Korean drinking etiquette — two hands, turning your head and 건배 (geonbae)

Your new coworkers invite you to dinner. A green bottle of 소주 (soju) arrives. Somebody older picks it up and looks at your glass. Here are the questions most visitors ask next.

Why are there so many rules?

These rules are old. Korea.net, the official government site, says they go back to Sohak ("Lesser Learning"). This was a book of rules for daily life in the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910).

The main idea is simple. The manners show respect for age. You use them most with people older than you, or with your boss. With close friends of the same age, people are usually much more relaxed.

How do I pour and receive a drink?

Use two hands. Here are the main moves at the table.

Korea.net also says that if two people are less than five years apart in age, one hand is fine. In real life, many people just watch what the group does.

This is not only a drinking rule. In Korea, people often use two hands to receive anything from an older person. A glass is just one example.

Why do people turn their heads?

It is the part that surprises many visitors. You turn away from the older person and drink. Some people also cover the glass with one hand. It means, "I don't drink face to face with you, because I respect you."

Can I fill my own glass?

It is often said that you should not fill your own glass. Instead, people fill each other's glasses. So watch your neighbor's glass. When it is empty, offer to pour.

If your glass is empty and you want more, you can pour for someone else first. Very often, they will pour for you in return.

What do I say for "cheers"?

You will hear these words when people raise their glasses.

위하여 comes from 위하다 (wihada, "to do something for someone"). At a company dinner, one person may make a short speech. Then they shout something like "For our team!", and everyone answers 위하여!

If you only learn one word, learn 건배. It works at a family dinner, with friends and at work.

Do I have to drink?

No. You do not have to drink. Here are polite ways to say no:

• 저는 술을 못 마셔요. (jeoneun sureul mot masyeoyo) — "I can't drink alcohol."
• 오늘은 그만 마실게요. (oneureun geuman masilgeyo) — "I'll stop for today."
• 운전해야 해서요. (unjeonhaeya haeseoyo) — "I have to drive."
• 저는 음료수 마실게요. (jeoneun eumnyosu masilgeyo) — "I'll have a soft drink."

Smile and say it calmly. You can still hold up your glass of water or juice for the toast. In the past, people who did not drink often took one small sip and put the glass down. Today, many people simply say no.

Is it still common to push people to drink?

Things are changing. The Korea Times reported data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. In 2024, 56 percent of people aged 19 to 29 did not drink, or drank once a month or less. It was the highest number since the survey began in 2005. The same article describes less social pressure to drink today.

Some workplaces and groups are still more traditional. If you are not sure, follow the people around you.

What is the legal drinking age?

Korea's 청소년 보호법 (Cheongsonyeon Bohobeop, Youth Protection Act) controls this. It lists alcohol as harmful to young people. It says no one may sell or give it to them.

Under this law, a "youth" is a person under 19. But there is one detail. From January 1 of the year you turn 19, you are no longer a "youth" under this law. So a person born in 2008 is not a "youth" from January 1, 2027, even before their birthday.

This rule counts by the calendar year, not by your exact birthday. If you are a visitor close to this age, carry your ID when you go out.

Do I have to be perfect at a work dinner?

No. At a work dinner, or 회식 (hoesik), the table is a place to build relationships. The small moves say, "I respect you," without words.

Many people know that visitors are still learning. A simple two-hand pour can already make a good impression.