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Drinking in Korea: The Ultimate Guide to Bar Etiquette
South Korea is a nation where drinking is not just a pastime—it’s deeply woven into the social fabric. Whether you are doing enterprise, bonding with friends, or simply exploring the nightlife, drinking is an essential part of Korean culture. But earlier than 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 Status Matter
In Korean society, hierarchy is everything. Age and social standing affect how you speak, act, and even drink. If 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 fingers 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 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 impolite 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.
Should you’re drinking with shut friends or youthful individuals, the principles may be relaxed, however 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 in the beginning of a round. It's 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 Your self, However Don’t Skip Rounds
Koreans love their rounds—known as cha (차). The first round could be at a barbecue restaurant with beer and soju. The second could possibly be at a bar or pub. The third? Possibly a karaoke room or a pojangmacha (road food tent). It's common to go through a number of cha, so pace yourself early on. That said, turning down a spherical altogether may be seen as delinquent, so attempt to participate even with a small drink or a soft drink.
5. The Power Duo: Soju and Beer (SoMaek)
One of the vital popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mix of soju and beer. It’s normally 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 would possibly 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
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 somebody is treating you. If you’re sharing food (common in Korean bars), use the communal utensils relatively than your own chopsticks.
7. Don’t Overlook the Hangover Tradition
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. Don't be stunned if your coworkers talk about hangovers with pride—it’s part of the shared experience.
Final Ideas
Drinking in Korea is an expertise like no other. It's full of 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 tradition but also earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the following time you're handed a shot of soju, raise your glass with each hands, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.
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