Eating out in a Korean restaurant in Korea may seem like a new experience to you even if you eat in a restaurant every day back home. It may seem like there are a lot of "rules" in order to eat in Korea,but it is all based from tradition and respect. Here are some rules that will will help you leave your first Korean dining experience in tact and well fed.
~ Korean traditional cuisine is generally not served in courses. It will usually be all laid out at one time and many dishes will be shared with those seated at the table. Don't expect an individual plate to be already dished up and served to you. Help yourself!
~ Nearly all main dishes are served with side dishes such as kimchi. You may encounter the occasional soup and more often than not, a bowl of rice. Your weapons of choice : chopsticks (usually metal) and a spoon. Side dishes take chopsticks, while rice and soup take a spoon. If you ask for a knife, you may get a strange look and most likely end up without what you asked for. Knives are generally only used in the preparation of food and with practice, you'll realize that you never needed that silly knife to begin with!
~ Just as it probably is custom in your culture, it is not a good idea to "pick" at things at the dinner table. (Food, nose, scabs, etc.) Also not a good idea to blow your nose at the table and a BAD idea to do it with food in your mouth! I'm not sure if this is a Korean custom, or more of a don't gross out your friends custom.
~ If there are no chopsticks, spoon or napkin already placed on the table, there are usually containers on the table where you can find your utensils. It's not a bad idea to try to pass them out or even try to place them for your fellow diners. If you're not quick enough on the draw, there'll surely be another person there to do it for you.
~ In a group of people of varying ages, it is typical to allow the eldest person at the table to eat first. Then...it's a free for all. In addition, stay put until everyone is finished eating and the witty conversation has come to a lull. Soon enough, people will begin to start the soju flowing or head home for the night.
You thought that was something to remember? Stay tuned for our next "Getting to know Korea..." blog entry on drinking etiquette!Source :
http://www.koreanrestaurantguide.com/atr/atr_etiq.htm
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