Korean Drinking Culture for Foreigners: Soju, Anju & Etiquette

Drinking in Korea is less about getting drunk and more about sharing — food, conversation, and a few small rituals that make a night out feel warm. If you are visiting Seoul and want to drink like a local, the basics are simple: soju, anju (drinking food), and a little etiquette. Here is a friendly guide, plus where Korean raw beef fits into all of it.

# The heart of it: drinking is social

In Korea, alcohol is rarely the main event on its own — it is the glue for a shared meal. You sit around a table, order food, and drink together at a relaxed pace. Understanding this one idea explains almost everything else about Korean drinking culture.

# 1. Soju: the everyday spirit

Soju is Korea's signature distilled drink — clean, slightly sweet, and around 16–20% alcohol. It comes in small green bottles and is served cold in shot-sized glasses. Because it is light and neutral, it pairs with almost any food, which is exactly why it is the default order at most tables. It is especially good with raw beef.

# 2. Anju: you always order food with drinks

Anju is food eaten while drinking, and in Korea it is non-negotiable — you almost never drink without it. Sharing dishes paces your drinking and turns a few drinks into a proper meal. Options range from fried chicken and stews to fresh raw beef. Mungtige (plain raw beef) and yukhoe (seasoned raw beef) are classic, slightly upscale anju.

# 3. A little etiquette goes a long way

You do not need to memorize rules, but a few gestures show respect: never pour your own glass — pour for others and let them pour for you; and when pouring or receiving from someone older, use two hands. Locals notice and appreciate the effort, and it makes you part of the moment rather than a spectator.

# Where to try it

RAWISM is a Korean raw beef bar a 5-minute walk from Hongik Univ. Station (Hongdae), Exit 3 — 262-4 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Open Tue–Sun, 18:00–23:00. Order soju, share some yukhoe, and enjoy Korean drinking culture firsthand. New to the area? See what to eat in Yeonnam-dong.