It was when I went to a kalguksu restaurant with a foreign friend. My friend sat down, said, "Could I get some water, please?" and waited for a long time. The staff looked busy, and my friend just kept staring at his empty cup. It turned out that you were supposed to get the water yourself from the water dispenser in the corner of the restaurant. ## Why Is Water Self-Serve? At lunchtime, customers all rush in at once. The staff take orders, carry the food, and even handle the payment. If they also pour everyone's water one glass at a time, they get even busier. That's why many restaurants let customers take as much as they'll drink themselves. The restaurant saves on labor, and customers don't have to wait. It's a system that was set up to make things easier for both sides. ## Why Are the Cups Stainless Steel? Stainless steel cups don't break easily when dropped, and they're light. They're also sturdy enough for restaurants, where they get washed hundreds of times a day. I'm not sure exactly when it started, but I think they spread widely because they work so well in busy shops. Since they're metal, the water can also feel colder. ## Try this When you sit down, look around you first. If you see a water purifier and cups, it's self-service. There are separate buttons for cold and hot water, so look carefully before you press. Usually blue is cold water and red is hot water. If you're not sure, "Where do I get water?" Just ask that. Spoons and chopsticks are often kept in a drawer in the table, too. That day, my friend fetched some water and said with a smile. "So here, whoever gets up first drinks the water!"