Korean Side Dish Refill Rules: What Not to Do at Restaurants

If you're new to Korea, chances are you've been surprised by all those little plates that come for free with your meal. These are called 반찬(banchan)—Korean side dishes—and they’re an essential part of the local dining culture. But for many foreigners, they can be a source of confusion.

Can I ask for more?

Is it rude to leave leftovers?
Are there limits on refills?

The truth is, while most Koreans understand the unspoken rules, they’re rarely explained to outsiders. That’s where this guide comes in: we’ll break down the basics, the etiquette, and how not to get those awkward stares at your next meal.

Table of Contents :

What Is Banchan? Understanding the Basics
Can You Refill Side Dishes? Here’s the Real Rule
How to Ask for More: Easy Korean Phrases to Use
Self-Serve Banchan Stations: What to Know
Cultural Etiquette: What NOT to Do with Side Dishes
Do You Really Get Fined for Wasting Food?
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Tips for Enjoying Banchan Like a Local

What Is Banchan? Understanding the Basics

Banchan (반찬) are small side dishes served along with cooked rice in Korean meals. Unlike Western-style sides, they’re not ordered separately. Instead, they come as part of the set when you order your main dish.

Common banchan includes:

Kimchi (fermented cabbage)
Kongnamul (seasoned bean sprouts)
Gamja jorim (soy sauce-glazed potatoes)
Oi muchim (spicy cucumber salad)

These dishes are meant to be shared, and they complement the main meal rather than acting as individual sides. In most casual Korean restaurants, banchan is included in the meal price and often refillable for free.

However, not all side dishes are refillable—especially premium ones like grilled fish, steamed egg, or marinated crab. That’s why it’s important to know what can and can’t be requested again.

Can You Refill Side Dishes? Here’s the Real Rule

Yes, in most Korean restaurants, refills are allowed—but not unlimited. It depends on the restaurant's style and how busy it is.

Here's what you should know:

Casual local spots: Staff are usually okay with 1–2 refills if you ask nicely.
BBQ or set menu restaurants: Some banchan (especially kimchi or sprouts) are automatically refilled.
Upscale places or busy times: Refills may be limited or politely declined.

⚠️ Important: Don’t just help yourself unless it's clearly a self-serve station. Always ask first.

Restaurants appreciate modest refills, especially if you’ve finished the first round. Don’t ask for seconds when your first helping is untouched—it’s considered wasteful and a bit rude.

Also, don’t request every single banchan again. Pick 1 or 2 that you liked. Repeatedly asking for everything may be seen as excessive, especially in smaller eateries.

How to Ask for More: Easy Korean Phrases to Use

If you’re at a Korean restaurant and want more of a side dish, it’s best to ask politely. Don’t just wave your hand or shout—Koreans value subtle manners.

Here are a few simple Korean phrases you can use:

“이거 더 주세요.” (Ee-geo deo ju-se-yo.)
→ "Can I have more of this?"
“김치 리필 가능해요?” (Kimchi ri-pil ga-neung-hae-yo?)
→ "Is kimchi refillable?"
“셀프인가요?” (Sel-peu-in-ga-yo?)
→ "Is it self-serve?"

And when the staff brings it, saying “감사합니다” (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) goes a long way.

💡 Tip: If there’s a banchan you particularly liked, pointing to the empty plate with a smile is a simple and effective way to ask without saying much.

Self-Serve Banchan Stations: What to Know

Some Korean restaurants offer self-serve stations where you can refill banchan yourself. These are common in Korean BBQ spots or lunch cafeterias.

Here's what to expect and how to do it right:

Check the sign: Look for signs like “셀프바” (self bar) or “반찬 셀프 리필” (banchan self refill).
Use provided tongs: Never touch anything directly with your hands or personal chopsticks.
Don’t overload your plate: Take a reasonable amount. You can always go back for more.
Clean up after yourself: If there’s a spill, wipe it. Return tongs to their spot.

Most importantly, don’t waste food. Staff often watch how much people take—and leave. Taking too much and throwing it away is considered rude.

Some places even have CCTV signs or warning notices like:

“음식 남기면 벌금 있습니다” → "Penalty for food waste"

It’s usually not enforced, but it shows how serious they are about not wasting.

