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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 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. Here 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 status influence 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 someone senior with one hand. Instead, use two palms 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 impolite or lonely. Instead, it is 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.
Should you’re drinking with close friends or youthful individuals, the rules could also 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. Pace Yourself, But Don’t Skip Rounds
Koreans love their rounds—known as cha (차). The primary spherical might be at a barbecue restaurant with beer and soju. The second might be at a bar or pub. The third? Maybe a karaoke room or a pojangmacha (road food tent). It is common to go through a number of cha, so tempo yourself early on. That said, turning down a round altogether may 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 most popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mixture of soju and beer. It’s usually created by pouring a shot or two of soju right into a half-filled glass of beer. This mix is smooth, sturdy, and a go-to drink in lots of 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 Conduct
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. In case you’re sharing food (frequent in Korean bars), use the communal utensils reasonably 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 aid, and plenty of sympathy. Drinking is a social affair, and so is recovering. Do not be stunned 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 full of tradition, camaraderie, and unspoken rules that reflect the deep respect ingrained in Korean society. By learning and following the basic etiquette, you’ll not only enjoy the vibrant bar culture 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 palms, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.
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