Set up your account before you need to book
Set up the account before you fly and have a foreign payment card ready. Some reservations require a deposit during checkout; confirm the amount and terms before paying.
1. Install the Global app
Install CATCHTABLE: Book Restaurants from the App Store or CatchTable Global on Google Play — the navy icon with the English listing. The Korean app of the same name is a separate product with different sign-in requirements. If a sign-in or payment step fails later, check which app you are in before trying another payment method.
2. Set the language to English
Do it before searching. The current operator listing advertises search in 20 languages, including English.
3. Sign in with Google, Apple or email
KTO (the Korea Tourism Organization)’s guide confirms Google and Apple sign-in without a Korean phone number; the operator’s listing also describes using an existing email. Follow the current sign-in options displayed in the Global app.
4. Add a card
Have a foreign-issued card ready for any deposit requested at checkout. Use a network shown on the payment screen and be ready to approve your bank’s authentication request. Exact supported brands and saved-card options can change — “Paying a restaurant deposit with a foreign card”.
5. Search, pick a slot, confirm
Search by restaurant name, cuisine or neighbourhood; listings cover Seoul, Busan, Jeju and other cities. Choose a date, time and party size from the calendar; the notes box is for allergies, a birthday or a seating request. If a deposit is requested, read its amount, refund conditions and treatment on the final bill. KTO’s guide describes waitlist entries without a deposit; check the selected venue’s current terms.
The confirmation shows date, time and party size. Screenshot it together with the cancellation terms, so you can refer to the exact conditions you accepted — “Screenshot your bookings before you need them” and “Restaurant cancellation windows and refunds”.
