Soju, bars and drinking culture in Korea: the rules to know before you say cheers
Pouring for others, turning your head in front of elders, the age-19 rule, 1cha-2cha rounds… Korean table manners and bar types, without faux pas.
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Contents
Having a drink in Korea often means eating at the same time, with friends or colleagues, and moving from place to place in one evening. A few customs help you avoid faux pas.
Soju in brief
Soju (소주) is the country's most popular drink: a clear spirit in a green bottle, served in small glasses, always with food. Fruit-flavoured versions are sweeter. Somaek (소맥) mixes soju and beer.
In DariSoju and its flavours: pages and phrases to orderTable manners
- Pour for others, not for yourself. When your glass is empty, someone fills it; return the favour1.
- In front of an elder (older person or superior), hold the bottle or glass with both hands and turn your head slightly to drink1.
- Do not refuse bluntly: leaving a little in your glass shows you do not want more.
- The first glass is often drunk together after "건배" (geonbae, cheers).
Rounds: 1cha, 2cha, 3cha
A Korean night out happens in stages: 1차 (1cha, dinner with drinks), 2차 (2cha, another bar), sometimes 3차 (karaoke or a last drink). Nobody forces you to follow: saying you are heading home is normal.
Types of bars
- Pojangmacha (포장마차): tent or small street bar, simple atmosphere, dishes to share.
- Hof (호프): beer and fried chicken bar.
- Makgeolli bar: rice wine and savoury pancakes (jeon).
- Cocktail bars, wine bars, LP bars (vinyl music) and rooftops in areas like Hongdae, Itaewon or Seongsu.
Rules that are not negotiable
- Age: selling alcohol to minors is forbidden. The law counts by year: you can buy alcohol from 1 January of the year you turn 192. Bring ID: bars ask for it.
- Drink-driving: the limit is 0.03% blood alcohol3. After a drink, do not drive, not even a scooter.
- To get home, take a taxi. Keep your address in Korean to show the driver.
Frequently asked questions
What is the legal drinking age in Korea?
From 1 January of the year you turn 19, under the Youth Protection Act2.
Do I have to turn my head to drink?
It is customary in front of an older person or a superior, holding the glass with both hands1. Among friends of the same age, it is not necessary.
Sources
- Wikipedia, « Etiquette in South Korea » (boire et servir) · checked on 25 October 2026
- 청소년 보호법, article 2 (law.go.kr) · checked on 25 October 2026
- 도로교통법, article 44 (law.go.kr) · checked on 25 October 2026