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Drinking in Korea: The Ultimate Guide to Bar Etiquette
South Korea is a nation the place drinking will not be just a pastime—it’s deeply woven into the social fabric. Whether or not you are doing business, 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 essential 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 standing 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 somebody senior with one hand. Instead, use arms when pouring a drink for someone older or more senior—it shows respect.
Likewise, when accepting a drink from a senior, it is best to hold your glass with two 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, 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.
If you happen to’re drinking with close friends or younger individuals, the foundations could also 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 is customary to clink glasses with everybody 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, But Don’t Skip Rounds
Koreans love their rounds—known as cha (차). The primary round could 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 (road food tent). It's common to go through multiple cha, so tempo yourself early on. That said, turning down a round 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 popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mix of soju and beer. It’s often created by pouring a shot or of soju right into a half-filled glass of beer. This combine is smooth, strong, and a go-to drink in many Korean bars. You may even see artistic 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, 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. For those who’re sharing food (frequent in Korean bars), use the communal utensils relatively 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, comfort store drinks that promise reduction, and plenty of sympathy. Drinking is a social affair, and so is recovering. Do not be shocked in case 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 is 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 additionally earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the following time you are handed a shot of soju, increase your glass with both arms, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.
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