Korean BBQ Etiquette: What You Should and Should Not Do

Korean BBQ is more than just grilling meat — it’s a social, shared dining experience. If it’s your first time, here are the simple etiquette rules that Koreans follow so the meal feels smooth and enjoyable for everyone.

1. Don’t touch the grill if someone is “the grill master”

In Korean BBQ groups, one person usually takes over the grill.If someone is already cooking, don’t reach in and flip their meat unless they tell you to.

It’s not rude — it just keeps the meat from burning and prevents chaos on the grill.

2. Use the tongs for raw meat, not your chopsticks

Tongs = raw meatChopsticks = eating

Mixing the two is a food safety no-no and considered bad manners.

3. Cut meat with scissors (totally normal)

Korean BBQ uses scissors instead of knives.Just grab the tongs with one hand, scissors with the other, and cut the meat on the grill.

It’s fast, clean, and expected.

4. Don’t overcrowd the grill

Putting too much meat on the grill makes it steam instead of grill.Cook a few pieces at a time so the meat stays crispy and flavorful.

5. Don’t double-dip the sauces

Use a small plate for:

• sesame oil + salt

• ssamjang

• dipping sauces

Once your chopsticks touch your mouth, avoid dipping them back into shared bowls.

6. Make a wrap (ssam) instead of eating giant pieces

Most Koreans don’t shove huge pieces of meat straight into their mouth.

They make a wrap:

• lettuce

• a piece of meat

• garlic

• ssamjang

• maybe rice

One perfect bite.

7. Use chopsticks and tongs respectfully

• Chopsticks = your food

• Tongs = shared food

• Don’t “hunt” through the shared plate with your chopsticks(Koreans call this “picking through food,” and it looks messy.)

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8. Refill banchan politely

Banchan (side dishes) are unlimited.It’s okay to ask for more, but Koreans usually ask when the server walks by — they don’t shout.

9. Don’t rush the meal

Korean BBQ is meant to be social.Talk, grill, share, laugh.It’s not a fast-food meal.

10. At the end: clean grill vs. messy grill

You don’t have to clean everything, but leaving the table:

• tidy

• organized

• plates stacked lightly

is considered polite.

Final Thoughts

Korean BBQ etiquette is simple:share, respect the grill, enjoy the meal together.

Once you know these basics, the whole experience feels smoother, more fun, and more like how Koreans eat at home.