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Drinking in Korea: The Ultimate Guide to Bar Etiquette
South Korea is a nation the place drinking isn't just a pastime—it’s deeply woven into the social fabric. Whether 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 necessary to understand the etiquette that governs drinking in Korea. This is 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 the way you speak, act, and even drink. If 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 fingers when pouring a drink for someone older or more senior—it shows respect.
Likewise, when accepting a drink from a senior, it's best to hold your glass with fingers 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 on 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.
In case you’re drinking with close friends or younger folks, the principles 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 often in the beginning of a round. It's customary to clink glasses with everyone at 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 Yourself, But Don’t Skip Rounds
Koreans love their rounds—known as cha (차). The first spherical is likely to be at a barbecue restaurant with beer and soju. The second may very well be at a bar or pub. The third? Possibly a karaoke room or a pojangmacha (road food tent). It's common to go through multiple cha, so tempo your self early on. That said, turning down a spherical altogether could also be seen as antisocial, so attempt to participate even with a small drink or a soft drink.
5. The Power Duo: Soju and Beer (SoMaek)
One of the most popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mixture of soju and beer. It’s usually created by pouring a shot or of soju into a half-filled glass of beer. This combine is smooth, robust, and a go-to drink in lots of Korean bars. You would possibly even see artistic versions of SoMaek, the place folks 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, especially 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 someone is treating you. For those who’re sharing food (frequent in Korean bars), use the communal utensils somewhat than your own chopsticks.
7. Don’t Overlook the Hangover Culture
In Korea, hangover recovery is practically a ritual. You’ll discover hangover soups like haejangguk, comfort store drinks that promise relief, and loads of sympathy. Drinking is a social affair, and so is recovering. Don't be surprised in case your coworkers talk about hangovers with pride—it’s part of the shared experience.
Final Thoughts
Drinking in Korea is an experience like no other. It's filled with tradition, camaraderie, and unspoken guidelines that reflect the deep respect ingrained in Korean society. By learning and following the essential etiquette, you’ll not only enjoy the vibrant bar culture but in addition earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the following time you're handed a shot of soju, increase your glass with both palms, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.
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