How Can Foreign Tourists Find and Reserve Restaurants with CATCHTABLE Global?

Quick answer: Foreign visitors should use CATCHTABLE Global, not the Korean domestic version. The global service lets travelers search restaurants in multiple languages, make reservations without a Korean phone number, use eligible foreign-issued cards, and join supported waitlists.

Do you want to reserve a popular restaurant in Korea but do not have a Korean phone number? CATCHTABLE Global is designed for international visitors and can help you search, reserve, and manage restaurant plans in English and other supported languages.

This guide explains the screens you will see when finding a restaurant, choosing a date, selecting your party size, checking available times, and turning on reservation notifications.

1. Check that you are using CATCHTABLE Global

Open the global app or visit the official CATCHTABLE Global website. On the app home screen, check that the language button shows ENG or your preferred supported language.

The home screen includes sections such as Trending Now, Hot in Seoul, Best K-BBQ, Best Korean, Michelin, Waitlist TOP, and Priority Entry. The bottom menu normally includes Home, Explore, My Dining, and Me.

2. Search by restaurant or location

Tap the search bar and enter a restaurant name or destination. If you do not know a specific restaurant, search by area, for example:

  • Seoul
  • Myeongdong
  • Hongdae
  • Insadong
  • Seongsu
  • Namsan or N Seoul Tower

The search results may show both locations and individual restaurants. Check the English restaurant name, Korean name, neighborhood, and address carefully before selecting a result. Restaurants with similar names may have several branches.

3. Explore restaurants on the map

The map view helps you compare restaurants by neighborhood. You can choose food categories such as grilled beef, grilled pork, or bars and pubs. You can also use regional buttons for areas such as Myeongdong, Insadong, Hongdae, Seongsu, and Gangnam.

Hotel tip: Before reserving, compare the restaurant location with your hotel in NAVER Map. A restaurant described as being in Seoul may still be far from your hotel.

4. Check the restaurant information

On the restaurant list, review the following information:

  • Rating and number of reviews
  • Neighborhood
  • Cuisine type
  • Current opening status
  • Break time
  • Approximate lunch and dinner price ranges
  • Available reservation dates

Prices shown in the app are approximate ranges. Always open the restaurant detail page to check the current menu, reservation conditions, minimum order, and other notices.

5. Choose the date, party size, and time

  1. Tap Time & Date or the reservation option on the restaurant page.
  2. Select your preferred date.
  3. Choose the number of people under Party Size.
  4. Select one of the available time buttons.
  5. Continue to the reservation details and payment stage, if required.

If no time is displayed, the restaurant may be fully booked, reservations may not yet be open, or that date may not be available. Try another date, time, or branch.

6. Reserve or join a waitlist

Restaurants that accept advance reservations may display a Reserve button. Restaurants that support waiting may show Waitlist or Join Remote Waitlist.

These are different:

  • Reservation: You choose a confirmed future date and time.
  • Remote waitlist: You join the current queue and monitor the teams ahead of you.
  • Priority Entry: Available only at participating restaurants and subject to the conditions shown in the app.

Not every restaurant provides all three options. Always follow the buttons and conditions shown on that restaurant's page.

7. Turn on reservation notifications

The app may ask you to turn on reservation or entry notifications. Notifications can help you receive reservation updates, visit information, and waitlist alerts. If you do not enable them, check your email and the My Dining section regularly.

Do I need a Korean phone number?

CATCHTABLE Global states that its service can be used without a Korean phone number. Sign-in options and supported payment methods can change, so follow the options displayed in the current version of the app.

Can I pay with a foreign credit card?

The global app supports eligible foreign-issued cards, but payment acceptance can depend on the card issuer, security verification, restaurant, and reservation type. Some restaurants require a deposit while others may not.

Important cancellation warning: A deposit is not automatically refundable in every situation. Read the restaurant's cancellation deadline, refund conditions, no-show rules, and late-arrival policy before confirming. These rules vary by restaurant.

Where can I check my booking?

Open My Dining to review reservations and waitlists. Also check the email address used for your account. Save the restaurant's address in NAVER Map before leaving your hotel.

Final checklist before you reserve

  • Confirm that you selected the correct restaurant branch.
  • Check the date, time, and party size.
  • Review the menu and expected price range.
  • Read the deposit and cancellation policy.
  • Check the late-arrival and no-show rules.
  • Save the restaurant in NAVER Map.
  • Plan the route from your hotel to the restaurant.

For current features and supported restaurants, check CATCHTABLE Global. The Korea Tourism Organization's CATCHTABLE Global guide also explains reservations and waiting for international visitors.

App screens, restaurant availability, prices, deposits, and cancellation conditions may change. Check the current information before confirming a reservation.

  • Seongsu
  • Namsan or N Seoul Tower

    • The search results may show both locations and individual restaurants. Check the English restaurantsimilar names may have several branches.


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