"Ordering in English? This Is Korea, Please Order in Korean"... Cafe's 'No English Allowed' Notice Sparks Online Debate

Posted to Criticize a Korean Cafe, Faced Backlash Instead
"They Must Have Had a Reason for Such a Notice"... Growing Sympathy

A "No English Allowed" notice posted at a cafe in Seoul has become a hot topic on overseas online communities. While the initial reaction to the notice, which asks customers to refrain from ordering in English, was criticism for being rude, as the discussion expanded, more people began to express understanding for the difficulties faced by cafe staff.

A "No English Allowed" notice posted at a cafe in Seoul. Reddit

"This is Korea, Please Order in Korean" Notice Spreads

On January 25, a post titled "Notice for Foreigners Posted at a Cafe in Seoul" appeared on Reddit, the largest online community in the United States. The post included a photo of the notice displayed inside the cafe.

The notice, written in English, reads: "This is Korea. This is not a place where English is used. If you do not know Korean, please use a translator. If you are traveling, please be respectful."

The author of the post wrote, "I saw this notice just two days after arriving in Seoul," adding, "A cafe staff member pointed to this message in a rude manner," and "It was the overall atmosphere, including the staff's rude attitude, that was more unpleasant than the message itself." The author also commented, "The staff probably seem tired of tourists. I am not sure if I will visit this cafe again." The author's nationality was not disclosed.

Backlash Against Criticism: "They Must Have Had a Reason for Such a Notice"

However, contrary to the author's intention, the comments took an unexpected turn. Many overseas users focused less on the notice itself and more on the circumstances that led to such wording.

One user, who identified as French, commented, "I've seen tourists in France get angry at staff for using broken English," adding, "It's actually rude to ignore the local language and insist on speaking English." The user continued, "At the very least, it's polite to use a translation app or prepare some basic phrases."

Other comments included, "Turning on a translation app before ordering is basic courtesy," "Imagine how much rudeness the staff must have endured for such a notice to be posted," and "No one has the right to get angry just because English isn't understood." Some users even told the original poster, "If you have such expectations, you should reconsider traveling abroad."

This is a cafe stock photo to help understand the article and is unrelated to the main text. Pixabay

Similar reactions appeared on domestic online platforms. Users commented, "Using a translation app to order when traveling abroad is basic courtesy," "Anyone who has dealt with foreign customers would understand," and "Even if you use English, it's important to ask politely first." Among those with experience in the service industry, many pointed out, "The most difficult customers are those who start speaking English without even a greeting," and "The issue is not the language, but the attitude."

However, some also noted that the wording of the notice was rather blunt. A few users pointed out, "Limited English skills might make it sound aggressive," and "The intention is understandable, but the expression could be softer."