When visiting Korea or dining at a Korean restaurant, understanding local dining etiquette can greatly enhance your experience and show respect for the culture. Here are some essential phrases and vocabulary to help you navigate a meal politely and graciously.

식사하다 (siksa hada) – This is the verb “to eat.” It’s used when you talk about meals in general.
우리는 지금 식사하러 갈 거예요. (Urineun jigeum siksa hareo gal geoyeyo.) – We are going to eat now.

잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgesseumnida) – This phrase means “I will eat well” and is said before beginning a meal, showing gratitude and anticipation for the food.
음식이 따뜻할 때 잘 먹겠습니다. (Eumsigi ttatteuthal ttae jal meokgesseumnida.) – I will eat well while the food is warm.

잘 먹었습니다 (jal meogeotseumnida) – Meaning “I ate well,” this is a polite way to express that you enjoyed the meal, said after eating.
정말 맛있는 식사였어요. 잘 먹었습니다! (Jeongmal masinneun siksayeosseoyo. Jal meogeotseumnida!) – It was a really delicious meal. I ate well!

맛있게 드세요 (masitge deuseyo) – This is the equivalent of “bon appétit” or “enjoy your meal.”
여기 음식은 항상 좋아요. 맛있게 드세요! (Yeogi eumsigeun hangsang joayo. Masitge deuseyo!) – The food is always good here. Enjoy your meal!

물 좀 주세요 (mul jom juseyo) – If you need water, this phrase which means “Please give me some water” will be useful.
목이 말라요, 물 좀 주세요. (Mogi mallyayo, mul jom juseyo.) – I am thirsty, please give me some water.

계산서 주세요 (gyesanseo juseyo) – When you’re finished and ready to pay, use this phrase to ask for the bill. It means “Please give me the bill.”
식사를 다 했으니 계산서 주세요. (Siksareul da haesseuni gyesanseo juseyo.) – We have finished our meal, please give us the bill.

이거 어떻게 먹어요? (igeo eotteoke meogeoyo?) – If you’re unsure how to eat a particular dish, this phrase which means “How do I eat this?” can be helpful.
이거 처음 봐서, 어떻게 먹어요? (Igeo cheoeum bwaseo, eotteoke meogeoyo?) – This is my first time seeing this, how do I eat it?

더 주문할게요 (deo jumunhalgeyo) – When you want to order more food, use this phrase which means “I would like to order more.”
모든 게 너무 맛있어서, 더 주문할게요! (Modeun ge neomu masisseoseo, deo jumunhalgeyo!) – Everything is so delicious, I would like to order more!

이거 매워요? (igeo maewoyo?) – Korean cuisine is known for its spiciness. Ask if a dish is spicy with this phrase meaning “Is this spicy?”
저는 매운 음식을 잘 못 먹어요, 이거 매워요? (Jeoneun maeun eumsigeul jal mot meogeoyo, igeo maewoyo?) – I can’t eat spicy food well, is this spicy?

숟가락 / 젓가락 (sutgarak / jeotgarak) – These are the Korean words for “spoon” and “chopsticks,” the main utensils in Korean dining.
숟가락과 젓가락을 사용하면 이 음식을 더 쉽게 먹을 수 있어요. (Sutgarakgwa jeotgarageul sayonghamyeon i eumsigeul deo swipge meogeul su isseoyo.) – Using a spoon and chopsticks makes eating this food easier.

Understanding and using these phrases can show respect for Korean culture and make your dining experience more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to try using them, as even a small effort in the local language is often greatly appreciated!