Korean BBQ is more than just grilling meat—it’s a social dining experience filled with traditions and unspoken rules.
Whether you’re at a Korean BBQ restaurant or hosting a home Korean BBQ, knowing the proper etiquette can help you enjoy the meal while respecting the culture.
If you’re new to Korean barbecue, don’t worry! This guide will cover everything you need to know about the do’s and don’ts so you can grill, eat, and socialize like a pro.
While Korean dining etiquette may differ from Western customs, you don’t have to follow every rule strictly. However, understanding these traditions can add an extra layer of fun and appreciation to your dining experience.
Do’s: Korean BBQ Etiquette You Should Follow
1. Let the Elders Eat First
In Korean dining culture, age and hierarchy matter. It’s respectful to let elders take the first bite before you start eating.
In traditional Korean households, it is considered proper etiquette to wait quietly until the elders pick up their chopsticks or spoon before beginning your meal.
If someone older offers you food, receive it with both hands as a sign of respect.
2. Who Should Be in Charge of the Grill?
Unlike Western BBQ, where everyone grills their own food, Korean BBQ usually has one person in charge of grilling.
In many cases, this role naturally falls to the youngest person at the table, whether voluntarily or due to social pressure.
While this tradition varies by group, it can sometimes feel like an unfair expectation. Instead of making one person responsible, why not take turns grilling with friends and family?
Sharing the task makes the experience more enjoyable and ensures that everyone gets to focus on eating and socializing.
3. Use Lettuce Wraps (Ssam) Properly
A classic way to enjoy Korean BBQ is by making ssam (lettuce wraps). Take a piece of grilled meat, add some ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce), a slice of garlic, and some kimchi, then wrap it in lettuce or perilla leaves.
Tip: Eat the wrap in one bite—biting into a half-eaten wrap is considered bad manners.
4. Refill Side Dishes for Others
Korean BBQ meals come with plenty of banchan (side dishes) like kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned vegetables.
If you notice an empty dish, offer to refill it for everyone at the table, not just yourself. Refilling an empty side dish or pouring water into someone’s empty glass is considered a very polite and thoughtful gesture!
5. Pour Drinks for Others
Korean BBQ often includes drinks like soju or beer (mekju). When pouring drinks, use two hands if serving someone older.
Likewise, when receiving a drink, hold your glass with both hands as a sign of respect.
There is a common Korean saying: “If you pour your own drink, the other person will have bad luck for three years.” This reflects how deeply mutual drink-pouring is valued in Korean dining culture.
While this belief isn’t taken too seriously today, it shows the importance of serving each other rather than pouring your own drink.
Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Don’t Flip Meat Too Often
Resist the urge to constantly flip the meat—this prevents proper caramelization and can make the meat dry. Let it cook for a bit before flipping to get the best flavor. In Korea, many people say that meat should only be flipped once for the best taste. While this isn’t necessarily a strict rule, repeatedly flipping the meat might earn you a comment or two from others at the table!
2. Don’t Cut Meat with Chopsticks
Korean BBQ is typically served in bite-sized pieces, but if you need to cut larger pieces, use scissors (kitchen shears) instead of chopsticks or a knife.
Cutting meat with scissors is not only easier but also much more efficient compared to using a knife. In fact, many Korean households rely heavily on kitchen scissors—I have more than ten in my own kitchen!
3. Don’t Make Loud Chewing Sounds
In Korean dining culture, eating quietly is considered good manners.
While it’s not always strictly enforced, chewing loudly (making smacking noises) can be seen as impolite.
To avoid this, try to eat with your mouth closed and minimize unnecessary noise while chewing.
4. Don’t Blow Your Nose at the Table
Blowing your nose at the dining table is generally frowned upon in Korea.
If you need to, excuse yourself and step away from the table to do so.
Since Korean BBQ often includes spicy foods that can make your nose run, it’s best to keep tissues handy and discreetly wipe your nose instead of blowing it in front of others.
5. Don’t Waste Food
Korean meals emphasize not wasting food. Take only what you can eat and avoid overloading your plate with meat or side dishes you won’t finish.
6. Sharing is Common—Don’t Panic About Double Dipping
Many Korean BBQ meals include shared dipping sauces, and while double-dipping might not be ideal, it’s important to understand that Korean dining culture traditionally involves food sharing.
