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Drinking in Korea: The Ultimate Guide to Bar Etiquette
South Korea is a nation the place drinking is just not just a pastime—it’s deeply woven into the social fabric. Whether or not you are doing enterprise, bonding with friends, or just exploring the nightlife, drinking is an essential part of Korean culture. However before you take that first shot of soju, it's essential to understand the etiquette that governs drinking in Korea. This is your ultimate 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 status affect how 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 two 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 palms 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 rude or lonely. Instead, it's best to 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.
When you’re drinking with close friends or younger folks, the rules may be relaxed, but 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 firstly of a round. It's customary to clink glasses with everyone 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. Tempo Yourself, 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 normal to go through multiple cha, so pace your self early on. That said, turning down a spherical altogether could also 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 vital popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mixture of soju and beer. It’s often created by pouring a shot or of soju right into a half-filled glass of beer. This combine is smooth, strong, and a go-to drink in lots of Korean bars. You might even see artistic versions of SoMaek, where people use chopsticks to drop the soju shot into the beer glass like a mini bomb.
6. Table Manners and Bar Conduct
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. When you’re sharing food (common in Korean bars), use the communal utensils quite than your own chopsticks.
7. Don’t Forget the Hangover Culture
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 in case 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 replicate the deep respect ingrained in Korean society. By learning and following the essential etiquette, you’ll not only enjoy the colourful bar culture but additionally earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the following time you're handed a shot of soju, increase your glass with each fingers, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.
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