🍶 Korean Drinking Culture and Etiquette

In Korea, drinking is more than just a casual pastime — it’s a social ritual, a bonding activity, and sometimes, a test of manners. If you're planning to visit Korea, work in a Korean company, or simply want to enjoy soju like a local, understanding drinking etiquette is essential. Here’s what you need to know!

1. The Role of Alcohol in Korean Society

Drinking is often part of hoesik (회식), or company dinners, and is considered a way to build relationships with coworkers or friends. Soju (소주), beer (맥주), and makgeolli (막걸리) are the most popular choices.

While younger Koreans are more casual, older generations still value drinking manners highly.

2. Basic Drinking Etiquette

Never pour your own drink. Always pour for others.
When someone pours for you, hold your glass with two hands.
Turn your head slightly away and drink if elders are present.
Use both hands when pouring to show respect.
Clinking glasses? Lower your glass slightly if you're younger or junior.

3. Useful Korean Phrases

한국어: 건배!
발음: geon-bae!
영어: Cheers!

한국어: 한 잔 하세요.
발음: han jan ha-se-yo
영어: Have a drink.

한국어: 제가 따를게요.
발음: je-ga tta-reul-ge-yo
영어: Let me pour for you.

한국어: 천천히 마셔요.
발음: cheon-cheon-hi ma-syeo-yo
영어: Drink slowly.

한국어: 너무 많이 마셨어요.
발음: neo-mu ma-ni ma-syeot-seo-yo
영어: I drank too much.

4. Tips for Foreigners

You can politely decline, but do it respectfully: “오늘은 못 마셔요.” (I can’t drink today.)
If you don’t drink alcohol at all, say so from the start — Koreans generally understand.
Offer to pour non-alcoholic drinks to still participate socially.
Watch your limits! Koreans are used to drinking a lot, but don’t feel pressured.

5. 🤔 Did you know?

In traditional Korean culture, drinking together (especially with elders or bosses) was once considered a sign of loyalty and obedience. Today, the trend is changing — younger Koreans are starting to question obligatory drinking culture, and some companies even have “no hoesik” policies to protect work-life balance.

6. Practice with a Tutor

🍻 Want to sound natural during a Korean dinner party?

👉 Book a lesson with me on italki and learn how to speak politely, turn down drinks, or join in like a pro!