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Drinking in Korea: The Ultimate Guide to Bar Etiquette

South Korea is a nation the place drinking shouldn't be just a pastime—it’s deeply woven into the social fabric. Whether you're 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 important to understand the etiquette that governs drinking in Korea. Here's 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 status influence the way you speak, act, and even drink. While 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 somebody older or more senior—it shows respect.

Likewise, when accepting a drink from a senior, it is best to hold your glass with two arms 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 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.

For those who’re drinking with close friends or youthful people, the foundations may be relaxed, but following tradition is always appreciated.

3. Say "Geonbae!" Before You Drink

"Geonbae" (건배) is the Korean word for "cheers!" You’ll hear it typically at the start 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, But Don’t Skip Rounds

Koreans love their rounds—known as cha (차). The primary 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? Maybe a karaoke room or a pojangmacha (road food tent). It's normal to go through multiple cha, so pace yourself 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 mixture of soju and beer. It’s often 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 might even see artistic 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

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 someone is treating you. If you happen to’re sharing food (frequent in Korean bars), use the communal utensils relatively than your own chopsticks.

7. Don’t Forget the Hangover Tradition

In Korea, hangover recovery is practically a ritual. You’ll find hangover soups like haejangguk, convenience store drinks that promise relief, and loads of sympathy. Drinking is a social affair, and so is recovering. Don't be shocked if 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 stuffed with tradition, camaraderie, and unspoken rules that replicate the deep respect ingrained in Korean society. By learning and following the fundamental etiquette, you’ll not only enjoy the colourful bar tradition but additionally earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the subsequent time you're handed a shot of soju, raise your glass with both palms, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.

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