At a restaurant, the owner set down a rolled omelet and said, "This is on the house," before walking away. The international student was startled and asked, "Is there a service charge?" He was thinking of the English "service charge." But in Korean, '서비스' means exactly the opposite. It doesn't mean they take more money; it means they give you more for free. ## Waving it off will hurt their feelings If, like that student, you get startled and wave your hands, or you say, "How much is it?" and take out your wallet, the owner will be a little flustered. Service isn't a matter of calculating a discount. It's a way of offering your heart. Koreans call this feeling 'jeong (情)'. They give it to regulars who come often as a thank-you, and to first-time customers as a way of saying "Please come again." So if you try to refuse it, even with no bad intention, it can look like you're pushing away their kindness. ## Here's how to accept it Just smile and say "Thank you, I'll enjoy it," and that's all there is to it. If you add a quick "That was delicious" on your way out, the owner will be really happy. You don't need to leave a tip. If it's food you can't eat because of an allergy or your religion, it's fine to say honestly, "I'm sorry, I can't eat this." If you explain the reason clearly, the owner will understand. On the other hand, "Give me some service!" Be careful about asking for it first like that. A freebie comes from the giver's goodwill, so if you demand it, it sounds like you're claiming a right, and that feels awkward. If they give you something, accept it gratefully, and if they don't, just don't feel disappointed.