What Is Korean Drinking Culture Like?

Quick Summary

• Koreans pour drinks for others. The proper way is to hold a soju bottle covering the label with the right hand, and gently place your left hand under the right wrist.
• Koreans fill the glass about 80-90%, avoiding overfill.
• When drinking with someone older, it’s etiquette to turn your head to the side and take a sip.
• A common phrase to use is “Geonbae!,” which means “Cheers!”

1. Pour Drinks for Others

One of the most important rules in Korean drinking culture is that you don’t pour your own drink.

Instead, you should pour for others, and they will pour for you.

Why? I’ve heard that I’ll either lose my luck up to my third generation or the person sitting in front of me will be single for 3 years! I believe that Koreans simply like to pour for each other because it’s a sign of good manners or jeong.

When pouring, use both hands to show politeness, especially if you’re pouring for someone older or of higher status.

You can hold a bottle with your right hand, and gently place your left hand under your right wrist. Fill the glass about 80-90%.

Likewise, when someone pours for you, hold your glass with both hands as a sign of gratitude.

You can grab a glass with your right hand and place your left hand under your right wrist.

In the later rounds, you can simply touch your glass.

2. Turn Away When Drinking in Front of Older People

Respect extends to drinking in Korean culture.

If you’re drinking with someone older than you, it’s etiquette to turn your head to the side when taking a sip.

This gesture shows respect and acknowledges the social hierarchy.

It’s a subtle way to show that you’re a polite person.

3. The Order of Drinking

In Korean drinking culture, the first drink is shared together as a group.

Typically, the most senior or highest-ranking person will initiate the first pour.

Everyone raises their glasses together, and the first round is finished in one go (Koreans call it “one shot!“).

After that, the pace of drinking can be more relaxed.

It’s also polite to offer to pour a drink for someone older when their glass is empty.

4. Cover the Soju Bottle Label

Koreans always cover the label of a soju bottle with your right hand when pouring.

Some claim that it’s to avoid showing favoritism towards a specific brand or prevent liquor from dripping on the label, kind of like wine.

But most Koreans don’t know why. We practice this etiquette because it’s what our parents taught us.

5. Refill Drinks for Others

In Korea, it’s polite to keep an eye on other people’s glasses and offer to refill them, so they don’t stay empty.

It’s also important not to overfill a glass as a sign of moderation and restraint. Make sure to pour about 80-90%.

When Koreans happen to overfill from getting too drunk and sloppy, we jokingly say, “I poured it as much as I love you!”

When refilling someone’s glass, always use both hands, and the same goes when you get a refill.

6. Prepare a Toast

In Korean drinking culture, toasts are important.

The person of the highest status is usually the one to initiate the first toast.

A common phrase to use is “Geonbae!,” which means “Cheers!”

Be ready when the group raises their glasses.

Sometimes, people take turns making a toast, so it’s a good idea to prepare a light and fun one.

7. Decline a Drink

It’s generally expected to participate in drinking, but it’s okay to politely decline.

You can explain your reason such as health or say that you’re a lightweight.

But honestly, the best way I found is to accept the drink and just take a small sip (more of touching your lips) or raise a glass in a toast without consuming the entire shot.

Conclusion

Whether you’re at a casual get-together with friends or a formal business hoesik, understanding drinking culture is crucial to making a good impression.

By understanding and following these tips, you’ll be ready to participate in some Korean-style social drinking.