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Drinking in Korea: The Ultimate Guide to Bar Etiquette
South Korea is a nation where drinking will not be 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 before you take that first shot of soju, it's necessary to understand the etiquette that governs drinking in Korea. Here 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 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 hands when pouring a drink for someone older or more senior—it shows respect.
Likewise, when accepting a drink from a senior, you need to 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 rude or lonely. Instead, you should 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 close friends or younger folks, the principles may be relaxed, however following tradition is always appreciated.
3. Say "Geonbae!" Before You Drink
"Geonbae" (건배) is the Korean word for "cheers!" You’ll hear it often at 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 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's normal to go through a number of cha, so tempo your self early on. That said, turning down a spherical 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)
Probably the most popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mixture of soju and beer. It’s normally created by pouring a shot or of soju into a half-filled glass of beer. This mix is smooth, robust, and a go-to drink in many Korean bars. You may even see inventive 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 Habits
At 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 (common in Korean bars), use the communal utensils rather than your own chopsticks.
7. Don’t Neglect the Hangover Tradition
In Korea, hangover recovery is practically a ritual. You’ll discover 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 surprised if your coworkers talk about hangovers with pride—it’s part of the shared experience.
Final Ideas
Drinking in Korea is an experience like no other. It's filled with tradition, camaraderie, and unspoken rules that reflect the deep respect ingrained in Korean society. By learning and following the basic 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, elevate your glass with each arms, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.
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