The Ultimate Guide to Korean Drinking Culture & Etiquette
The Night I Became a “Real” Korean Traveler…

I still remember my first New Year’s Eve in Seoul. I stood outside a crowded pub in Hongdae, watching a group of teenagers—who were officially turning 20 that night—impatiently checking their watches.

Exactly at 00:00 on January 1st, they rushed inside, IDs proudly in hand, ready for their first legal drink. It was my first glimpse into how much Koreans truly love their drinking culture.

In this guide, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned—from the awkward etiquette mistakes I made to the legendary “Somaek” ratios—so you can navigate the neon-lit streets of Korea like a seasoned pro! 😊

South Korea is, without a doubt, one of the most vibrant countries when it comes to social drinking. It’s not just about the alcohol; it’s about the bond, the food, and the intricate rituals that make every “Jjan!”or “Geonbae!” (cheers) special.

When I first arrived, I was overwhelmed by the rules. Who pours for whom? Why are they turning their heads? Do I really have to eat this much food?

But after years of “research” (and maybe a few too many hangovers), I’ve realized that understanding these traditions is the fastest way to make local friends and experience the true heart of Korean hospitality.

Table of Contents 숨기기

1 The Perfect Pairings: My “Anju” Cheat Sheet 📊

2 The Golden Rules of Etiquette 🤔

2.1 Mastering the “Geonbae-sa” (The Toast)

3 The Science of the ‘Somaek’ 🍺+🍶

3.1 🧮 My Golden Somaek Ratio

4 Let the Games Begin: The ‘Apartment’ Game 🏢

4.1 How to Play “Apartment”

5 Beyond the Bottles: Herbal & Weird Infusions 🐍

5.1 Korean Drinking Essentials

6 Common Questions About Drinking in Korea ❓

7 🇰🇷 Essential Official Websites for Traveling to Korea

8 🇰🇷 Essential Official Websites for Traveling to Korea

9 Visit Korea With Confidence

The Perfect Pairings: My “Anju” Cheat Sheet 📊

In Korea, we never drink “empty-handed.” The food you eat with alcohol is called “Anju,” and the pairings are practically sacred. Here is the data I’ve gathered from my favorite local spots:

The Alcohol	Legendary “Anju”	Local Name
Soju (Clear Liquor)	Grilled Pork Belly / Hearty Soup	Sam-Sso
Beer (Maekju)	Korean Fried Chicken	Chi-Maek
Makgeolli (Rice Wine)	Savory Pancakes (Jeon)	Mak-jeon
Ginseng Wine	Ginseng Chicken Soup	Samgyetang

The Golden Rules of Etiquette 🤔

When I first sat down for dinner with my Korean colleagues, I almost made a huge mistake. I reached for my glass with one hand and started drinking before the eldest person at the table.

Luckily, a friend whispered the “rules” to me just in time. In Korea, respect is built into every sip.

💡 Respect the Hands!
Whenever you receive a drink from someone older than you, use two hands. It’s a sign of humility. Similarly, when you pour for an elder, support your pouring arm with your other hand.

If you are drinking with someone significantly older—like a boss or a parent-figure—it is polite to turn your head away and cover your mouth slightly while drinking. It might feel strange at first, but locals will be incredibly impressed by your cultural knowledge!

Mastering the “Geonbae-sa” (The Toast)

In most social gatherings, the eldest person usually initiates a toast. However, sometimes they might put you on the spot! I remember being terrified when I was asked to lead a toast for the first time.

I stood up, raised my glass, and blurted out, “Let’s all love one another!” Everyone cheered, repeated it back to me, and we all downed our drinks together. It was a moment of pure connection.

📌 Pro-Tips for the Table

Never let a glass stay empty; it’s considered hospitable to keep everyone topped up.
Wait for the oldest person to take the first sip before you start.
If you see someone’s glass is low, offer to pour for them using two hands.