Cultural Etiquette: What NOT to Do with Side Dishes

In Korea, dining is about sharing and respect. That includes how you treat your side dishes. Here are things to avoid:

❌ Don’t take more than you can eat

Overfilling your plate—especially at a self-serve station—is seen as greedy. It’s better to take a little, finish it, then go back.

❌ Don’t leave untouched food when asking for more

Requesting refills while your plate is still full sends a bad message: you’re not valuing the food or the effort behind it.

❌ Don’t mix all banchan into one bowl

Some foreigners stir all their side dishes into one rice bowl. While creative, it’s not culturally appreciated. Each banchan is meant to be tasted separately or with rice.

❌ Don’t keep calling staff every few minutes

Even if refills are allowed, over-asking can be seen as demanding or inconsiderate, especially when the place is busy.

Do You Really Get Fined for Wasting Food?

Some foreigners are shocked to see signs in restaurants saying:
"남기면 벌금 있습니다" — "If you waste food, you’ll be fined."

But is it real?

👉 Technically, yes—but practically, not really.
Most small restaurants don’t enforce it. The signs are more of a warning to encourage customers to take only what they can eat.

Where you might see enforcement:

Buffets or unlimited BBQ spots
School or corporate cafeterias
All-you-can-eat lunch places

In these cases, taking too much and leaving full plates can result in a small penalty—often ₩2,000 to ₩5,000.

💡 Tip: If you’re full or really can’t eat something, it’s okay to explain your situation politely. For example:

“지금 너무 배가 불러서 더 먹기가 힘든데, 음식을 좀 남겨도 될까요?”
"I'm really full and can't eat more—would it be okay if I leave a little?"

“입맛에 안 맞아서 조금 남기게 될 것 같아요. 괜찮을까요?”
"This isn’t quite to my taste—would it be alright if I leave a bit?"

These expressions show that you respect the food and the culture, even if you can’t finish everything. Most staff will understand and appreciate your honesty.

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Taking Everything at Once

Newcomers sometimes fill their tray with every single banchan available. This overwhelms the table and makes it look like you're hoarding food.
Better: Try 2–3 at first, then go back for your favorites.

Asking for Too Many Refills

It’s okay to ask for more—but if you keep calling the staff just for side dishes, it may feel excessive.
Better: Wait until your first banchan plates are empty, then politely ask for 1–2 favorites.

Using Personal Chopsticks at Self-Serve Stations

This is a big no-no. It spreads germs and is considered unhygienic.
Always use the shared tongs or serving spoons.

Mixing Banchan in Unusual Ways

Pouring all side dishes into a single rice bowl or adding soy sauce to everything might raise eyebrows.
Better: Taste each banchan separately and enjoy how they balance your main dish.

Treating Side Dishes as Main Dishes

Some foreigners focus entirely on banchan and ignore the main food. While there’s no “rule” against it, it can seem odd to locals.
Remember: Banchan complements, not replaces, your main meal.

💡 These small cultural differences often lead to misunderstandings. But don’t worry—Koreans are usually kind and understanding when they see you're making an effort.

Tips for Enjoying Banchan Like a Local

Now that you know the rules, here’s how to make the most of your banchan experience:

Eat in Moderation

Don’t rush or overfill your plate. Korean meals are meant to be relaxed and shared.

Try Everything (At Least Once)

Even if a side dish looks unfamiliar, try a small bite. You might find a new favorite—like sweet lotus root or pickled radish.

Balance Flavors

Mix salty, spicy, sweet, and sour banchan to balance your meal. Koreans love contrast in their dishes.

Watch and Learn

Observe locals at nearby tables. See how they serve, eat, and interact. It’s the fastest way to pick up natural dining etiquette.

Be Polite, Always

A simple “감사합니다” (thank you) or a smile when staff bring more banchan goes a long way. Politeness is deeply appreciated in Korean culture.

Korean side dishes, or banchan, are more than just free food—they’re a reflection of the country’s rich food culture and communal values.

Understanding how to refill properly, follow basic etiquette, and avoid common mistakes will help you feel more confident when dining out in Korea. And more importantly, it shows respect to the people serving you.

So next time you sit down for a meal and see those little dishes, don’t stress. Just enjoy the flavors, follow the flow, and remember: a little politeness goes a long way.

맛있게 드세요! (Bon appétit!)