How to Navigate Korean Drinking Culture: A Foreigner’s Guide to Etiquette

Hey folks of legal drinking age, ever wonder who gave you your first taste of booze? Back in the day, Koreans used to learn the art of drinking from their elders. It was like a rite of passage to survive the maze of unwritten rules in our super hierarchical society. Plus, it was a big deal – a nod that you were now a responsible adult. So, not only will these customs help you navigate the Korean drinking scene without any awkward moments, but they might also level up your K-drama appreciation game!

THE DOS

• When passing a drink to or receiving it from an older person, go for the double-hand hold on the glass. Or, use your right hand for the glass and let the left one give some backup to your wrist.
• If you’re sharing a sip with someone your age, one hand is cool. But, if you’re not tight yet or still speaking in formal tones, go double-handed till you both agree.
• Always keep the other person’s glass filled, but hold off on the pour until it’s completely empty.
• Sip with both hands if you’re drinking with an elder. If you’re sandwiched between older folks, tilt toward the less senior one.
• If you’re downing shots, some folks say you should do it in one go. But hey, no pressure – it’s cool if you can’t chug it all at once.
• If you’re the baby of the crew, keep an eye out for empty glasses. Grab the bottle, pour a round, and let them take the bottle to reciprocate. If the booze is too far or there are too many bottles, just focus on the peeps nearby.
• Sometimes, the oldest or highest-ranked person might take the first swig and then pass it around for everyone to share from the same glass. Some folks love it for building trust, but others, especially the younger crowd, might cringe for hygiene reasons. Tricky, but they still roll with it to stay in the good books.

THE DON’TS

• Pouring your own drink is a no-no. People might start whispering about three years of bad luck coming your way! It’s like an urban legend made up to get everyone actively involved in the drinking game.
• Don’t go solo and wait for the oldest in the gang to kick off a toast or raise their glass.
• Skip the three-sip routine – it’s too close to a ceremony for dead ancestors, and that’s a mood killer.
• Never flat out refuse a drink from an older person. Saving face is key for them. Instead, say you can’t drink it but graciously accept the glass. Then, put it back down on the table and clink together to keep the vibe alive. It’s all about playing the game and keeping everyone in the loop. Cheers to that!

Want to dive deeper into Korean culture before your visit? Check out the ‘Korean Culture Dictionary‘ available on Amazon or at a bookstore near you. Avoid social faux-pas and make the most of your Korean experience!