Korean Drinking Etiquette: 7 Rules Locals Will Love You For Knowing

Nobody will scold a traveler for breaking Korean drinking etiquette. But know even two or three of these rules and watch a Korean table light up — "how do you know that?!" Five minutes of reading, a night of goodwill. Here are the seven that matter.

# The 7 rules

1. Never pour your own. Refill others' empty glasses; yours gets refilled in return.
2. Two hands for seniors. Pour and receive with both hands (or one hand touching your forearm).
3. Clink lower. Your rim slightly below a senior's rim at the toast.
4. First glass together. Wait for everyone to be served before the opening "geonbae!"
5. Turn slightly away when drinking in front of elders. (Optional for travelers, devastatingly charming when done.)
6. No topping up. Refill only when the glass is empty — the opposite of Japanese and Western custom.
7. Anju on the table. Drinking without food is frowned upon; even one shared plate legitimizes the bottle.

# How much should travelers follow?

Honestly: enthusiasm beats accuracy. Staff and locals expect nothing from visitors. But the lower-glass clink costs zero effort and reads as deep cultural respect. Start there. If a Korean insists on filling your glass all night — that is hospitality, and "cheonche-hi" (slowly) plus a smile is a perfectly polite brake.

# A good practice room

RAWISM in Yeonnam-dong stocks the full curriculum: soju (₩5,000), beer, somaek-ready glassware, four bomb drinks and craft highballs, plus same-day Hanwoo raw beef as your anju alibi. 5 minutes from Hongik Univ. Station Exit 3, Tue–Sun 18:00–23:00. Pair this with the drinking culture guide for the full picture.