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Drinking in Korea: The Ultimate Guide to Bar Etiquette

South Korea is a nation where drinking isn't just a pastime—it’s deeply woven into the social fabric. Whether you're doing business, bonding with friends, or just exploring the nightlife, drinking is an essential part of Korean culture. But earlier than you take that first shot of soju, it's important to understand the etiquette that governs drinking in Korea. This is 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 status affect the way 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 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 arms 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 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.

In case you’re drinking with close friends or younger individuals, the rules 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 usually initially 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 might be at a barbecue restaurant with beer and soju. The second may very well be at a bar or pub. The third? Possibly a karaoke room or a pojangmacha (avenue food tent). It is common to go through a number of cha, so tempo your self 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 popular combos in Korea is SoMaek—a mix 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 combine is smooth, sturdy, and a go-to drink in lots of Korean bars. You might even see inventive versions of SoMaek, where folks use chopsticks to drop the soju shot into the beer glass like a mini bomb.

6. Table Manners and Bar Behavior

On 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. Should you’re sharing food (common in Korean bars), use the communal utensils somewhat than your own chopsticks.

7. Don’t Forget the Hangover Tradition

In Korea, hangover recovery is practically a ritual. You’ll discover hangover soups like haejangguk, comfort store drinks that promise aid, and loads of sympathy. Drinking is a social affair, and so is recovering. Don't be surprised if 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 is full of tradition, camaraderie, and unspoken guidelines that reflect the deep respect ingrained in Korean society. By learning and following the basic etiquette, you’ll not only enjoy the vibrant bar tradition but in addition earn the respect of your Korean peers. So the following time you're handed a shot of soju, raise your glass with both hands, say "geonbae!", and enjoy the moment—Korean style.

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