Korean dining culture is all about sharing, and this is reflected in the unique vocabulary used at the table. Here are three essential terms and practical examples to help you sound like a local!
1. “Mat-jib” (맛집): Beyond a “Good Restaurant”
While English speakers use “popular” or “good,” Koreans use “Mat-jib” (맛집) to describe a place with guaranteed deliciousness. Mat means “taste or good taste”. jib means “house or shop or restaurant”. It implies the restaurant is highly recommended by foodies.
- “This place is a real Mat-jib (진짜 맛집)!”
- “Do you know any lunch Mat-jibs (점심 맛집) near Gangnam Station?”
- “Seeing the long line, it must be a Mat-jib (맛집인가 봐).”
- “I finally found the Mat-jib (인생 맛집) of my life.”
[As seen on TV: Restaurants featured in various broadcast programs]
2. “Ap-jeopsi” (앞접시): Your Personal Sharing Plate
Since Korean cuisine often features communal stews or large platters, a small personal side plate is essential. This is called an “Ap-jeopsi” (앞접시). Jeopsi(접시) is plate. But, you should call Ap(앞)-jeopsi(접시). (Ap(앞) means Front, front of me.)
- “Could we get two more Ap-jeopsis (앞접시 두개 더), please?”
- “Transfer the food to your Ap-jeopsi (앞접시에 덜어서) to let it cool down.”
- “My Ap-jeopsi (내 앞접시) is a bit dirty; could I get a clean one?”
- “Let’s just take what we can eat onto our own Ap-jeopsis (각자 앞접시).”
[An Ap-jeopsi to share the Sujebi Soup I ordered]
3. “Gong-gi-bap” (공기밥): A Bowl of Rice
In Korea, rice is typically served in a standardized stainless steel bowl with a lid called a “Gong-gi.” Therefore, instead of just saying “rice(밥),” people usually order “Gong-gi-bap” (공기밥).
- “One more Gong-gi-bap (공기밥 추가), please!”
- “Is the Gong-gi-bap (공기밥) included or separate?”
- “I’m full, so let’s share one Gong-gi-bap (공기밥) between the two of us.”
- “It would be delicious to mix a Gong-gi-bap (공기밥) into the leftover soup!”
[Sundae-guk (Korean black pudding soup) + Gong-gi-bap(공기밥, a bowl of rice) = Sundae-guk-bap(순대국밥). It’s the ultimate soul food for Korean men]
Now, try using these expressions when talking about Korean restaurants with your friends or ordering at a restaurant.