South Korea is a hot tourist destination right now, and the Land of the Morning Calm not only punches well above its weight when it comes to media output (think movies, dramas, and K-pop). But it also boasts ancient temples, traditional markets, rugged mountains, sleepy island that make for perfect road trips, and a rocky, scenic coastline dotted with hidden beaches and quaint fishing villages.
There’s also a palpable energy that any visitor will immediately recognize when walking along the country’s hyperkinetic streets in major cities. Music pumps through the air from the cafes and phone shops and everyone’s on the move. Those who aren’t are likely hunkered down at one of the innumerable eateries and drinking establishments, where, between peppery and pungent bites, they down cold beer, makgeolli rice wine, or little glasses of soju, the ubiquitous, vodka-like national firewater.
That’s right, South Koreans enjoy their tipple, and when you travel there you will more than likely find yourself sitting down with locals for a sip or three at some point. That said, like this dining etiquette rule in Europe, Korean drinking sessions are governed by a set of customs that are useful to learn about before you go, with one that reigns supreme: Always use two hands when pouring or receiving a drink.
Using two hands shows respect when drinking in South Korea
Other Korean drinking rules to know
While using two hands and never filling your own glass are the two most important aspects of drinking etiquette in South Korea, there are other things to be aware of. Always keep filling others’ glasses when they becomes empty, though never pour into a glass that still has any drink remaining. Make sure to take part in the frequent little toasts by joining in with cries of “Geonbae!” and “Jjan!,” though you are not expected to finish your glass in one go unless the toast is “One shot!”. And if you’re done drinking for the night, it’s perfectly fine to politely say that you’ve had enough, and perhaps switch to water before you go home.
You also may notice Koreans who are significantly younger than their associates literally turning away when they take a sip of booze. This again is seen as a sign of respect for age and status, though as a foreign guest you won’t be expected to take part in such a custom, which is mostly observed during the company dinners common in Korean business culture.
Also, Koreans always down their alcohol with food, either during a meal or at a drinking establishment that serves side dishes known as anju. To imbibe without anything to snack on is just not done, and even locals enjoying a few cans of beer at a plastic table outside of a convenience store will always have something to munch on. This also means that you can’t just walk into a Korean bar and ask for a drink without ordering food, though there are a growing number of Western-style boozers (as well as high-end cocktail bars) where ordering anju is not required.
