Why do Koreans use scissors for food instead of a knife?

Scissors are faster and more practical at the Korean table. Cutting meat directly over the grill, or noodles inside a bowl, doesn't require a cutting board — which means less mess and less washing up. In a shared dining setting where several people eat from the same dishes, scissors keep the meal moving without interruption.

Is using scissors at a Korean restaurant considered normal or unusual?

Completely normal. In Korea, food scissors are a standard kitchen and dining tool. Most Korean BBQ restaurants either provide scissors on the table or have staff members use them to cut the meat for you. Seeing scissors next to the tongs is no different from seeing a ladle next to a pot.

What foods are commonly cut with scissors in Korea?A3: Korean BBQ meats like

samgyeopsal and galbi are the most common. Cold noodles ( naengmyeon ) are cut before eating to make them easier to mix and swallow. Whole-leaf kimchi ( poggi kimchi ), stir-fried octopus, squid dishes, and shared seafood stews like haemul jjim are also regularly cut with scissors at the table.

Are the scissors used for food the same ones used for other things?

No. Korean households keep kitchen scissors separate from general-use scissors. The food scissors stay with cooking tools like ladles and spatulas; the everyday scissors go in a desk drawer or elsewhere. At restaurants, the scissors on the table are treated as a food preparation tool — the same category as tongs or serving spoons.

What should I do if I'm not sure how to use scissors at a Korean BBQ restaurant?

You don't need to do anything right away. Watch what happens — a staff member may cut the meat for you, or someone at your table will handle it. When you feel ready, pick up the scissors and cut the cooked meat into two or three pieces directly over the grill. There's no wrong technique. Most people who try it once find it surprisingly intuitive.

Why Do Koreans Use Scissors for Food? The Habit Explained

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