The app to install
Two apps from the same company share the name. The Global version is designed for visitors without a Korean phone number.
| CatchTable Global | CatchTable (캐치테이블) | |
|---|---|---|
| App Store | CATCHTABLE: Book Restaurants | 캐치테이블, listed in Korean only |
| Google Play | kr.co.catchtable.global.catchtable_global | co.kr.catchtable.android.catchtable_app |
| Sign-in | Google, Apple or email | Korean phone number |
| Languages | 20 languages advertised in the current listing | Korean |
| Deposit | a foreign Visa or Mastercard | a Korean card or bank account |
The Global listing says you can use an existing email address and credit card without a Korean phone number. Search the store for “CatchTable Global” — searching “CatchTable” alone brings the Korean app up first.
What it covers
The Global app’s own listing advertises 8,000+ restaurants, with filters for date, time, party size, location and cuisine. Availability and the choice between reservations and queues depend on the restaurant.
Many reservation-only restaurants require a foreign-card deposit, according to Korea Tourism Organization’s guide. Check the amount, cancellation deadline and whether it is refunded or applied to the bill before paying. There is no single deposit amount or refund policy for every restaurant. The same guide describes remote and on-site waitlists without a deposit; follow any terms shown for your selected venue.
Popular restaurants set their own release schedules — “When do restaurant reservations open?”. Do not assume every venue releases tables at midnight.
When the restaurant is not on it
| The restaurant | Do this |
|---|---|
| Books only through Naver, a Korean search and online-services company | Use Naver Map, a Korean navigation app, to check the passport-verification and booking process — “Booking on Naver with a passport, not a Korean ID” |
| Runs only on Tabling | Ask your hotel or the restaurant about the available booking route, or join its on-site queue — “The restaurant only takes the Tabling app” |
| Takes no app at all | Use the booking contact the restaurant publishes and provide your date, time and party size. Wait for confirmation before treating the booking as accepted — “Booking a restaurant by Instagram DM” |
| Top-end, no online booking | Ask whether your hotel can phone on your behalf — “Asking your hotel to book a restaurant” |
See “Which booking system does this restaurant use?” for help finding the restaurant’s stated booking channel.
Walking in
Most restaurants need no booking — “Which restaurants need no booking at all”. For a popular restaurant, check its opening and last-order times before choosing a quieter part of the day. Late arrival does not help if the kitchen has already closed. Check whether the restaurant offers an on-site or app-based waitlist.
If you are stuck at the door
Dial 1330, the Korea Travel Hotline for travel assistance and interpretation. Check the linked service information for current language availability and hours. From abroad it is +82-2-1330.
