On autumn weekends when people come out to see the fall leaves, restaurants are packed. I often saw foreign friends sit down at a table and wait a long time because no staff member came. There was a small bell at the edge of the table, but they didn't know about it. ## You're allowed to press the bell In Korean restaurants, staff often don't come over first before the customer calls them. Part of the reason is not wanting to interrupt your conversation over the meal, and part is meant to let customers call at a time that suits them. That's why every table has a bell. Press it, and a staff member will come. If there's no bell, it's also fine to raise your hand slightly and call out, "Excuse me." Koreans do that every day too. ## Why is it done this way? Restaurants in Korea usually don't have tipping. The price written on the menu is the price you pay. So staff don't need to keep circling between tables, watching for customers' cues. Instead, many people say that calling staff over when you need them has become the norm. Also, in busy restaurants, it's faster for both sides when customers call staff right away. You don't need to feel awkward about asking for more side dishes or water, either. ## Try It Right Away - Press the call button and say briefly, "Could I have some water?" or "More side dishes, please." - Some restaurants have water and side dishes at a self-service corner. Look around first. - In many places, you don't pay at your table but at the counter on your way out. - Avoid pointing or clapping; make eye contact, then raise your hand to call the staff. Don't be startled if call bells go "ding-dong" all around you. That means the Korean restaurant is running just as it should.