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Cheers to That: The Ultimate Guide to Korean Drinking Culture

· 3 min read
Kai Miller
Kai Miller
Cultural Explorer & Photographer

In Korea, alcohol is not just a beverage; it is social glue. You don't really know someone until you have shared a bottle of Soju with them. Whether it's a corporate "Hoesik" (company dinner) or a Friday night out in Hongdae, knowing the rules of the game will save you from embarrassment (and a terrible hangover).

Here is your survival manual.

Cheers to That: The Ultimate Guide to Korean Drinking Culture

1. The Etiquette: Don't Be rude​

The hierarchy of age applies heavily here.

  • Never Pour Your Own: It is considered bad luck. Wait for someone to fill your glass, and you fill theirs.
  • The "Two-Hand" Pour: When pouring for an elder, hold the bottle with your right hand and support your right elbow/wrist with your left hand.
  • The "Head Turn": When drinking with someone significantly older, turn your head slightly away from them as a sign of respect.
  • Refusing: It is rude to flatly refuse a drink. Accept the glass, let them pour it, and just take a tiny sip. You don't have to finish it.

2. The Drink Menu​

  • Soju: The dangerous green bottle. It tastes like watered-down vodka but is sweeter. At ~16% ABV and $4 a bottle, it hits you fast. "Zero Sugar" versions (like Saero) are the current trend.
  • Maekju (Beer): Korean beers (Cass, Terra, Kelly) are light lagers designed to be drunk with food.
  • Somaek: The atomic bomb. A shot of Soju dropped into a glass of Beer. The "Golden Ratio" is usually 3:7.
  • Highballs: The Gen Z obsession. Whiskey (often Suntory or Beam) mixed with soda and flavored syrups (Earl Grey is huge).

3. Anju (Food for Alcohol)​

Drinking on an empty stomach is amateur hour in Korea. You always order "Anju".

  • Samgyeopsal: Grilled pork belly pairs perfectly with Soju.
  • Chimaek: Fried Chicken + Beer. The classic combo.
  • Pajeon: Scallion pancake + Makgeolli (Rice Wine). Essential on rainy days.

4. Drinking Games (Sul-Game)​

If the atmosphere lags, someone will start a game.

  • Titanic: A shot glass is floated in a beer glass. Everyone takes turns pouring a tiny amount of Soju into the shot glass. Whoever sinks it drinks the whole mix.
  • Baskin Robbins 31: Players say up to 3 numbers (1, 2, 3...). Whoever is forced to say "31" loses and drinks.

5. The Morning After: Haejang​

Korea has a whole cuisine dedicated to hangovers.

  • Haejang-guk: "Hangover Soup". Usually spicy beef broth or bean sprout soup to sweat out the toxins.
  • Convenience Store Cures: Look for small green bottles (Condition, Dawn 808) or satisfy your sugar craving with Chocolate Milk.

Drink responsibly, respect the elders, and enjoy the "Jeong" (bonding) that comes with every glass.