{"id":289,"date":"2026-08-04T02:04:34","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T02:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/?p=289"},"modified":"2026-08-04T02:05:44","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T02:05:44","slug":"why-korean-restaurants-give-free-water-and-side-dishes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/why-korean-restaurants-give-free-water-and-side-dishes\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Korean Restaurants Give Free Water, Free Side Dishes, and Free Refills \ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When foreigners first eat at a Korean restaurant, they almost always ask the same question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy is everything free?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHow can they give so many side dishes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy don\u2019t they charge for water?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhy do they refill everything without asking?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To outsiders, Korean restaurants feel incredibly generous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free side dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free refills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes even free dessert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But to Koreans, this isn\u2019t special\u2014it\u2019s normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-server-placing-free-1024x673.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-server-placing-free-1024x673.png 1024w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-server-placing-free-300x197.png 300w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-server-placing-free-768x505.png 768w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-server-placing-free-440x289.png 440w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-server-placing-free-680x447.png 680w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-server-placing-free.png 1116w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s part of Korean dining culture, shaped by history, hospitality, competition, and social values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article explores why Korean restaurants give so much for free, and why this tradition is one of the most beloved parts of Korean food culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83c\udf3e 1. Korean Food Culture Is Built on Generosity<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Korean dining culture is deeply rooted in \uc815 (jeong)\u2014a uniquely Korean concept meaning warmth, affection, and generosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Korean homes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>guests are served more food than they can eat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>mothers prepare multiple dishes \u201cjust in case\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sharing food is a sign of care<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>giving extra is a sign of respect<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restaurants inherited this tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Free side dishes = hospitality<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Free refills = care<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Free water = basic respect<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Free dessert = goodwill<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreigners often say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt feels like Korean restaurants treat customers like family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s exactly the cultural foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83c\udf71 2. Banchan (Side Dishes) Are Part of the Meal, Not Extras<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many countries, side dishes cost extra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But in Korea, banchan is part of the meal itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Korean meal is structured like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>main dish<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>rice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>soup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>multiple side dishes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These side dishes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>balance flavors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>add nutrition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>complete the meal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>support communal eating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So restaurants don\u2019t see banchan as \u201cextras.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They see them as essential components of Korean cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreigners often say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI ordered one dish but got ten.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s because Korean food is designed to be shared and varied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83e\uddc2 3. Historical Roots: Korean Food Was Always Served in Variety<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Korea\u2019s agricultural and communal history shaped banchan culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Families preserved vegetables for winter<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Fermented foods lasted long<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Meals were shared from one table<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Variety prevented boredom<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Seasonal ingredients created diversity<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even poor families prepared multiple small dishes because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>vegetables were cheap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fermentation made food last<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>small portions were easy to share<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restaurants simply continued this tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"537\" src=\"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-restaurant-self-serve-water-1024x537.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-restaurant-self-serve-water-1024x537.png 1024w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-restaurant-self-serve-water-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-restaurant-self-serve-water-768x403.png 768w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-restaurant-self-serve-water-440x231.png 440w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-restaurant-self-serve-water-680x356.png 680w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-restaurant-self-serve-water.png 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83e\udd62 4. Competition Among Restaurants Is Extremely High<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Korea has one of the most competitive restaurant markets in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many neighborhoods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>every building has multiple restaurants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>every street has dozens of options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>every district has hundreds of choices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To stand out, restaurants offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>more banchan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>better quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>free refills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>free dessert<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>free tea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>free water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a way to attract customers and build loyalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreigners often say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cKorean restaurants compete by giving more, not charging more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca7 5. Free Water Is a Cultural Standard<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Korea, water is considered a basic necessity, not a product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Water should always be free<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Water should always be unlimited<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 Water should always be self-serve or served immediately<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Charging for water feels rude in Korean culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>caf\u00e9s give free water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>restaurants give free water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>even bars give free water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreigners often say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI love that I never have to buy water at restaurants.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s one of the most appreciated aspects of Korean dining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Banchan-1024x567.