Drinking Culture

Drinking is an important part of Korean social culture.

People often drink during:

For many Koreans:

Drinking is not only about alcohol.

It is also about:

🥃 Soju

Most famous Korean alcohol.

🍺 Beer

Very popular.

🍶 Makgeolli

Traditional Korean rice wine.

🍷 Wine

Increasingly popular.

Somaek is a mixture of soju and beer.

"So" comes from soju.

"Maek" comes from maekju (beer).

Many Koreans enjoy somaek during social gatherings and company dinners.

It is one of the most common alcoholic drinks in Korea.

One of the most famous parts of Korean work culture.

Employees may gather:

Not necessarily.

Modern Korea is changing.

Many people:

Traditional etiquette includes:

Traditionally:

People often pour drinks for others rather than themselves.

When receiving a drink from an older person:

Many Koreans use both hands.

Common Korean toast:

Cheers!

Very common during meals and gatherings.

Age hierarchy often appears during drinking situations.

Older people often receive additional respect.

Younger generations are changing traditions.

Common trends:

The legal drinking age in Korea is 19.

People become legally allowed to purchase alcohol from January 1 of the year they turn 19.

Stores may ask for identification when purchasing alcohol.

Many foreigners are surprised by:

In some countries:

Drinking is mostly personal.

In Korea:

Drinking is often social.

Invited to a company dinner

↓

Join meal

↓

Socialize

↓

Drink if you want

↓

No need to overdo it

Meeting Korean friends

↓

Try soju

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Learn Korean drinking culture

↓

Enjoy experience