Korean Drinking Etiquette: Beyond Soju

Key rules: pour for others, receive with two hands, turn away when drinking in front of an elder, and say 건배 to cheers.

Pouring / receiving

Don’t pour yourself first if an elder is present. Watch empty glasses: refilling signals care.

Turning away

In front of a superior, drinking while turning slightly sideways remains a respectful classic.

Declining without drama

약해서요 / 오늘은 어려워요 + a smile. You can also pivot to food instead of pushing alcohol.

Key vocabulary

Tip

If you don’t drink, still offer to pour for others: the social gesture remains.

Go further

Find these words in the Seonsaengnim dictionary and practice them in lessons / flashcards with native audio.