The Science of the ‘Somaek’ 🍺+🍶

If you ask me what the most popular drink in Korea is, it’s not just Soju. It’s Somaek.

Somaek is a “bomb” drink made by mixing Soju and Beer (Maekju). It’s refreshing, surprisingly smooth, and serves as the perfect “palate cleanser” to start the night.

🧮 My Golden Somaek Ratio

The 8:2 Formula = 8 parts Beer + 2 parts Soju

To make it like a local:
1) Pour the beer into a glass.
2) Add a shot of Soju.
3) The Secret Step: Use a spoon or chopstick to strike the bottom of the glass sharply. This creates a “storm” of bubbles that mixes the two perfectly.

⚠️ Warning!
Somaek goes down very easily, but the hangover can be brutal. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after a long night in Gangnam. Drink responsibly and always alternate with water!

Let the Games Begin: The ‘Apartment’ Game 🏢

You might have heard Blackpink’s Rosé singing about “Apartment.” That’s not just a catchy song—it’s actually a classic Korean drinking game!

Drinking games are the soul of Korean nightlife, designed to make people drink faster and laugh harder.

How to Play “Apartment”

1) Everyone chants: “Apartment, Apartment, Apartment, Apartment!”

2) One person shouts a random number (e.g., 23!).

3) Everyone stacks their hands on top of each other in a pile.

4) The person at the bottom moves their hand to the top and says “1,” the next person says “2,” and so on.

→ Whoever lands on the target number (23) loses and must take a shot!

Another unique ritual is “Pado-tagi” (The Wave). Just like a wave at a stadium, everyone holds their glass. The first person finishes their drink in one go, then the next, and the next, until the “wave” hits the last person. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s a great way to bond with a large group.

Beyond the Bottles: Herbal & Weird Infusions 🐍

If you travel to the Korean countryside, you’ll see large glass jars filled with mysterious things. These are “Damgeumju” (homemade infused liquors).

Some are for health, like Ginseng or Deodeok (mountain herb) wine. But some are… adventurous. I’ve seen jars containing snakes or even wasps! While they are believed to have medicinal properties, they definitely aren’t for the faint of heart.

💡

Korean Drinking Essentials

✨ Two-Hand Rule: Always receive and pour drinks with both hands when with elders.

📊 The Golden Mix: 8:2 ratio is the secret to a perfect, smooth Somaek.

🧮 Always Eat Anju:

Alcohol + Heavy Food (Anju) = A Happier Morning

👩‍💻 Play the Game: Apartment is the easiest way to break the ice with new Korean friends.

Pro-tip: Don’t forget to try the local hangovers cures like “Condition” before you sleep!

Common Questions About Drinking in Korea ❓

Q: What is the legal drinking age in South Korea?

A: You can legally drink from January 1st of the year you turn 20 (Korean age). This is why you see 19-year-olds waiting at pub doors on New Year’s Eve!

Q: Do I really have to turn my head away when drinking?

A: It is considered polite etiquette when drinking with someone of a higher social rank or much older than you. It shows respect and modesty.

Q: What is “Somaek” and why do people love it?

A: Somaek is a mix of Soju and Beer (Maekju). People love it because the beer masks the harshness of the soju, making it very drinkable and refreshing.

Q: Is it mandatory to order food at a Korean bar?

A: Most “Hof” style bars or traditional pubs require you to order at least one “Anju” (side dish). Drinking without food is very rare in Korean culture.

Q: What are some weird liquors I should look out for?

A: Look for “Damgeumju” in the countryside. These can range from healthy ginseng wines to bizarre infusions like snake wine or wasp wine!

Korean drinking culture is all about community and shared experiences. Whether you’re stacking hands for the Apartment game or carefully pouring a drink for a new friend, you’re participating in a tradition that brings people together.

Have you ever tried a Korean drinking game or a legendary Somaek mix? Let me know your stories in the comments below! 😊