Dealing with specific customer requests, such as insisting on a particular table like a corner seat, requires polite and clear communication. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for waiters and restaurant staff to effectively manage situations where a customer strongly prefers a corner table, whether it’s available or not.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
-
Expression: 구석 자리
Pronunciation: gu-seok ja-ri
Meaning: Corner seat / Corner table
Initial Responses and Clarifications
-
Expression: 네, 손님. 구석 자리 원하시나요?
Pronunciation: ne, son-nim. gu-seok ja-ri won-ha-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Yes, customer. Do you want a corner seat? -
Expression: 구석 쪽 테이블 말씀이신가요?
Pronunciation: gu-seok jjok te-i-beul mal-sseum-i-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Are you referring to a table in the corner? -
Expression: 잠시만요, 구석 자리 있는지 확인해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jam-si-man-yo, gu-seok ja-ri it-neun-ji hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Just a moment, I will check if there is a corner seat available. -
Expression: 혹시 특별히 선호하시는 구석 자리가 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si teuk-byeol-hi seon-ho-ha-si-neun gu-seok ja-ri-ga i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is there a specific corner seat you prefer, by any chance? -
Expression: 네, 알겠습니다. 구석 자리 찾아보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. gu-seok ja-ri cha-ja-bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I understand. I will look for a corner seat. -
Expression: 몇 분이신가요? 구석 자리가 제한적일 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: myeot bun-i-sin-ga-yo? gu-seok ja-ri-ga je-han-jeok-il su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: How many people are in your party? Corner seats might be limited. -
Expression: 구석 자리를 선호하시는 이유가 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: gu-seok ja-ri-reul seon-ho-ha-si-neun i-yu-ga i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is there a reason you prefer a corner seat? (Use cautiously, might sound intrusive) -
Expression: 지금 바로 확인해 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: ji-geum ba-ro hwa-gin-hae deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll check for you right now. -
Expression: 구석 자리가 인기가 많아서요, 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Pronunciation: gu-seok ja-ri-ga in-gi-ga ma-na-seo-yo, jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Corner seats are very popular, so please wait just a moment.
Explaining Availability (Available)
-
Expression: 네, 마침 구석 자리가 하나 비어 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, ma-chim gu-seok ja-ri-ga ha-na bi-eo it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, fortunately, there is one corner seat available. -
Expression: 이쪽 구석 자리 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: i-jjok gu-seok ja-ri gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this corner seat over here okay for you? -
Expression: 네, 구석 자리로 안내해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, gu-seok ja-ri-ro an-nae-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I will guide you to a corner seat. -
Expression: 창가 쪽 구석 자리와 안쪽 구석 자리가 있는데, 어디가 좋으신가요?
Pronunciation: chang-ga jjok gu-seok ja-ri-wa an-jjok gu-seok ja-ri-ga it-neun-de, eo-di-ga jo-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: We have a corner seat by the window and one further inside, which do you prefer? -
Expression: 운이 좋으시네요! 마지막 남은 구석 자리입니다.
Pronunciation: un-i jo-eu-si-ne-yo! ma-ji-mak nam-eun gu-seok ja-ri-im-ni-da.
Meaning: You’re lucky! This is the last remaining corner seat. -
Expression: 이 자리가 조용하고 아늑한 구석 자리입니다.
Pronunciation: i ja-ri-ga jo-yong-ha-go a-neu-kan gu-seok ja-ri-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This seat is a quiet and cozy corner seat. -
Expression: 방금 손님이 나가셔서 구석 자리가 준비되었습니다.
Pronunciation: bang-geum son-nim-i na-ga-syeo-seo gu-seok ja-ri-ga jun-bi-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A customer just left, so a corner seat has become available. -
Expression: 이쪽으로 오시면 구석 자리로 모시겠습니다.
Pronunciation: i-jjok-eu-ro o-si-myeon gu-seok ja-ri-ro mo-si-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: If you come this way, I will show you to the corner seat. -
Expression: 네, 원하시는 구석 자리 이용 가능하십니다.
Pronunciation: ne, won-ha-si-neun gu-seok ja-ri i-yong ga-neung-ha-sim-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, the corner seat you want is available.
Explaining Availability (Unavailable) and Offering Alternatives
-
Expression: 죄송합니다만, 지금 구석 자리는 모두 차 있습니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ham-ni-da-man, ji-geum gu-seok ja-ri-neun mo-du cha it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I apologize, but all corner seats are currently occupied. -
Expression: 구석 자리는 예약이 되어 있어서 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: gu-seok ja-ri-neun ye-yak-i doe-eo i-sseo-seo eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The corner seats are reserved, so it’s difficult (to offer one). -
Expression: 대신 창가 쪽 자리는 어떠신가요?
