Banchan Refills in Korea: How to Ask for More

The first time I took my friend Hannah to a proper Korean restaurant, she fell in love with the kimchi and the little braised potatoes — then quietly rationed them, one bite at a time, because she had no idea they were free and unlimited. When I called the server over and asked for more, her jaw actually dropped. That’s the moment that makes this guide to banchan refills in Korea worth reading. Many restaurants provide complimentary banchan, and additional servings may be available on request depending on the restaurant. As a Korean who has watched too many shy foreign friends under-eat, let me fix that for you.

Why Banchan Refills Are One of Korea’s Best Perks

If you’re new to Korean dining, here’s the delightful part: when you order a main dish, the restaurant brings out a spread of small side dishes called 반찬 (banchan) — kimchi, seasoned vegetables, braised things, sometimes a little egg or fish — for free. And at most traditional restaurants, these are refillable at no extra charge.

This is common at many Korean restaurants, and asking for more banchan is generally fine when the restaurant offers refills. Hannah’s instinct to ration was the exact opposite of what locals do. Once you internalize that banchan is meant to flow freely, meals here get a lot more generous.

The Phrases for More Side Dishes, Water, and More

Here’s your toolkit — Korean, rough pronunciation, meaning. The magic building block is “좀 더 주세요” (jom deo ju-se-yo) = “a little more, please.” Attach it to anything.

Refills

• More side dishes, please → 반찬 좀 더 주세요 (ban-chan jom deo ju-se-yo)
• More kimchi, please → 김치 좀 더 주세요 (gim-chi jom deo ju-se-yo)
• More water, please → 물 좀 더 주세요 (mul jom deo ju-se-yo)

Table extras

• Can I get an apron? → 앞치마 주세요 (ap-chi-ma ju-se-yo)
• Wet wipes, please → 물티슈 주세요 (mul-ti-syu ju-se-yo)

Checking

• Is this free? → 이거 무료예요? (i-geo mu-ryo-ye-yo?)

That “이거 무료예요?” is a handy safety check. The vast majority of standard banchan refills are free, but a few specialty items at certain places aren’t — so if you’re ever unsure, just ask before piling on.

How to Call a Server (Without Feeling Rude)

Here’s the cultural hurdle that stops a lot of visitors: how do you get the server’s attention? Back home, waving or calling out might feel impolite. In Korea, it’s completely normal and expected. You simply say:

• Excuse me! → 여기요! (yeo-gi-yo!) or 저기요! (jeo-gi-yo!)

Say it clearly, with a little raise of the hand, and someone will come. Many restaurants also have a call button (벨) on the table — press it and staff arrive. Hannah found “여기요!” almost impossible at first because it felt too bold, but it’s genuinely the polite, standard way to flag a server here. No one thinks twice about it.

The Self-Bar: When You Serve Yourself

Plenty of restaurants have a self-bar (셀프바) — a station where you help yourself to banchan refills, water, and sometimes soup or rice. Look for a counter off to the side with tongs, containers, and a water dispenser (정수기).

If you’re not sure whether a place is self-serve, just ask: “셀프예요?” (self-ye-yo? — “Is it self-serve?”). If yes, grab a plate and refill as much as you like. If not, use the phrases above and let the staff bring it.

A Real Restaurant Moment

Here’s the whole thing at a traditional restaurant:

You: 여기요! (Excuse me!)
Server: 네, 부르셨어요? (Yes, you called?)
You: 김치 좀 더 주세요. (More kimchi, please.)
Server: 네, 갖다드릴게요. (Sure, I’ll bring it.)

Ten seconds, more kimchi, zero awkwardness. And since there’s no tipping in Korea, none of this comes with any expectation of a gratuity — it’s simply part of the meal.

A Note on Etiquette

Refilling banchan is normal, but a little courtesy goes a long way. Don’t order refills of something you’re clearly not going to finish just to stockpile it — taking a reasonable amount and asking again is the graceful rhythm. And at a self-bar, take what you’ll eat. Koreans are relaxed about refills but mindful of waste, so match that energy.

FAQ

Are banchan really free to refill in Korea?
At most traditional restaurants, yes — standard side dishes are free and refillable. A few specialty items at certain places may cost extra, so ask if unsure.

Is it rude to ask for more side dishes?
Not at all. It’s expected and normal. Restaurants bring banchan assuming you might want more.

How do I call the server without being rude?
Say “여기요!” or “저기요!” or press the table call button. This is the standard, polite way to get attention in Korea.

What if I want water but don’t see any?
Many places are self-serve with a water dispenser. Ask “물 어디 있어요?” (Where’s the water?) or “물 좀 더 주세요” for a refill.

The Bottom Line

Once you know that banchan is free, that “좀 더 주세요” refills anything, and that “여기요!” is the polite way to call a server, banchan refills in Korea turn every traditional meal into a generous one. Ask freely, serve yourself at the self-bar, and don’t ration like Hannah did. It pairs perfectly with knowing how to split the bill afterward and how to order your coffee for the walk home. Hannah now asks for more kimchi without a flicker of hesitation. After this, so will you.