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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're doing enterprise, bonding with friends, or simply exploring the nightlife, drinking is an essential part of Korean culture. However earlier than you take that first shot of soju, it's vital 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 standing affect how 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 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 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, you must 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.

 

 

For those who’re drinking with close friends or youthful individuals, the principles 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 often at the start of a round. It's 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. 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 normal to go through a number of cha, so tempo your self 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 popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mixture of soju and beer. It’s usually created by pouring a shot or of soju right into a half-filled glass of beer. This mix is smooth, robust, and a go-to drink in lots of Korean bars. You may even see artistic versions of SoMaek, the place 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 Neglect the Hangover Tradition

 

In Korea, hangover recovery is practically a ritual. You’ll find hangover soups like haejangguk, convenience store drinks that promise aid, and loads of sympathy. Drinking is a social affair, and so is recovering. Do not be stunned if 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's filled with tradition, camaraderie, and unspoken guidelines that mirror the deep respect ingrained in Korean society. By learning and following the basic etiquette, you’ll not only enjoy the colourful bar culture but in addition earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the following time you're handed a shot of soju, increase your glass with each arms, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.

 

 

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