Best Collection Of 54+ Striking Korean Dining Room Vocabulary For Every Budget

The table is the centerpiece of any Korean dining room. It is where the food is served and shared among family and friends. In traditional Korean culture, the dining table is usually low to the ground and made of wood. Nowadays, you can find a variety of modern tables made of different materials such as glass or metal. The size of the table can vary depending on the number of people dining. It is also common to find a small table placed on top of the main dining table, known as a chak-gi, to hold side dishes and condiments.

While the traditional Korean dining room does not have chairs, modern Korean dining rooms often have chairs for more comfortable dining. These chairs are usually low to the ground and have a cushioned seat. The backrest is often made of wood and can be intricately carved with traditional designs. Some chairs may also have armrests for added comfort. In Korean culture, it is considered polite to wait for the eldest person to sit down first before taking a seat at the dining table.

Utensils used in a Korean dining room are similar to those used in other Asian cultures. The most commonly used utensils are metal chopsticks and a metal spoon. Chopsticks are used to pick up solid food, while the spoon is used for soups and rice. It is important to note that unlike in some other cultures, it is considered rude to use your own chopsticks to pick up food from a shared dish. Instead, use the serving utensils provided to serve yourself.

Plates are used to serve main dishes in a Korean dining room. They are usually made of ceramic or porcelain and come in different sizes and designs. In traditional Korean culture, plates were often decorated with intricate patterns and designs. Nowadays, you can find more modern and minimalistic designs. It is common for each person to have their own plate for their main dish.

Bowls, also known as bap-jip, are used to serve rice and soups in a Korean dining room. They are typically smaller in size compared to plates and are made of ceramic or porcelain. Traditional Korean bowls were often decorated with blue and white designs, but now you can find a variety of colors and patterns. It is polite to hold your bowl close to your mouth when eating soup and to finish all the rice in your bowl before leaving the table.

Cups are used to serve beverages such as water, tea, or traditional Korean alcohol, known as soju. They are usually made of ceramic or glass and come in different sizes and shapes. In Korean culture, it is polite to hold your cup with both hands when receiving a drink from someone older or of higher status. It is also polite to refill others' cups before your own.

Spoons are used for soups and rice in a Korean dining room. They are made of metal and are usually larger and deeper than spoons used in Western cultures. Spoons in Korean culture are also used for measuring and mixing sauces and condiments. It is important to note that spoons should not be used to drink from the bowl or cup.

Chopsticks, known as jeokgarak in Korean, are used to pick up solid food in a Korean dining room. They are usually made of metal or wood and come in various sizes. In traditional Korean culture, chopsticks were made of silver and were used as a status symbol. It is considered polite to place your chopsticks on the chopstick rest when not in use, and to not cross them on the table.

Napkins are not commonly used in traditional Korean dining rooms. However, in modern Korean dining, you may find paper or cloth napkins provided for guests. It is also common to use a small towel, known as a hot towel, to wipe your hands before and after the meal. In traditional Korean culture, it is considered rude to wipe your mouth with the napkin or hot towel during the meal.

The menu in a Korean dining room is usually written in Korean and may include pictures of the dishes. Some restaurants may also have an English translation of the menu. It is common for Korean restaurants to specialize in a specific type of dish, such as jjigae (stews) or guksu (noodles). However, you can also find restaurants that offer a variety of dishes. It is also common for restaurants to have a set menu or combo menu with a combination of dishes to try. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from the staff if you are unsure of what to order.