Why Do Korean Restaurants Give Free Refills of Side Dishes?
In most Korean restaurants, refills of side dishes (banchan) are free because they are treated as part of the meal, not as extra items. When you order a main dish, the small plates of kimchi, seasoned vegetables and pickles that come with it are included in the price. If you finish one, you can usually ask for more at no charge. Some restaurants even have a self-service bar for this. A few exceptions apply, which we cover below.
Why refills are free
Korean meals are built around rice, soup and shared side dishes. A main dish is not seen as a complete meal on its own; the banchan around it are part of the table. Restaurants set their prices with this in mind, so the cost of a reasonable amount of side dishes is already included. Charging for another small plate of kimchi would feel, to many Korean diners, a bit like charging for a second glass of water.
There is also a strong idea of jeong (warm-hearted generosity) and hospitality in Korean food culture. A restaurant that is stingy with side dishes can quickly get a reputation for it. Generous, tasty banchan are one of the main reasons people return to a neighborhood restaurant. If you want to know more about why the side dishes appear in the first place, read our guide on why Korean restaurants give free side dishes.
How to ask for a refill
Catch a staff member's eye, press the call bell on your table if there is one, or say "Yeogiyo!" (Excuse me!). Then point at the empty dish and say:
- "Igeo jom deo juseyo." Could I have a bit more of this, please?
- "Kimchi jom deo juseyo." A bit more kimchi, please.
Holding up the empty plate also works. Staff are used to it. Our guide to restaurant call bells explains how the table buttons work.
Self-service bars
Many busy restaurants put a small refill station near the counter, often labeled "셀프" (self) or "Self Bar." It might hold kimchi, pickled radish, lettuce for wrapping meat, garlic, or sauces. Help yourself, but take only what you'll eat. Where you see a self bar, staff may expect you to use it instead of asking them.
When refills may not be free
- Premium side dishes: items with meat, seafood or eggs, such as a steamed egg dish or seasoned crab, are sometimes served once or charged as an extra.
- Extra meat or main portions: more meat at a barbecue restaurant or another bowl of rice is a separate order, usually listed on the menu.
- Some modern or Western-style places: cafés, fusion restaurants and some fast-food chains may not offer banchan refills at all.
If you're unsure, it's fine to ask, "Igeo museoyo?" (Is this free?), and most staff will happily answer.
Refill etiquette
Asking for more is completely normal, but leaving lots of untouched food is frowned upon. Korea takes food waste seriously, and leftover banchan cannot be served to the next table. Ask for a small refill when you actually want it, rather than many refills you won't finish.
"If you love the kimchi, ask again. The cook will take it as a compliment." — Minjun, POPORO CITY
Quick tips
- Basic banchan refills are usually free in traditional Korean restaurants.
- Say "Igeo jom deo juseyo" and point at the empty dish.
- Look for a self-service bar before calling staff.
- Meat, seafood and egg side dishes may cost extra or be served once only.
- Only take or ask for what you'll finish.
FAQ
Is it rude to ask for more side dishes?
No. It's normal, and it usually tells the staff you're enjoying the food.
Do I need to tip for refills?
No. Tipping is not customary in Korean restaurants, and refills come with no expectation of a tip.
Can I take leftover side dishes home?
Restaurants usually don't pack banchan to go, though many will pack leftovers of a main dish if you ask.
Are rice refills free too?
Usually not. An extra bowl of rice (gonggitbap) is normally a small additional charge listed on the menu.