Are you heading to South Korea or Koreatown?
Knowing how to say “cheers” will make your trip a lot more fun.
Here are a few ways to toast in Korean, depending on the vibe and who you’re drinking with!
Quick Summary
- A casual way to say “cheers” in Korean is “Jjan” or “Jeoksyeo.“
- The most common and polite way is “Geonbae!”
- “Wihayeo” is appropriate in professional settings, such as work events.
Casual: Jjan!
If you’re with a close group of friends, you’ll hear “Jjan! (짠!)” all the time.
This word is kind of like saying “clink!” in English. Simple, casual, and fun!
I use this expression the most when drinking with my friends, brother, and cousins. I even say “jjan” when drinking with my parents.
Koreans like to raise their glasses and say it together right before taking a drink.
It’s perfect for chill, low-key hangouts with people you’re comfortable with.
Casual: Jeoksyeo!
Young people in Korea have their own slang, and “Jeoksyeo! (적셔!)” is a playful way to toast.
It literally means “moisten” as in moisten your throat with a drink!
It’s kind of quirky and more common among younger folks.
Another version is “Jeokshija! (적시자!)” from K-drama, Work Later, Drink Now (술꾼도시여자들), which is based on the webtoon, Drinker City Women.
Formal: Geonbae!
“Geonbae! (건배!)” is the classic “Cheers!” that most people are familiar with.
It’s used widely in Korea, especially in larger gatherings or more formal settings.
Even though it’s common, you might not hear it as much in small groups, especially among friends who prefer more casual expressions like “Jjan!”
But it’s still good to know and use when the moment calls for it.
Professional: Wihayeo!
When you’re at a work event or sharing drinks with colleagues and bosses, “Wihayeo! (위하여!)” is the way to go.
If you happen to be at a Korean BBQ restaurant where a company gathering (hoesik) is being held, you will hear a group of Ahjussi raising glasses and saying it.
This expression translates to “for (something)!” like “for our company!” “for health!” or “for success!”
It’s a bit more formal and has a motivational vibe, making it ideal for professional settings.
Fun and Trendy Ways to Say Cheers in Korea
Koreans love coming up with creative and playful ways to toast, and the MZ generation took it to the next level.
Here are some trendy popular ways to say cheers in Korean drinking culture!
99881234 (구구팔팔일이삼사)
This seemingly random number actually holds a deep meaning.
It stands for:
“Live strong and healthy until 99 (99세까지 팔팔하게), then only suffer for 1, 2, or 3 days before passing (1·2·3일만 아프다 가자(4 meaning death)).”
After being introduced on the EBS program Korean Travel, the clip went viral. Now it’s a go-to toast among young Koreans who want to wish for a long and healthy life.
119 (일일구)
119 is Korea’s emergency number (911), but in drinking culture, it takes on a totally different meaning:
“1 (One) type of drink, 1 round only, and go home before 9 PM!”
It’s a fun way to promote responsible drinking while still enjoying a night out.
“What Are You?” (너 뭐 돼?)
It sounds a bit rude, but it’s actually a playful way to toast!
It breaks down like this:
“(너)무 고생했고”: You worked so hard,
“(뭐)가 걱정이고”: Whatever you’re worried about,
“(되)겠지!”: It’ll all work out!
It’s a popular phrase among young Koreans, especially when they want to encourage friends who are going through a tough time.
IU (아이유)
Koreans say cheers using the name of IU, a Korean singer-songwriter and actress.
There are two ways to use her name for a toast:
“(아)름다운, (이)세상, (유)감없이 살다 가자!”: Let’s live beautifully, enjoy this world, and have no regrets!
“(아)름답게, (이)쁘게, (유)쾌하게 살자!”: Let’s live beautifully, prettily, and happily!
Park Bo-gum (박보검)
Named after the Korean actor, this toast is perfect for giving a round of applause to someone who’s had a tough year.
“(박)수를, (보)냅니다, 올 한 해 (검)나 수고한 당신께!”: A round of applause to you for working so hard this year!
It’s a great toast for year-end parties or office gatherings.
Obama (오바마)
Even former U.S. President Barack Obama has inspired Korean drinking toasts.
There are multiple versions, so you can pick the one that suits the mood:
“(오)늘, (바)래다 줄게, (마)시자!”: I’ll take you home tonight, so let’s drink!
“(오)늘은, (바)쁘다, (마)시고 놀자!”: Today is busy, so let’s just drink and have fun!
“(오)늘부터, (바)빠도, (마)음만은 즐겁게!”: Even if we’re busy from today, let’s enjoy the moment!
Whether you’re out with friends and coworkers, or meeting new people, now you’re ready to join in the toasts like a local.
Raise your glass and say cheers in Korean!
