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Drinking in Korea: The Ultimate Guide to Bar Etiquette
South Korea is a nation where drinking will not be just a pastime—it’s deeply woven into the social fabric. Whether or not you're 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 necessary 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 influence 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 two hands when pouring a drink for someone older or more senior—it shows respect.
Likewise, when accepting a drink from a senior, you need to 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 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.
In case you’re drinking with shut friends or younger people, the foundations 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 typically originally of a round. It is 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, But Don’t Skip Rounds
Koreans love their rounds—known as cha (차). The primary round 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 (road food tent). It is common to go through multiple cha, so pace yourself early on. That said, turning down a round altogether could also be seen as antisocial, so attempt to participate even with a small drink or a soft drink.
5. The Power Duo: Soju and Beer (SoMaek)
Some of the popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mix 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, sturdy, and a go-to drink in many Korean bars. You may even see creative 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 Habits
On 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 someone is treating you. In the event you’re sharing food (common in Korean bars), use the communal utensils quite than your own chopsticks.
7. Don’t Overlook the Hangover Culture
In Korea, hangover recovery is practically a ritual. You’ll discover hangover soups like haejangguk, comfort store drinks that promise relief, and loads of sympathy. Drinking is a social affair, and so is recovering. Don't be stunned 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 is filled with tradition, camaraderie, and unspoken guidelines that replicate the deep respect ingrained in Korean society. By learning and following the essential etiquette, you’ll not only enjoy the colourful bar culture but additionally earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the next time you're handed a shot of soju, elevate your glass with each arms, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.
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