If you’ve never tried to Korean cafe order before, here’s what usually happens on your first visit: you walk in, see a kiosk instead of a cashier, stare at the screen for a moment, and suddenly feel like everyone behind you is watching.
Sound familiar? Don’t worry — it happens to almost every first-time visitor. The good news is that once you know what to expect, ordering at a Korean cafe is actually super easy and kind of fun. Here’s everything you need to know before you walk through that door.
Korean Cafe Order 101: Kiosks Are Everywhere Now
The first thing to know about the Korean cafe order process is that most cafes — from small independent shops to big chains — use self-service kiosks instead of a traditional counter with a cashier.
Yep, no one taking your order face-to-face in most places. Just you, a touchscreen, and a menu full of beautiful drinks.
Personally, my recommendation is this: the moment you walk in, look for the English button before you do anything else. Most kiosks have a language option — sometimes it’s right on the home screen, sometimes it’s a small button in the corner. Tap it and the whole menu switches to English. Easy. If you can’t find it, just look for 영어 or ENG on the screen.
According to Seoul Metropolitan Government’s official guide to cafe culture in Seoul, the city now has more cafes per capita than almost anywhere in the world — which is exactly why the kiosk system became so widespread. It keeps things moving efficiently even during the busiest hours.
Don’t Rush Your Korean Cafe Order — Seriously
Here’s something that trips up a lot of first-time visitors: you step up to the kiosk, see people behind you in line, and suddenly feel pressured to hurry up and tap something — anything — just to get out of the way.
Don’t do that.
Personally, my recommendation is to take your time. Read the menu, look at the photos, figure out what you actually want. Nobody is going to say anything. Nobody is going to sigh loudly or tap their foot. Korean cafe culture has a different rhythm — people are used to waiting their turn, and most regulars are already on their phones while they wait anyway.
The key thing is just to stand in line properly and wait your turn. That part is non-negotiable in Korea. Cutting in line or wandering up to the kiosk out of turn is genuinely considered rude — one of those things that will get you some very cold looks. So queue up, wait your turn, and then take all the time you need once you’re at the screen. No stress.
How to Actually Place Your Korean Cafe Order
Once you’re at the kiosk, the process is pretty straightforward:
Step 1: Switch to English
Look for the language button — usually at the top of the screen or on the home page. Tap it and breathe easier.
Step 2: Browse and select
Tap whatever catches your eye. Most kiosks have photos next to each drink, which makes it easy even if you can’t read the Korean names. Iced drinks are almost always marked clearly.
Step 3: Choose your options
Size, ice level, sweetness, hot or iced — some kiosks ask these questions, some don’t. Just tap through the options and confirm.
Step 4: Pay
Most kiosks accept both card and cash. Tap or chip payment works fine. Some spots are card-only, so having a card ready is always a good idea.
Step 5: Wait for your name or number
After you order, you’ll either get a receipt with a number or your name will be called (sometimes in both Korean and English). Grab your drink from the pick-up counter when it’s ready.
Clean Up After Your Korean Cafe Order — It’s Expected
This is something a lot of visitors don’t know, and it makes a real difference.
When you’re done with your drink, you’re expected to clean up after yourself. Take your cup, straw, and any wrappers to the return station — there’s usually a designated spot with separate bins for cups, lids, and straws near the exit.
Personally, my recommendation is to look for the return area when you first sit down so you know where it is before you leave. It takes ten seconds and it’s just the norm in Korean cafes. Leaving a table messy without returning your cup is considered pretty rude — the kind of thing that makes staff shake their heads after you leave.
Big Chain or Small Indie Cafe? Try Both
Korea has all the big chains — Starbucks, Ediya, Mega Coffee, Twosome Place — and they’re everywhere and reliable. Great for a familiar Korean cafe order experience without any surprises.
But honestly? If you ask me, the small independent cafes are where Korea really shines. Every neighborhood has its own hidden gems — cozy spots tucked into alleyways, rooftop cafes with city views, hanok-style cafes where you’re basically sitting inside a traditional Korean house. These are the places you’ll remember long after the trip.
And if you want something really unique — a taste of old Korea — look up a 다방 (dabang), the traditional Korean tea room. These have been around for decades and have a completely different atmosphere from modern cafes. Slower, quieter, and full of nostalgic charm. They’re not hard to find if you search “다방” or “traditional Korean tearoom” on Naver Map.
For more on the best cafes and what to expect across different neighborhoods, our Korean Cafe Culture Guide for First-Time Visitors is a great place to start planning.
What to Order on Your First Korean Cafe Visit
If you’re staring at the menu and have no idea where to start, here’s a cheat sheet:
- Iced Americano (아이스 아메리카노) —It’s affordable, incredibly refreshing on a hot day, and honestly, the quality is much better than you’d expect. If you prefer a very strong, dark roast, it might feel a bit light, but it’s the ultimate daily fuel for locals.
- Dalgona Latte — The whipped coffee trend that went global started here. Sweet, creamy, and very photogenic.
- Bingsu (빙수) —While major cafes serve great bingsu, it can be a bit pricey. I highly recommend visiting a dedicated dessert cafe (like the famous chain ‘Sulbing’) for the ultimate experience.
- Yuzu Tea (유자차) — Warm and citrusy Korean classic. Good for winter. Also, I personally like it because I feel better if I drink it when I have a cold or sore throat!
- Matcha Latte — Korean cafes do matcha really well. Often made with Jeju green tea.
For an interesting story, there is a famous slang term for ‘Uljukah’ in Korea, which means ‘I’m going to drink iced americano even if I freeze to death.’ In the cold January winter, you can literally see locals drinking iced coffee!
FAQ
How do I Korean cafe order at a kiosk?
Most Korean cafes use self-service kiosks. Look for the English button on your home screen, browse the menu, select a drink, pay with card or cash, and take your order when a phone number or name is called. Don’t worry if you don’t have a kiosk. Order in person and they will respond kindly
Is there English on Korean cafe kiosks?
Most kiosks in Korea have an English language option — look for a small language button on the home screen or in the corner of the display. Tap it and the menu will switch to English.
Do I need to clean up after myself at a Korean cafe?
Yes. In Korean cafes, it is common to return cups and trays to designated return stations when you go out. Near the exit, there is usually a clearly marked area for cups, lids, and straws. This is really common manners in Korea. Make sure to keep that in mind!
What is a 다방 in Korea?
Dabang is a traditional Korean tea shop or coffee house that has been a part of Korean culture for decades. It has a very different atmosphere from modern cafes, which are filled with quiet, slow, and nostalgic charms. If you want to experience a different aspect of Korean cafe culture, I personally recommend it! Visit.