In Korea, drinking etiquette—주도 (酒道)—isn’t just a set of rules; it’s a window into the nation’s soul. This intricate ritual weaves together the cultural threads of respect, hierarchy, and community, turning every sip into a moment of connection and meaning.
Mastering these unspoken customs elevates your manners and reveals a deep appreciation for Korean traditions. From orchestrating the seating arrangement to pouring drinks with precision, each detail matters. Accepting a drink with grace, positioning your glass with intention, discreetly covering your mouth while sipping, ensuring glasses never go empty, and keeping your composure throughout—it’s all part of a beautifully choreographed dance of cultural awareness and respect.
1. Seating Arrangement
Mastering the art of seating arrangement is the first step to navigating the intricacies of drinking etiquette in Korean culture. This practice, deeply rooted in tradition, carries significant cultural weight. Typically, those of lower status enter the room first, leaving the seat of honor vacant until the highest-ranking individual arrives to take their rightful place. The seating arrangement varies depending on the participants’ status and the size of the group, with rank often determined by factors such as age, authority, or company position.
Recognizing one’s rank and choosing an appropriate seat is essential. Occasionally, a mid-ranking individual may take the initiative to arrange the seating before others arrive. The seat of honor (상석, 上席, Sangseok), which is traditionally protected from disruption, is often located farthest from the door. This placement has historical significance, serving to shield high-ranking individuals from potential threats, such as assassins, while also distancing them from the bustling activity of servers at the restaurant.
In larger gatherings of five or more people, the Sangseok often transforms into a central position, fostering open communication and connection among all participants. This thoughtful approach to seating not only honors tradition but also emphasizes respect and harmony within the group.
2. Order of Pouring Drinks
In gatherings, it is customary for the highest-ranking individual to pour drinks for everyone before the group toasts together. While this person may pour casually, as they would with water, it’s important to avoid making noise with the bottle or glass. When a lower-ranking person pours a drink for someone of higher status, they must do so respectfully, using both hands. This act of pouring symbolizes respect and acknowledgment of the other person’s seniority.
In floor-seating arrangements, kneeling is required when pouring drinks; otherwise, standing from a chair to pour is considered proper. The lower-ranking individual should cover the bottle’s label with their right hand, support their right arm with their left hand, and ensure their sleeve does not touch the food. This practice has its roots in traditional Korean attire, which featured long sleeves. If pouring from a kettle, it is customary to hold the kettle with the right hand while lightly pressing the lid with the left.
Traditionally, it was polite to empty the glass, return it immediately, and avoid setting it down. However, modern hygiene concerns, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, have made it advisable to ask for permission before returning a glass. Following traditional etiquette means fully emptying the received glass, refraining from eating food before returning it, and offering the glass back promptly with the right hand.
3. Receiving and Refusing Drinks
Understanding the nuances of receiving and not refusing drinks is a key aspect of Korean drinking culture. Even if you’re not a strong drinker, it’s considered polite to accept the first drink at a gathering, particularly if it’s offered by someone of higher status. When receiving the drink, hold the glass with both hands and slightly bow your head as a gesture of respect.
Traditionally, it is polite not to place the glass back on the table immediately after someone pours your drink; instead, take a sip first to show appreciation. In modern times, with greater awareness of personal preferences, it has become acceptable to simply touch the glass to your lips after a toast and then set it down if you choose not to drink further.
4. Position of the Glass During a Toast
During a toast, the lower-ranking person should always position their glass lower than that of the higher-ranking individual. This simple yet meaningful gesture serves as a powerful symbol of respect. By ensuring the higher-ranking person’s glass is elevated, the hierarchy is reinforced, honoring the traditional values deeply rooted in Korean culture. This subtle but significant act highlights the importance of acknowledging and respecting social standings.
5. Covering the Mouth and Turning the Head While Drinking
When drinking with someone of higher status, it’s customary to turn your head slightly and cover your mouth and glass with your hand. Be sure to turn in a direction away from seniors or anyone you consider to be of higher rank. This tradition, which dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty, symbolizes respect and submission by avoiding direct eye contact and concealing your mouth while drinking. By turning your head and covering your mouth, you demonstrate humility and deference—core values that are deeply embedded in Korean societal interactions.
6. Keeping the Glass Filled
Good manners in Korean drinking culture include keeping your companions’ glasses filled. If someone’s glass is less than 10% full, a higher-ranking person may offer to pour more, while a lower-ranking person should ask for permission before doing so. The person with the nearly empty glass should finish the remaining contents before accepting a refill.
This practice demonstrates attentiveness and respect for your drinking companions. It’s important to monitor the glasses of those around you, ensuring no one is left with an empty glass for too long. Such attention to detail reflects your sense of camaraderie and mutual care within the group.
7. Maintaining Drinking Etiquette
No matter how well you follow drinking etiquette or pour and receive drinks, it’s crucial to maintain your composure and avoid overindulging to the point of losing control. Staying within your limits reflects self-discipline and respect for the social occasion.
Pacing yourself ensures that you can enjoy the event without becoming a burden or causing discomfort to others. Maintaining control allows you to observe proper etiquette and contribute to a pleasant experience for everyone involved. This not only demonstrates your understanding and respect for the culture but also highlights your thoughtfulness and consideration for others.
In essence, Korean drinking etiquette is a practice that cultivates respect and social harmony. It’s about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their rank, feels valued and honored. While it gracefully acknowledges social hierarchies, it also transforms drinking into a celebration of community and mutual respect.
By embracing these traditions, you’re not merely participating in a social activity—you’re engaging in a cultural ritual that has been refined and cherished over centuries. It’s an invitation to connect with and be part of the Korean community!