Pronunciation: dae-sin chang-ga jjok ja-ri-neun eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: How about a window seat instead? -
Expression: 구석 자리가 곧 빌 수도 있는데, 잠시 기다리시겠어요?
Pronunciation: gu-seok ja-ri-ga got bil su-do it-neun-de, jam-si gi-da-ri-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: A corner seat might become available soon, would you like to wait a moment? -
Expression: 이쪽 안쪽 자리도 조용하고 괜찮은데, 여기는 어떠세요?
Pronunciation: i-jjok an-jjok ja-ri-do jo-yong-ha-go gwaen-chan-eun-de, yeo-gi-neun eo-tteo-se-yo?
Meaning: This inner seat here is also quiet and nice, how about this one? -
Expression: 정말 죄송하지만, 현재 이용 가능한 구석 자리가 없습니다.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal joe-song-ha-ji-man, hyeon-jae i-yong ga-neung-han gu-seok ja-ri-ga eop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m truly sorry, but there are no corner seats available at the moment. -
Expression: 다른 편안한 자리로 안내해 드려도 괜찮을까요?
Pronunciation: da-reun pyeon-an-han ja-ri-ro an-nae-hae deu-ryeo-do gwaen-chan-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would it be alright if I showed you to another comfortable seat? -
Expression: 구석 자리는 아니지만, 이 자리도 전망이 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: gu-seok ja-ri-neun a-ni-ji-man, i ja-ri-do jeon-mang-i jo-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s not a corner seat, but this seat also has a good view. -
Expression: 약 15분 정도 기다리시면 구석 자리가 나올 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: yak sip-o-bun jeong-do gi-da-ri-si-myeon gu-seok ja-ri-ga na-ol geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: If you wait about 15 minutes, a corner seat will likely become available. -
Expression: 가장 구석에 가까운 이 자리는 어떠신가요?
Pronunciation: ga-jang gu-seok-e ga-kka-un i ja-ri-neun eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: How about this seat, which is closest to the corner?
Confirming the Seat
-
Expression: 네, 그럼 이 구석 자리로 준비해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reom i gu-seok ja-ri-ro jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Okay, then I will prepare this corner seat for you. -
Expression: 이 자리가 마음에 드시나요?
Pronunciation: i ja-ri-ga ma-eum-e deu-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you like this seat? / Is this seat to your liking? -
Expression: 그럼 이쪽으로 앉으시겠어요?
Pronunciation: geu-reom i-jjok-eu-ro an-jeu-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Then, would you like to sit here? -
Expression: 알겠습니다. 이 자리로 결정하셨습니다.
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. i ja-ri-ro gyeol-jeong-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Understood. You have decided on this seat. -
Expression: 편하게 앉으세요. 메뉴판 곧 가져다 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: pyeon-ha-ge an-jeu-se-yo. me-nyu-pan got ga-jyeo-da deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Please sit comfortably. I will bring the menu shortly. -
Expression: 다른 필요하신 것은 없으신가요?
Pronunciation: da-reun pil-yo-ha-sin geo-seun eop-seu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything else you need? -
Expression: 네, 확인했습니다. 이 자리로 안내하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, hwa-gin-haet-seum-ni-da. i ja-ri-ro an-nae-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, confirmed. I will guide you to this seat. -
Expression: 이 자리가 괜찮으시다면, 바로 착석하시면 됩니다.
Pronunciation: i ja-ri-ga gwaen-chan-eu-si-da-myeon, ba-ro chak-seok-ha-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
Meaning: If this seat is okay, you can sit down right away. -
Expression: 좋은 선택이십니다. 편안한 식사 되세요.
Pronunciation: jo-eun seon-taek-i-sim-ni-da. pyeon-an-han sik-sa doe-se-yo.
Meaning: That’s a good choice. Please have a comfortable meal.
Cultural Tips
Politeness is Key: Regardless of the situation, maintaining a polite and accommodating tone (죄송합니다만 – joe-song-ham-ni-da-man, 괜찮으시다면 – gwaen-chan-eu-si-da-myeon) is crucial in Korean service culture, even when declining a request.
