Ordering at a Korean Restaurant: 3 Words Are Enough

When I first came to Korea, the most frightening moment was ordering at a restaurant. When I looked at the menu, a staff member would come up and ask me something, but since I didn't know any Korean, I just smiled awkwardly.

But in reality, knowing just 3 Korean words is enough. Just remember "Igeo Hana Juseyo."

The Magic Phrase "Igeo Hana Juseyo"

"Igeo Hana Juseyo" is pronounced "ee-guh hah-nah joo-seh-yo" in English. If you remember these 6 syllables, you can order food anywhere in Korea.

Igeo (이거): means "this one"
Hana (하나): means "one"
Juseyo (주세요): means "please give me"

Just point to the food you want on the menu and say, "Igeo Hana Juseyo." It's really simple, right?

Changing the Quantity: When Ordering More Than One

What if you're not alone and you're with a friend? Just change "Hana" to "Dugae."

"Igeo Dugae Juseyo" (igeo dugae juseyo)

"Dugae (두 개)" means "two items." If you need three, say "Se Gae (세 개)," and if you need four, say "Ne Gae (네 개)."

Ordering Several Types: When You Want to Eat a Little of Everything

What if you want to eat Kimchi Stew and Bibimbap? Use the connecting word "-rang."

"Igeorang Igeo Juseyo" (igeorang igeo juseyo)

Point to the first menu item and say "Igeorang," then point to the second menu item and say "Igeo Juseyo." "-rang" is like "and" in English.

Ordering with Specific Menu Names

At a cafe, you can also say the menu name directly, like "Americano Hana Juseyo." Even if the menu is written in Korean, most people will understand if you pronounce it as is.

"Americano Hana Juseyo" (아메리카노 하나 주세요)
"Cheese burger-rang coffee Juseyo" (치즈버거랑 커피 주세요)
"Bulgogi Dugae Juseyo" (불고기 두 개 주세요)

Tips for Using It in Real Life

Now that you know the theory, let's see how to use it in a real situation.

At a Fast Food Restaurant

At places like McDonald's or KFC, you can point to a set menu and say, "Igeo Hana Juseyo." If the staff asks you about the drink, say "Cola" or "Cider," or if you don't know, just nod your head.

At a Cafe

At cafes like Starbucks, you can point to a photo of the coffee on the menu and say, "Igeo Hana Juseyo." If they ask you about the size, just say one of "tall", "grande", or "venti," and if you don't know, just say "grande," which is the middle size.

At a Korean Restaurant

Korean restaurants have a lot of photos on the menu, so it's even easier to order. Just point to a photo that looks delicious and say, "Igeo Hana Juseyo," and you're done.

How to Sound More Natural

Once you're familiar with "Igeo Hana Juseyo," try learning some expressions that sound more natural.

"Igeoyo": Simply means "this one." Good to use in casual situations.
"Igeo Juseyo": When you want to omit "Hana." Use when it's clear from the context that you mean one.
"Igeoseuro Halkkeyo": A more polite expression, but it may be difficult for foreigners.

Useful Situations to Know When Ordering

When Packing To-Go

If you want to take out, say "pojangiyo" or "take out" after ordering. Most staff understand the English word as well.

Adjusting the Level of Spiciness

If you're worried that Korean food will be too spicy, say "An maepge haejuseyo" or "not spicy" in English. Conversely, if you like spicy food, say "Maepge haejuseyo" or "extra spicy."

When Paying

If you want to pay by card, say "Card-yo" or hold up your card. When paying with cash, just pay with the money.

Try It With Confidence

Korean people really like seeing foreigners trying to order in Korean. It's okay if your pronunciation isn't perfect, and it's okay to be wrong. Most people will kindly help you.

Just remember "Igeo Hana Juseyo" for sure and say it with confidence. It's easier than you think, and once you succeed, you won't be afraid next time.

If it really doesn't work? Just point to the menu and hold up one finger. Body language is universal. But I recommend trying "Igeo Hana Juseyo." Don't miss out on the fun of ordering in Korean!