If you've ever been to Korea, you might have noticed that "Let's grab a drink" is basically another way of saying hello. Drinking isn't just about the alcohol - it's a cornerstone of social life, whether you're catching up with friends, spending time with family, or bonding with coworkers. In fact, Koreans even have a special word, "hoesik," for those after-work drinking sessions with colleagues.
Since drinking occurs in various social contexts, there are certain etiquettes to follow. Here's a guide to drinking manners in Korea:
🚩 At the Table
Once drinks arrive, there's a subtle art to serving and receiving:
When You're the Server:
- Always start with the eldest person (age hierarchy is a big deal in Korea)
- Hold the bottle with both hands (to show respect)
- Discreetly cover the label while pouring (unlike Western customs)
- Fill to about 70-80% - not too full, not too empty
When You're Being Served:
- Accept with both hands (either both on the glass or support your right arm with your left hand)
- If someone says "Please, be comfortable," you can relax and use one hand
Here's a cool bit of history: The two-handed custom actually comes from traditional Korean clothing (hanbok) - those elegant but super-wide sleeves needed to be kept away from the table!
🍶 Time to Toast
- The first round is usually a group affair - everyone pours, everyone toasts, everyone sips
- When glasses clink, everyone shouts "Zzan!" or "Geonbae!" (Korean for "Cheers!")
- Quick tip: Keep your glass slightly lower when toasting with older folks
🥃 Drinking Do’s and Don'ts
- When drinking with elders, turn your head away from them when taking a sip (just rotate your head to face the opposite direction). Once they say "Please, be comfortable," you can drink normally
- Keep an eye on others' glasses - refilling is a courtesy
- Pro tip: Never pour drinks into a glass that isn't empty - this practice is traditionally reserved for ancestral rites
- Feel free to initiate toasts - a raised glass is a signal for another round that everyone understands
🥰 The Bottom Line
These drinking customs might seem a bit complex at first, but remember - they're all about showing respect to elders and building connections with the people you're drinking with.
Don't stress too much about following every rule perfectly. They're more like friendly guidelines than strict requirements. Just focus on enjoying the company and the experience! Ready to dive into Korean drinking culture? Zzan! 🍻
