I've finished eating. I raised my hand and called the server, but the bill doesn't come. Everyone is slowly getting up and heading toward the entrance. In many Korean restaurants, you don't pay at your table. ## You pay at the counter on your way out When you're done eating, take the bill or say "I'll pay," and head to the counter at the entrance. You just pay there by card or cash, and that's it. If you went with a group and want to pay separately, it's best to tell them in advance, "Please split the bill." At some cafés and snack shops (bunsikjip), you pay first when you order, so watch what other customers do. ## Why don't you pay at your table? At many Korean restaurants, the staff won't come over until you call them. Many people explain that because of this system, diners who have finished eating aren't rushed, and the bill ends up being paid all at once at the counter. In small restaurants, the owner often stands at the counter too. That's so you don't get the feeling of being told "Time to leave now" while you're still sitting at your table. ## Why People Fight to Pay At the register, people sometimes push their cards toward the cashier, each trying to pay. Some people even pretend to go to the bathroom and secretly pay first. In Korea, buying someone a meal is a way of showing that you want to get along well with them. So people aren't fighting over the bill because they're reluctant to spend the money; they're fighting to show their heart first. Usually, the person who invited or the older person pays. If someone treated you today, you can pay them back next time by saying, "This time I'll treat you." By taking turns paying like this, people grow closer to each other. If you don't like owing anyone, it's fine to say with a smile, "Let's split the bill." These days, many people also pay first and then split the cost by sending money through an app.