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Drinking in Korea: The Ultimate Guide to Bar Etiquette
South Korea is a nation where drinking is just not just a pastime—it’s deeply woven into the social fabric. Whether or not you're doing business, 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. 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 standing affect how 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 hands when pouring a drink for someone older or more senior—it shows respect.
Likewise, when accepting a drink from a senior, it's best to hold your glass with two 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 must 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.
In the event you’re drinking with shut friends or youthful individuals, the principles could also 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 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. Pace Yourself, However Don’t Skip Rounds
Koreans love their rounds—known as cha (차). The first spherical may be at a barbecue restaurant with beer and soju. The second could be at a bar or pub. The third? Perhaps a karaoke room or a pojangmacha (avenue food tent). It's normal to go through a number of cha, so tempo your self early on. That said, turning down a round altogether may be seen as antisocial, so try to participate even with a small drink or a soft drink.
5. The Power Duo: Soju and Beer (SoMaek)
One of the crucial popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mix of soju and beer. It’s usually created by pouring a shot or two of soju into a half-filled glass of beer. This mix is smooth, strong, and a go-to drink in many Korean bars. You might even see inventive variations 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 someone is treating you. If you happen to’re sharing food (widespread in Korean bars), use the communal utensils fairly than your own chopsticks.
7. Don’t Neglect the Hangover Tradition
In Korea, hangover recovery is practically a ritual. You’ll find hangover soups like haejangguk, comfort store drinks that promise relief, and loads of sympathy. Drinking is a social affair, and so is recovering. Do not be surprised if 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 reflect the deep respect ingrained in Korean society. By learning and following the fundamental etiquette, you’ll not only enjoy the vibrant bar tradition but also earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the next time you're handed a shot of soju, increase your glass with each arms, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.
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