Explaining Clearly: If a corner seat isn’t available, clearly but politely explaining why (e.g., 예약이 되어 있어서 – ye-yak-i doe-eo i-sseo-seo – “it’s reserved”, 자리가 차 있어서 – ja-ri-ga cha i-sseo-seo – “the seats are occupied”) is better than a simple “no.”
Offering Alternatives: Proactively suggesting alternatives (대신 ~는 어떠신가요? – dae-sin ~neun eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo? – “How about ~ instead?”) shows good service and helps manage customer expectations.
Understanding Preferences: Corner seats are often preferred for privacy or quietness. Acknowledging this preference implicitly by offering alternatives described as 조용한 (jo-yong-han – quiet) or 아늑한 (a-neu-kan – cozy) can be effective.
Avoiding Direct Confrontation: If a customer is insistent, avoid direct confrontation. Continue to offer polite explanations and alternatives. If necessary, involve a manager discreetly.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A customer arrives at a busy restaurant and insists on getting a corner table, but none are immediately available.
Roles: A: Waiter (직원 – jig-won), B: Customer (손님 – son-nim)
-
Expression: A: 어서 오세요. 몇 분이신가요?
Pronunciation: eo-seo o-se-yo. myeot bun-i-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Welcome. How many people? -
Expression: B: 두 명이요. 저기 구석 자리로 앉고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: du myeong-i-yo. jeo-gi gu-seok ja-ri-ro an-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: Two people. I want to sit at that corner table over there. -
Expression: A: 아, 손님 죄송합니다만 지금 구석 자리는 모두 차 있습니다.
Pronunciation: a, son-nim joe-song-ham-ni-da-man ji-geum gu-seok ja-ri-neun mo-du cha it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Ah, customer, I apologize, but all the corner seats are currently occupied. -
Expression: B: 그래요? 꼭 구석 자리에 앉고 싶은데요. 기다리면 안 될까요?
Pronunciation: geu-rae-yo? kkok gu-seok ja-ri-e an-go si-peun-de-yo. gi-da-ri-myeon an doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Really? I really want to sit in a corner seat. Can’t I wait? -
Expression: A: 네, 잠시 기다리시면 자리가 날 수도 있습니다. 하지만 정확히 얼마나 걸릴지는 말씀드리기 어렵습니다. 대신 이쪽 창가 자리도 괜찮으신데, 어떠신가요?
Pronunciation: ne, jam-si gi-da-ri-si-myeon ja-ri-ga nal su-do it-seum-ni-da. ha-ji-man jeong-hwak-hi eol-ma-na geol-lil-ji-neun mal-sseum-deu-ri-gi eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da. dae-sin i-jjok chang-ga ja-ri-do gwaen-chan-eu-sin-de, eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Yes, if you wait a short while, a seat might become available. However, it’s difficult to say exactly how long it will take. How about this window seat instead? It’s quite nice too. -
Expression: B: 음… 그래도 구석 자리가 좋은데… 얼마나 기다려야 할까요?
Pronunciation: eum… geu-rae-do gu-seok ja-ri-ga jo-eun-de… eol-ma-na gi-da-ryeo-ya hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Hmm… I still prefer a corner seat… How long might I have to wait? -
Expression: A: 저쪽 손님들이 거의 식사를 마치셔서, 아마 10분 정도 기다리시면 가능할 것 같습니다. 괜찮으시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jeo-jjok son-nim-deul-i geo-ui sik-sa-reul ma-chi-syeo-seo, a-ma sip-bun jeong-do gi-da-ri-si-myeon ga-neung-hal geot gat-seum-ni-da. gwaen-chan-eu-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Those customers over there are almost finished with their meal, so perhaps if you wait about 10 minutes, it might be possible. Would that be alright? -
Expression: B: 네, 그럼 10분 기다릴게요. 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reom sip-bun gi-da-ril-ge-yo. gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I’ll wait 10 minutes then. Thank you. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 잠시만 이쪽에서 기다려 주십시오.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man i-jjok-e-seo gi-da-ryeo ju-sip-si-o.
Meaning: Yes, understood. Please wait here for just a moment.
Practice Tips
Handling specific customer requests like wanting a corner table is great practice for real-world service interactions! Try role-playing this scenario with a friend, taking turns being the waiter and the customer~ Focus on using polite refusal phrases (죄송합니다만…) and suggesting alternatives (대신 ~는 어떠신가요?). Listen carefully to how native speakers handle these situations in K-dramas or movies set in restaurants. Practicing these expressions will make you feel much more confident when managing seating requests in Korean! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
