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Drinking in Korea: The Ultimate Guide to Bar Etiquette
South Korea is a nation where drinking is not just a pastime—it’s deeply woven into the social fabric. Whether you are 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. This is your final 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 status influence the way 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 arms when pouring a drink for somebody older or more senior—it shows respect.
Likewise, when accepting a drink from a senior, you need 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 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.
If you happen to’re drinking with close friends or youthful people, the rules 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 typically originally 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. Tempo Yourself, However Don’t Skip Rounds
Koreans love their rounds—known as cha (차). The first round 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 (road food tent). It is common to go through multiple 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, sturdy, and a go-to drink in many Korean bars. You might even see inventive variations of SoMaek, the place 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 someone is treating you. When you’re sharing food (frequent in Korean bars), use the communal utensils rather than your own chopsticks.
7. Don’t Neglect the Hangover Culture
In Korea, hangover recovery is practically a ritual. You’ll discover hangover soups like haejangguk, comfort store drinks that promise aid, and loads 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 Ideas
Drinking in Korea is an expertise like no other. It's filled 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 vibrant bar tradition but in addition earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the next time you are handed a shot of soju, increase your glass with both hands, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.
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