TRAVEL NOTES / NO. 070
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Korea Travel · 3 MIN READ43
Can't read Korean? Here's how to order at a kiosk in Korea
Many kiosks let you switch to English or another language, but not all do, so ask staff or use the photo menu if needed.
By Find to Send Editorial
TL;DR — Kiosks let you select your order and pay right on the screen / look for a language-change button first / if there's no English, ask staff or point at the photo menu / you'll get a number ticket or receipt and wait for your food.
Many restaurants and cafes in Korea use kiosks to take orders. If the screen only shows Korean, don't worry — here's how to work through it.
How does a kiosk actually work?
You pick your menu items on the screen and pay right there. Some kiosks have a language-change button that lets you switch to English or another language. Payment is usually done by inserting or tapping a card on the terminal, though accepted payment methods can vary by store.
What if there's no English option?
Not every kiosk supports foreign languages. If the screen is Korean-only, you can ask staff for help or just pick items from the photo menu shown on screen.
Steps to order
- Check the screen for a language-change button first
- If there is one, switch to your language and choose your items
- If not, ask staff for help or choose from the photo menu
- Pay by inserting or tapping your card (accepted methods vary by store)
- Take your number ticket or receipt and wait for your order
Even on your first try, just follow the screen step by step.