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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 you're doing enterprise, bonding with friends, or simply exploring the nightlife, drinking is an essential part of Korean culture. However earlier than you take that first shot of soju, it's vital to understand the etiquette that governs drinking in Korea. Here's your ultimate guide to navigating the bar scene with respect and style.
1. Respect Hierarchy: Age and Status Matter
In Korean society, hierarchy is everything. Age and social standing influence how you speak, act, and even drink. When 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 someone senior with one hand. Instead, use two arms when pouring a drink for someone older or more senior—it shows respect.
Likewise, when accepting a drink from a senior, you should hold your glass with two 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, it is 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.
For those who’re drinking with close friends or younger individuals, the rules may 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 at the beginning of a round. It's customary to clink glasses with everybody 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. Tempo Your self, But Don’t Skip Rounds
Koreans love their rounds—known as cha (차). The primary round might be at a barbecue restaurant with beer and soju. The second could be at a bar or pub. The third? Maybe a karaoke room or a pojangmacha (street food tent). It is common to go through a number of 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 most popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mix of soju and beer. It’s normally created by pouring a shot or of soju right into a half-filled glass of beer. This combine is smooth, sturdy, and a go-to drink in lots of Korean bars. You might even see inventive variations of SoMaek, where folks use chopsticks to drop the soju shot into the beer glass like a mini bomb.
6. Table Manners and Bar Habits
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 the event you’re sharing food (widespread in Korean bars), use the communal utensils rather than your own chopsticks.
7. Don’t Overlook the Hangover Culture
In Korea, hangover recovery is practically a ritual. You’ll find hangover soups like haejangguk, convenience 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 filled with tradition, camaraderie, and unspoken rules that replicate the deep respect ingrained in Korean society. By learning and following the essential etiquette, you’ll not only enjoy the vibrant bar culture but additionally earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the next time you're handed a shot of soju, raise your glass with each hands, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.
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