At Korean restaurants, the basic side dishes served with your meal, known as banchan (반찬), can often be refilled at no extra charge. But this depends on the restaurant and the dish. Not everything on the table is a free refill.
1. I check for a self-service station first
When I want more banchan, I first look for a self-service station. If there is one, I help myself. If I cannot see one, I call a staff member.
A self-service station, often called a 셀프바, is an area where diners can collect items such as side dishes themselves. Check any instructions, then take only as much of the available banchan as you expect to eat.
2. If there is no self-service station, ask staff
You can say: “이 반찬 조금 더 주실 수 있나요?” This means, “Could I have a little more of this side dish, please?”
If you do not know the name of the dish, you can point to it as you ask. If your table has a call button or the ordering tablet has a staff-call menu, you can use that to get help. Our guide to Korean restaurant call buttons and tablet staff calls explains both options.
3. Keep separately priced side dishes in mind
A side dish listed on the menu with its own price is different from the basic banchan served with your meal. Do not assume it comes with free refills. If you want more, you may need to place another paid order.
If you are unsure, ask first: “추가 비용이 있나요?” This means, “Is there an extra charge?”
The simple order to remember
Look for a self-service station first. If you cannot find one, ask staff. And keep basic banchan separate from paid side-menu items. Knowing those three things makes it easier to ask for more without an awkward surprise.
About the guidance
The Korea Tourism Organization describes free extra side dishes and self-service setups in its “About Korean Food” guide. That page states it was last updated on March 24, 2023. It is useful general background, not a guarantee that every restaurant or every dish follows the same policy. Check the menu, signs, or staff when in doubt.