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Banchan-1024x567.png 1024w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Banchan-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Banchan-768x425.png 768w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Banchan-440x243.png 440w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Banchan-680x376.png 680w, https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Banchan.png 1258w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd01 6. Free Refills Show Respect and Hospitality<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Korean restaurants often refill:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>kimchi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>radish<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bean sprouts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>seaweed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>soup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>rice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes without even asking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 It shows care<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 It makes customers feel welcome<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 It encourages repeat visits<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 It reflects Korean generosity<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Korean culture, empty dishes look sad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Refilling them shows warmth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreigners often say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI didn\u2019t even ask, but they refilled everything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s Korean service culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83c\udf72 7. Korean Food Is Designed for Sharing\u2014Refills Support That<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Korean meals are communal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People share:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>side dishes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>soups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>stews<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>meats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>noodles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free refills ensure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>everyone gets enough<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>no one feels left out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the table stays balanced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the meal feels complete<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sharing is a core Korean value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Refills support that value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83e\uddd1\u200d\ud83c\udf73 8. Korean Restaurants Want You to Feel Full and Satisfied<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Korea, a good restaurant is judged by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>taste<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>quantity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>generosity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>service<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>atmosphere<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If customers leave hungry, it\u2019s considered a failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>portions are large<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>banchan is plentiful<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>refills are unlimited<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>soup is often included<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>rice is often included<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreigners often say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cKorean meals feel complete even when I order something simple.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s intentional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83e\uddd8 9. Korean Dining Culture Values Comfort Over Formality<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many Western countries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>water costs money<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bread costs money<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>refills cost money<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>side dishes cost money<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But Korean dining culture is informal and comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 No tipping<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 No service charge<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 No extra fees<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2714 No hidden costs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, restaurants show service through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>free items<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fast delivery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>warm hospitality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>generous portions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreigners often say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cKorean restaurants feel honest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s part of the charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83e\uddd3 10. Older Koreans Expect Generosity\u2014Restaurants Follow That Standard<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Middle-aged and older Koreans grew up with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>homemade meals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>many side dishes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>shared food<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>warm hospitality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restaurants maintain this tradition because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>older customers expect it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>younger customers appreciate it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tourists love it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>it preserves Korean identity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Banchan is cultural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Korean restaurants give free water, free side dishes, and free refills because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>generosity is cultural<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>banchan is essential<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>competition is high<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>hospitality is valued<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sharing is important<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>customers expect it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tradition demands it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s not a marketing trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s not a business strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s Korean culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For foreigners living in Korea, this \u201cfree service\u201d tradition becomes one of the most beloved parts of Korean food\u2014something that makes every meal feel warm, welcoming, and uniquely Korean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>\ud83d\udd17 Recommended Links<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/koreaseoulinfo.com\/?utm_source=copilot.com\">https:\/\/koreaseoulinfo.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-aboutkorea-8282-com wp-block-embed-aboutkorea-8282-com\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"MZGb22d4wx\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/korean-side-dish-culture-why-so-many-banchan\/\">Why Korean Side Dish Culture Exists: The Real Reason There Are So Many Banchan<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cWhy Korean Side Dish Culture Exists: The Real Reason There Are So Many Banchan\u201d \u2014 aboutkorea8282.com\" src=\"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/korean-side-dish-culture-why-so-many-banchan\/embed\/#?secret=NPtufAEInN#?secret=MZGb22d4wx\" data-secret=\"MZGb22d4wx\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When foreigners first eat at a Korean restaurant, they almost always ask the same question: \u201cWhy is everything free?\u201d \u201cHow can they give so many side dishes?\u201d \u201cWhy don\u2019t they charge for water?\u201d \u201cWhy do they refill everything without asking?\u201d To outsiders, Korean restaurants feel incredibly generous. Free water. Free tea. Free side dishes. Free [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":292,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"wpflow_content_language":"","rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_description":"","rank_math_title":"","_wpflow_seo_focus_keyword":"","_wpflow_seo_description":"","_wpflow_seo_title":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[251,254,245,21,253,44],"class_list":["post-289","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-korean-food","tag-banchan","tag-free-refills-korea","tag-korean-dining","tag-korean-food-culture","tag-korean-restaurants","tag-living-in-korea"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Korean-restaurant-self-serve-water.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/103"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=289"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":295,"href":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289\/revisions\/295"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/292"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=289"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=289"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aboutkorea8282.com\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=289"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}