When you walk into a café in Korea during your trip, the ordering process may feel more complicated than expected. Many places use kiosks, and unfamiliar menus can make it difficult to decide what to order. On top of that, approaching busy staff and trying to communicate can feel uncomfortable.
However, there’s no need to worry.
Cafés in Korea are generally easy for foreigners to navigate, and once you understand a few basics, ordering becomes straightforward. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to order coffee in Korea step by step—even if you don’t speak Korean.
If you’d like a broader understanding of how cafés function in daily life, you can also check out my guide to Korean Café Culture 101, where I explain why cafés in Korea are more than just places to grab a drink.
There Are Two Main Ways to Order in Korean Cafés
Cafés in Korea typically use one of two ordering methods.
Aside from a few fully automated machines, most places follow the same general system.
The first is ordering at the counter,
and the second is using a kiosk.
Chain cafés often use kiosks, while independent cafés usually take orders directly from customers at the counter.
(Some franchise cafés also offer mobile app ordering, but this is often limited to users with a Korean phone number and payment method, so it’s not covered here.)
Both methods are simple, but understanding the difference will make the process much smoother.
Step 1: Is It Okay to Take a Seat First?
If the café is quiet or you don’t have a specific seating preference, you can order first and then sit down.
However, if you want a particular spot—such as a window seat or a table near a power outlet—or if the café is busy, it’s common to secure a seat before ordering.
This helps avoid situations where your drink is ready but no seats are available.
Reserving a seat is simple.
You don’t need to stay there—placing personal items such as a laptop, bag, or phone on the table is enough to indicate that the seat is taken.
I’ve personally been doing this for over 20 years whenever I visit cafés, and I’ve never experienced any loss. Some people I know even leave their wallets on the table.
Of course, this may feel unusual for visitors.
If you’re not comfortable, placing something less valuable—like a jacket—can be a better option.
Korea is generally considered safe, but it’s still best to be cautious with valuables.
Step 2: How to Order Using a Kiosk
Kiosks have become increasingly common in Korean cafés, especially in franchise locations.
In many cases, you can assume that a kiosk is available.
These machines operate via touchscreen, and many support multiple languages, including English, Japanese, and Chinese.
The basic process is as follows:
- Select your item (coffee, drinks, desserts)
- Choose options (hot/iced, size, etc.)
- Make payment (card or mobile payment)
- Receive your receipt or order number
The layout may vary slightly depending on the machine, but the overall process is very similar.
One important detail: most kiosks only accept card payments.
If you plan to pay with cash, you’ll need to order directly from a staff member.
If the kiosk feels confusing, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Even in Korea, many people—especially older customers—prefer ordering at the counter.
A kiosk is simply one option, not a requirement.
Step 3: Ordering at the Counter
When ordering directly from staff, you don’t need to form complete sentences.
Simply saying the name of the drink is enough.
For example:
- “Americano, one please”
- “One latte, please”
Most staff will understand basic English, especially in tourist areas or chain cafés.
If you want to keep it even simpler, pointing at the menu while ordering is perfectly acceptable.
In some cases, staff may direct you to use the kiosk instead.
I’ve experienced this myself as a local, and it can feel a bit abrupt.
If you’re not comfortable using the kiosk, simply explain your situation and ask to order at the counter. Most staff will assist you without any issue.
Step 4: Common Options You Should Know
In Korean cafés, you’ll often be asked to choose a few basic options.
- HOT / ICED
You may be asked if you want your drink hot or iced
→ “Ice, please” / “Hot, please” - Size
Regular / Large / Tall, etc.
→ Choosing the default size is usually the easiest option - For Here or To Go
You may be asked whether your order is for here or to go In Korean, staff often say: “드시고 가세요?” (Deu-si-go ga-se-yo?)
This is a polite way of asking if you’ll have your drink in the café
→ You can simply reply: “For here” or “To go”
If you drink your coffee inside the café, it will usually be served in a mug.
This is because single-use cups are regulated for dine-in customers.
If you want to take your drink with you later, you can ask staff to transfer it into a takeout cup.
I often do this myself, and so do many people around me.
Step 5: What Happens After You Order?
Once your order is placed, most cafés use a number-based pickup system.
- Your receipt will have a number, or
- Your order number will appear on a screen
When your number is called or displayed, you can pick up your drink at the counter.
Final Thoughts
In Korea, cafés are not just places to drink coffee—they are spaces to spend time.
I personally visit cafés often, whether I’m meeting someone or just taking a break alone. To me, they function as a mix of a lounge and a casual workspace.
The ordering process may feel unfamiliar at first, but after trying it once, it quickly becomes routine.
Kiosks can feel awkward the first time, but by the second or third attempt, they become much easier to use.
Beyond cafés, kiosks are also becoming more common in restaurants across Korea.
Instead of feeling hesitant, I recommend trying it out yourself—it’s part of everyday life here.