South Korea is a nation the place drinking isn’t just a pastime—it’s deeply woven into the social fabric. Whether you are 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 vital 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 Standing Matter

In Korean society, hierarchy is everything. Age and social status affect the way you speak, act, and even drink. Whenever 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 hands when pouring a drink for somebody older or more senior—it shows respect.

Likewise, when accepting a drink from a senior, you must hold your glass with palms 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, it’s 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.

Should you’re drinking with close friends or youthful people, the rules could also be relaxed, but 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 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. Pace Yourself, However 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 might be at a bar or pub. The third? Perhaps a karaoke room or a pojangmacha (road food tent). It’s normal to go through multiple cha, so tempo yourself early on. That said, turning down a spherical altogether could also 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 most popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mixture of soju and beer. It’s normally 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 lots of Korean bars. You would possibly even see artistic 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 Conduct

At the bar, politeness still reigns. Don’t get too rowdy, especially 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. Should you’re sharing food (frequent in Korean bars), use the communal utensils relatively than your own chopsticks.

7. Don’t Forget the Hangover Culture

In Korea, hangover recovery is practically a ritual. You’ll find hangover soups like haejangguk, comfort store drinks that promise aid, and plenty of sympathy. Drinking is a social affair, and so is recovering. Do not be surprised in case 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 guidelines that reflect the deep respect ingrained in Korean society. By learning and following the essential etiquette, you’ll not only enjoy the colourful bar tradition but in addition earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the following time you’re handed a shot of soju, raise your glass with both fingers, say “geonbae!”, and enjoy the moment—Korean style.

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