KT “Hi-Order” table ordering system (Image provided by KT)
SEOUL, Feb. 23(Korea Bizwire) — Amid growing economic uncertainty and rising labor costs, South Korean restaurant owners are rapidly adopting digital “table-order” systems, allowing diners to order meals directly from tablets installed at their tables, without staff assistance.
The adoption of table-order services surged dramatically in recent months, driven by restaurant operators seeking to cut staffing expenses amid economic stagnation.
Telecom giant KT reported that installations of its “Hi-Order” table ordering system tripled in January 2025 compared to December 2024. Since its initial launch two years ago, Hi-Order quickly surpassed 10,000 units in sales, highlighting significant market interest.
“Franchise restaurants with multiple locations increasingly prefer tablet-based ordering, especially since customer acceptance of these systems has grown,” an industry insider noted. “The new year has further accelerated adoption, with many businesses seeking immediate cost savings.”
Industry experts estimate that larger restaurants implementing table-order systems can typically reduce their labor needs by the equivalent of one full-time employee, while smaller establishments save costs equivalent to half a full-time worker or one part-time employee.
T-Order, another leading provider in the market, recently announced that cumulative payments processed through its service surpassed 9 trillion Korean won, reflecting substantial growth from approximately 4 trillion won in early 2024.
“The pandemic initially boosted inquiries, but current inflation and higher labor costs have intensified adoption beyond pandemic-era levels,” explained a T-Order representative.
Similarly, LG Uplus’s table-ordering solution “U+ Order” maintains steady demand, underscoring broad-based growth across providers.
The Korea Rural Economic Institute noted significant increases in the adoption rate of self-order kiosks, rising from 1.5% in 2019 to 7.8% by 2023. The institute highlighted that these automated systems enhance efficiency, reduce turnover time, and typically boost restaurant revenues by around 8.9% due to increased ease of additional orders.
Meanwhile, the expansion of table-order technology continues beyond restaurants, gaining traction within the hospitality sector. KT recently installed its Hi-Order system in all rooms at the MD Hotel Doksan in Seoul.
Similarly, T-Order provides services to about 200 hotels nationwide, including prestigious establishments such as The Shilla Seoul, Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam, and Walkerhill Hotel & Resort.
With growing economic pressures and consumer preferences for convenience, South Korea’s table-ordering industry is projected to experience continued strong growth throughout 2025.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
