When Koreans sit down to a traditional meal, they relax on a clean paper floor. The meal comes to them on a low table. Usually food is served in a nearly arranged collection of small metal bowls. Generally used is pair of chopsticks and a flat soupspoon. Foreigners may be surprised to find that Koreans will often eat a bowl of rice and may be have an extra helping even though dishes remain unfinished. Don’t let this preference for rice bother you; to Koreans, rice – not meat – is considered to be the main dish of meal. In fact, one of the most common street greetings “Bam mogossoyo?” Means, “Have you eaten rice?” If you run out of a particular item, the lady of the house will bring more. When you have had enough to eat, place your chopsticks and soupspoon to the right of your bowl; do not leave them stuck in the rice or resting on any of the bowls. A dish of sliced and chilled fruit is usually served as a dessert. Depending on the season, muskmelon, strawberries, apples, pears and watermelon are among the fresh and sweet selections. At major celebrations, special steamed rice cakes are presented as a tasty style treat.
Usually in Korea the host pays for everything and if you are ever invited out for a drinking session or meal with Korean friends, you will find it difficult to pay the bill or even contribute towards it. For a visitor, the same applies even if it is you doing the inviting. All manner of tricks will be used to beat you to the cashier.