While customs are changing, some people may not think twice about dipping their chopsticks or meat back into the sauce.
If someone double-dips, don’t panic—politely suggest using individual sauce dishes or serving sauce in small portions for each person.
This way, everyone can enjoy their meal comfortably without awkwardness.
Bonus Tips for a Great Korean BBQ Experience
1. Try Different Meats & Marinades
Korean BBQ isn’t just about samgyeopsal (pork belly). Explore different cuts like galbi (short ribs), bulgogi (marinated beef), and chadolbaegi (thinly sliced brisket).
If you’re curious about how to choose the best cuts of meat for Korean BBQ, check out this guide on selecting Korean BBQ meats.
For a detailed breakdown of different sauces and how to pair them, take a look at this guide on Korean BBQ dipping sauces.
2. Know the Right Drink Pairings
Korean BBQ pairs well with soju, beer (mekju), and makgeolli (rice wine). Try mixing soju and beer to make a soju bomb (somaek) for an authentic experience.
3. Enjoy the Social Aspect
Korean BBQ is a communal meal meant to be enjoyed with family and friends. Take your time, have fun grilling, and don’t rush the experience.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re at a Korean BBQ restaurant or grilling at home, following these do’s and don’ts will help you enjoy the meal like a local. Korean BBQ is about great food, shared experiences, and respect for tradition—so embrace the culture and savor every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 1. What is the most important rule in Korean BBQ etiquette?
- 2. Can I grill my own meat at a Korean BBQ restaurant?
- 3. What meats are commonly served at Korean BBQ?
- 4. Do I have to use lettuce wraps when eating Korean BBQ?
- 5. Is it rude to ask for more banchan (side dishes)?
- 6. Can I mix my own dipping sauce?
- 7. How do I properly pour and receive drinks at a Korean BBQ?
- 8. What is the best way to cook Korean BBQ meat?
- 9. Should I order rice with my Korean BBQ?
- 10. What drinks pair best with Korean BBQ?
1. What is the most important rule in Korean BBQ etiquette?
The most important rule is respecting elders by letting them eat first and serving them before yourself. Showing consideration in small ways, such as pouring drinks or grilling properly, also enhances the experience.
2. Can I grill my own meat at a Korean BBQ restaurant?
It depends on the restaurant. Some places allow diners to grill their own meat, while others have staff who do it for you. If you’re unsure, watch what other tables are doing or ask the staff.
3. What meats are commonly served at Korean BBQ?
Popular choices include samgyeopsal (pork belly), galbi (short ribs), bulgogi (marinated beef), chadolbaegi (thinly sliced brisket), and dak galbi (spicy chicken). Each cut has a different grilling technique and flavor profile.
There’s a detailed post about Korean BBQ meats—check it out for more insights!
4. Do I have to use lettuce wraps when eating Korean BBQ?
No, but it’s a traditional and delicious way to enjoy grilled meat. Wrapping meat, kimchi, garlic, and ssamjang (sauce) in lettuce or perilla leaves enhances the experience.
5. Is it rude to ask for more banchan (side dishes)?
Not at all! Most Korean BBQ restaurants offer unlimited refills on side dishes, but it’s polite to take only what you can eat to avoid waste.
6. Can I mix my own dipping sauce?
Yes! Many Korean BBQ restaurants provide ingredients like sesame oil, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and gochujang (red pepper paste) so you can customize your flavors.
7. How do I properly pour and receive drinks at a Korean BBQ?
When pouring, use two hands if serving someone older. When receiving a drink, hold your glass with both hands. Also, avoid pouring your own drink—Koreans believe that doing so brings bad luck to the other person!
8. What is the best way to cook Korean BBQ meat?
Cook fatty meats like pork belly over medium heat to allow the fat to render properly. Avoid flipping the meat too often, and use kitchen shears to cut larger pieces into bite-sized portions.
9. Should I order rice with my Korean BBQ?
Rice is commonly served, but it’s not mandatory. Some people prefer to eat grilled meat on its own or with lettuce wraps instead of rice.
10. What drinks pair best with Korean BBQ?
Traditional pairings include soju, beer (mekju), somaek (soju + beer mix), and makgeolli (rice wine). These drinks complement the smoky, rich flavors of grilled meats.