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K-Culture Decoded

How to Order at a Korean Kiosk Without Knowing Korean

Facts last checked: Updated:

The 30-second answer

Look for a language button (a flag, globe, or "English" at the top or bottom of the screen) and switch to English. If there isn't one, you only need a few words: 매장 (eat here), 포장 (to go), 결제하기 (pay), and 카드 (card). If the kiosk rejects your foreign card, order and pay at the counter instead.

Key takeaway
A kiosk declining your card doesn't mean the restaurant won't take it. Staff at the counter can often process a foreign card when the kiosk can't.
Pro tip
Before you tap anything, check whether the first screen asks 매장 or 포장. Choosing the wrong one can mean your drink arrives in a takeout cup or your food gets packed to go.

Why kiosks are everywhere in Korea, and why foreign cards struggle

Self-order kiosks are standard at Korean fast-food chains, cafes, and many casual restaurants. Chain kiosks usually have an English mode, but translations can be partial, and option screens such as sizes, ice, or add-ons sometimes stay in Korean.

Payment is the bigger problem. Korean news reports have described kiosks as one of the places foreign cards fail most often, and Korea Tourism Organization figures reported in September 2026 showed that about a quarter of the complaints foreign visitors filed in 2025 involved payment or currency exchange.

The fix is usually simple: go to the counter, use cash, or pay with a prepaid tourist card such as WOWPASS, which says it is accepted even where international credit cards are not.

Korean kiosk words you'll actually need

Korean Romanization Meaning Where you'll see it
주문하기 jumunhagi Order / Start First screen
매장 (식사) maejang (siksa) Eat here First screen
포장 pojang To go / Takeout First screen
장바구니 jangbaguni Cart After adding items
추가 chuga Add (extra) Option screens
결제하기 gyeoljehagi Pay After your cart
카드 결제 kadeu gyeolje Pay by card Payment screen
현금 hyeongeum Cash Payment screen
적립 / 건너뛰기 jeongnip / geonneottwigi Points / Skip Points prompt (tap skip)
취소 / 확인 chwiso / hwagin Cancel / OK Pop-ups
영수증 / 주문번호 yeongsujeung / jumun beonho Receipt / Order number After paying

How to order at a Korean kiosk, step by step

  1. Step 1: Switch the language

    Scan the edges of the screen for a flag, a globe icon, "EN," or "English." If you find one, tap it before anything else. If not, keep going with the word list above, or use your phone's camera translator on the screen.

  2. Step 2: Choose eat-in or takeout

    Tap 매장 (maejang) to eat there or 포장 (pojang) to take it with you. At cafes this can decide whether you get a mug or a paper cup.

  3. Step 3: Pick your items and options

    Tap a menu item, then work through the option screens for size, temperature, or extras (추가, chuga). Menu photos help a lot here. When you're done, check the cart (장바구니, jangbaguni) and tap 결제하기 (gyeoljehagi).

  4. Step 4: Skip the points screen and pay

    Many kiosks ask whether you want to collect membership points (적립, jeongnip) with a Korean phone number. Tap 건너뛰기 (skip) or the equivalent. Choose card, then insert or tap your card as the on-screen picture shows.

  5. Step 5: If your card is declined, go to the counter

    Try a second card once, then stop and tell staff. The counter can often take a foreign card the kiosk rejects, or accept cash. Show the phrase below if you don't want to explain in English.

  6. Step 6: Keep your receipt and watch for your number

    Your order number (주문번호) is printed on the receipt. Watch the screen above the counter, or listen for the number, and pick up your order when it appears.

Show this in Korean

  • 키오스크에서 카드가 안 돼요. 카운터에서 결제해도 돼요?

    Pronunciation: Kioseukeueseo kadeuga an dwaeyo. Kaunteoeseo gyeoljehaedo dwaeyo?

    My card doesn't work at the kiosk. Can I pay at the counter?

  • 해외 카드로 결제할 수 있어요?

    Pronunciation: Haeoe kadeuro gyeoljehal su isseoyo?

    Can I pay with a foreign card?

  • 포장해 주세요.

    Pronunciation: Pojanghae juseyo.

    To go, please.

Foreigner FAQ

Why does the kiosk reject my Visa or Mastercard?

Many kiosks, especially at small independent shops, aren't set up to process overseas cards, even though the same shop's counter terminal might be. Your bank's fraud checks can also block the charge, so make sure foreign transactions are enabled before you travel.

Can I pay cash at a kiosk?

Some kiosks take cash and some are card-only. Look for 현금 (hyeongeum) on the payment screen. If it isn't there, pay at the counter.

Is WOWPASS worth getting for kiosks?

It can help. WOWPASS is a prepaid card for travelers that you top up with cash or an international card, and the company says it is accepted even where international credit cards are not. It's most useful if you plan to eat at a lot of small places.

What if the whole screen is in Korean?

Point your phone's camera translator (such as Papago or Google Translate) at the screen, and use the word list above for the key buttons. If you get stuck, staff are usually happy to tap through it with you.

What does the points or phone number screen want?

It's asking whether you want to earn membership points using a Korean phone number. Visitors can skip it; look for 건너뛰기 (skip) or a button to continue without points.

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