South Korea is a nation where drinking just isn’t just a pastime—it’s deeply woven into the social fabric. Whether or not you’re doing business, bonding with friends, or simply exploring the nightlife, drinking is an essential part of Korean culture. But before you take that first shot of soju, it’s essential to understand the etiquette that governs drinking in Korea. Here’s your final guide to navigating the bar scene with respect and style.
1. Respect Hierarchy: Age and Standing Matter
In Korean society, hierarchy is everything. Age and social standing influence how you speak, act, and even drink. Once you’re out drinking with Koreans, always be aware of who’s older or holds a higher position. You don’t pour your own drink and definitely don’t pour for somebody senior with one hand. Instead, use hands when pouring a drink for somebody older or more senior—it shows respect.
Likewise, when accepting a drink from a senior, you must hold your glass with hands and turn your face slightly away as you drink. This small gesture demonstrates humility and politeness.
2. Don’t Pour Your Own Drink
Self-pouring is a big no-no in Korean drinking culture. It’s seen as impolite or lonely. Instead, you must always keep an eye in your companions’ glasses and pour them a drink when it’s empty. They’ll likely return the favor. This mutual pouring ritual strengthens social bonds and keeps the group dynamic going strong.
Should you’re drinking with shut friends or youthful people, the rules could also be relaxed, however following tradition is always appreciated.
3. Say “Geonbae!” Earlier than You Drink
“Geonbae” (건배) is the Korean word for “cheers!” You’ll hear it usually initially of a round. It’s customary to clink glasses with everybody on the table and take a sip—or a full shot, depending on the group’s vibe. Make eye contact when clinking glasses; it shows confidence and connection.
4. Pace Your self, However Don’t Skip Rounds
Koreans love their rounds—known as cha (차). The primary spherical may be at a barbecue restaurant with beer and soju. The second may very well be at a bar or pub. The third? Maybe a karaoke room or a pojangmacha (street food tent). It’s common to go through multiple cha, so tempo your self early on. That said, turning down a round altogether may be seen as delinquent, so try to participate even with a small drink or a soft drink.
5. The Power Duo: Soju and Beer (SoMaek)
One of the popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mixture of soju and beer. It’s usually created by pouring a shot or two of soju right into a half-filled glass of beer. This mix is smooth, strong, and a go-to drink in lots of Korean bars. You may even see inventive variations of SoMaek, where people use chopsticks to drop the soju shot into the beer glass like a mini bomb.
6. Table Manners and Bar Behavior
On the bar, politeness still reigns. Don’t get too rowdy, particularly in a more traditional setting. Keep your voice to a social level, and always show gratitude—say “thank you” (감사합니다) to the server and your host if somebody is treating you. In case you’re sharing food (frequent in Korean bars), use the communal utensils slightly than your own chopsticks.
7. Don’t Overlook the Hangover Tradition
In Korea, hangover recovery is practically a ritual. You’ll discover hangover soups like haejangguk, comfort store drinks that promise reduction, and plenty of sympathy. Drinking is a social affair, and so is recovering. Don’t be shocked if your coworkers talk about hangovers with pride—it’s part of the shared experience.
Final Thoughts
Drinking in Korea is an expertise like no other. It’s stuffed with tradition, camaraderie, and unspoken guidelines that mirror the deep respect ingrained in Korean society. By learning and following the essential etiquette, you’ll not only enjoy the colourful bar tradition but also earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the following time you are handed a shot of soju, elevate your glass with each arms, say “geonbae!”, and enjoy the moment—Korean style.
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