Are Side Dishes Free in Korea? Everything You Need to Know About Banchan

A Foreigner’s Guide to Banchan: Korea’s Free Side Dish Culture

If you’ve ever dined at a traditional Korean restaurant, you’ve probably noticed an array of small dishes served before your main meal even arrives. This is Banchan (반찬), one of the most iconic parts of Korean dining culture.

For first-time visitors, navigating how Banchan works—and whether it’s really free—can be a bit confusing. Here is everything you need to know to enjoy your meal like a local!

What is Banchan?

In simple terms, Banchan refers to the side dishes served alongside a Korean meal. Rather than being treated as separate appetizers, they are meant to be eaten together with your main dish and bowl of rice.

Banchan includes a wide variety of items:

• Kimchi (napa cabbage, radish, or cucumber)
• Seasoned Vegetables (bean sprouts, spinach, or bracken)
• Braised/Pan-fried Dishes (stir-fried fish cakes, rolled omelets, or braised potatoes)

How to Get Refills: Is It Really Free?

Yes! In almost every Korean restaurant, Banchan refills are completely free of charge. You don’t have to worry about being billed extra for asking for another dish of Kimchi.

Here is how you can get more:

1.Self-Service Bars (셀프 바)

Look around the restaurant for a sign that says “Self Bar” (셀프 바). Many casual spots have a central station where you can bring your empty dish and scoop as much as you want. Just remember to take only what you can eat!

2.Asking the Staff

If there is no self-bar, you can simply ask the server for a refill. Point to the empty dish and politely say:
“I-geo jom deo ju-se-yo” (이거 좀 더 주세요 – “Please give me a bit more of this.”)

3.Using Table Kiosks

Many modern restaurants in Korea now feature touchscreen order tablets at each table. If you see one, check the menu interface for a “Side Dish” or “Refill” section to request more with a quick tap.

A Quick Note on Extra Fees

While 95% of standard side dishes are complimentary, a few premium items might incur an additional cost. For example, if a restaurant serves a whole fried fish, fresh raw crab, or a specialized meat dish as part of the initial side spreads, asking for an entire extra plate of that specific item might cost a small fee. If you are unsure, the menu on the tablet or the staff will easily let you know!