There Is No Kiosk
If there is no kiosk, ordering is done at your table.
How ordering works
- A staff member comes to take your order
- You order verbally
How payment works
- Payment is made after the meal
- Usually at the counter
Accepted payment methods
- Credit / debit cards
- Samsung Pay
- Cash
This system is still very common, especially at:
- Traditional restaurants
- Small local eateries
- Older family-run places
🙋♂️ How to Call Staff When There Is No Kiosk
If there’s no kiosk and no tablet,
you need to call a staff member yourself.
This is normal in Korea.
What to say
You can say any of these:
- “여기요!” (Yeogiyo!)
→ “Excuse me” (most common and neutral) - “사장님!” (Sajangnim!)
→ Literally “Sir” or “chef” / Sajangnim mean: Boss
→ Very commonly used in small restaurants - “이모!” (Imo!)
→ Literally “auntie”
→ Common in casual local places
→ Not rude, but best used in informal settings (*For use only by women over middle age.)
👉 You do not need to raise your hand politely or wait silently.
Calling out is normal and expected.
📱 Table-Side Ordering & Payment (Common in Newer Restaurants)
Some modern restaurants use QR codes or tablet kiosks at the table.
How it works
- Scan a QR code or use a tablet at your table
- Order directly from your seat
- In some places, you can also pay at the table
Accepted payment methods
- Cards
- Samsung Pay
- Occasionally local apps (for Koreans)
If you see a tablet or QR code on the table,
you usually don’t need to call a staff member.
If payment via QR code is available on the table, simply order and pay with your phone.
✅ Quick Summary
- Kiosk present → Card or Samsung Pay only
- No kiosk → Card, cash, or Samsung Pay
- To call staff → “여기요”, “사장님”, or “이모”
- Table tablet / QR → Order (and sometimes pay) at the table
Once you understand this system,
ordering at Korean restaurants becomes much easier.
