How Foreigners Can Make Restaurant Reservations in Korea

Some Korean restaurants accept walk-ins, while popular tasting menus, barbecue restaurants and trendy cafés may require a reservation or waiting-list registration. Foreign travelers can still book successfully without a Korean bank account if they choose the right method.

Quick Answer

Start with the global version of CATCHTABLE. If the restaurant is not listed, check its official website or social media. Your hotel concierge can also call on your behalf. Always confirm whether a deposit, cancellation fee or Korean phone number is required.

1. Try CATCHTABLE Global

CATCHTABLE’s global service provides restaurant discovery, real-time availability, menus and reviews in multiple languages. Search using the restaurant’s English or Korean name, choose the date and party size, and review the cancellation terms before confirming.

Some restaurants charge a deposit or reservation fee. Check whether it is deducted from the final bill, refunded after your visit or non-refundable after the cancellation deadline.

2. Search the Korean Name

Map and reservation results are often more complete when you search the restaurant’s Korean name. Copy the name from NAVER Map and confirm the address to avoid booking a branch in another neighborhood.

3. Ask Your Hotel to Call

If online booking requires a Korean number, ask your hotel or guesthouse whether staff can make a call. Provide the restaurant name, branch, date, time, number of guests, dietary restrictions and your contact details. Do not ask staff to guarantee a booking deposit unless the hotel explicitly offers that service.

4. Walk-In and Waiting Lists

For casual restaurants, arriving before peak hours may be easier than booking. Lunch queues often grow after noon and dinner queues after 6 p.m. Some stores use a tablet waiting system at the entrance. Enter your party size and follow the instructions; certain systems may request a Korean phone number.

Important Checks

  • Confirm the exact branch and address.
  • Read deposit and no-show rules.
  • Arrive 5–10 minutes early.
  • Tell the restaurant about allergies before arrival.
  • Do not assume vegetarian means vegan.
  • Cancel as soon as possible if your plans change.

Useful Korean

예약하고 싶어요.
Yeyakago sipeoyo.
I would like to make a reservation.

오늘 저녁 두 명 자리 있나요?
Oneul jeonyeok du myeong jari innayo?
Is there a table for two tonight?

외국 전화번호만 있어요.
Oeguk jeonhwabeonhoman isseoyo.
I only have a foreign phone number.

예약금이 있나요?
Yeyakgeumi innayo?
Is there a reservation deposit?

Food and Transport Planning

For ordering help, read How to Use a Korean Restaurant Kiosk. Muslim travelers can also use our Halal Food in Korea guide. Check the last subway before choosing a late dinner.

Official Service

CATCHTABLE Global

Booking availability, deposits and cancellation rules are set by each restaurant and may change.

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