Looking to drink like a local in Korea?  This guide introduces must-try drinks - soju, makgeolli, beer - and essential etiquette for social situations.

Must-Try Alcoholic Drinks and Drinking Etiquette in Korea

There are so many delicious local foods and drinks to try when you visit Korea, such as soju and makgeolli. I'll tell you what the most popular brands are, how much alcohol they have, and what their prices are.

You might have more fun if you understand Korean drinking culture, like how to say "cheers" in Korean or the etiquette for drinking in more formal situations.

How do Koreans Say "Cheers"?

Social drinking for Koreans includes saying cheers. When friends get together, they often come up with fun slogans to toast with. Different generations like different things, but some toasting expressions have stayed around for a long time.

  • 건배 (Geonbae): The most basic Korean word for "cheers".
  • 짠 (Jjan): An onomatopoeic word in Korean representing the sound of glasses clinking together, similar to saying "clink" in English. A more informal and casual way to say "cheers" in Korean.
  • 원샷 (Wonsyat): This means to drink the entire glass of alcohol in one go, without stopping, like saying "bottoms up". The term comes from the English phrase "one shot".

Is Etiquette Important in Korean Drinking Culture?

A few days ago, I saw an interesting video. It showed Tottenham player Son Heung-min finishing an interview by gently placing the microphone down with both hands. The video praised him for being polite.

Using two hands is considered good etiquette in Korea. In Korean culture, showing proper manners is very important. The way you speak and behave depends on things like age, relationship and familiarity with the other person. These etiquette rules also apply when drinking together.

Korean Drinking Etiquette

🟠 Pour for others first.

🟠 It's considered polite etiquette to use two hands when pouring or receiving alcohol around elders or authority figures. Among close friends or in casual contexts, one hand is typically used. This etiquette applies to formal work settings, like company gatherings with superiors, as well as when meeting people for the first time at formal events. It depends on the nature of the relationship, which can lead to one of three scenarios:

  • One person uses two hands while the other uses one.
  • Both individuals use two hands.
  • Both individuals use one hand.
In Korea, it is customary to use both hands when pouring or receiving a drink.

🟠 If you need to be polite by using both hands, when you take a sip, turn your head to the side (left or right, it doesn't matter). It's considered polite not to drink directly facing the other person.

Who Pays for Drinks in Korea?

There are usually a few different ways Koreans pay for drinks when they go out.

  • Dutch Pay (Splitting the bill): When you're eating out with friends or colleagues, you usually split the bill. Everyone pays for what they ate, or if you're sharing food, everyone pays equally.

  • Host covers the cost: When the host invites others, they might cover the cost of the meal.

  • When an older or higher-ranking person pays: In situations where you're using both hands as a courtesy and the other person is fine with just one hand, you can expect for them to treat you and cover your expenses. Even among close relationships, the person who is one or two years older may feel a sense of obligation to pay.

Korean Soju Brands, Prices and Alcohol Percentage

Soju is a traditional distilled spirit in South Korea. I'm not a big drinker, and the strong alcohol taste in soju makes me avoid drinking it straight. There's a saying, "When life is bitter, soju tastes sweet." Chamisul (참이슬) and Cheoeum Cheoreom (처음처럼) are the most well-known.

💲 Price Range: For a 360ml bottle, around 1,400 KRW (1 USD) at supermarkets, around 2,000 KRW (1.5 USD) at convenience stores, and around 5,000 KRW (4 USD) at restaurants.

🔥 Alcohol Content: 16 to 20%.

Photo of Korean soju ChamisulPhoto of Chamisul, a Korean soju with a higher alcohol contentPhoto of Korean soju 'Cheoeum Cheoreom.'

Fruit Soju Flavors, Prices and Alcohol Content

In addition to regular soju, there are also fruit-flavored versions with flavors like blueberry, black raspberry, peach, yuzu, tangerine, pineapple, apple and green grape. People who like the fruity soju flavors will drink only those types. Those who don't like them usually take one sip and never drink them again. The fruit-flavored sojus have a taste that is quite polarizing. People either strongly prefer or dislike the artificial fruit flavors.

💲 Price Range: For a 360ml bottle, around 1300 KRW (1 USD) at supermarkets.

🔥 Alcohol Content: around 13%.

Various fruit-flavored Korean sojus

Types, Prices, and Alcohol Content of Jay Park's Won Soju

K-pop star Jay Park released his own branded soju which became very popular. Despite costing much more than regular soju, it sold out extremely fast after launching due to high demand. For a time, it was difficult to find in stores. Now, Jay Park's soju can be bought at GS25 convenience stores in Korea.

  • Original: Alcohol Content 22%, 14,900 KRW (12.5 USD) for 375ml.
  • Spirit: Alcohol Content 24%, 12,900 KRW (11 USD) for 375ml.
  • Classic: Alcohol Content 28%, 21,900 KRW (18.5 USD) for 375ml.
Wonsoju, created by the singer Jay ParkJay Park holding a bottle of Wonsoju

How to Make Somaek

So-maek (소맥) is an alcoholic drink made by mixing soju (소주) and beer (맥주 - maekju). The flavor can vary based on the ratio used, with a higher proportion of soju resulting in a stronger alcohol taste. I'm not a fan of drinking soju straight, but I do enjoy so-maek. A recommended ratio is 3 parts soju to 7 parts beer in a large glass. Stir the mixture with a spoon or chopsticks until well blended.

Korean Beer Brands, Prices and Alcohol Percentage

There are many beer varieties to choose from, including beer from the United States, Europe, Japan, and more. If you order bottled beer at a Korean restaurant, you'll often find Korean brands like Cass or Terra.

💲 Price Range: For a 500ml bottle, around 2000 KRW (2 USD) at supermarkets, around 5,000 KRW (4 USD) at restaurants.

🔥 Alcohol content: around 4.5%.

Cass is a South Korean beer brandKorean beer Terra

Korean Chimaek

Chimaek (치맥) is short for "Chicken (치킨) and Beer (맥주 - maekju)." In Korea, chicken and beer are popular food choices. Many pubs specialize in serving chicken and beer. Both Korean fried chicken and seasoned chicken pair well with beer, so give it a try.

Chimaek, Chicken and Beer Combo

Makgeolli Korean Rice Wine

Makgeolli is a Korean rice wine, white like milk. It has sediment at the bottom that needs to be stirred before drinking. Typically you're more likely to find it served in restaurants rather than bars in Korea. Makgeolli pairs especially well with Korean.

💲 Price Range: For a 750ml bottle, around 2000 KRW (2 USD) at supermarkets, around 5,000 KRW (4 USD) at restaurants.

🔥 Alcohol content: 6 to 7%.

White-colored makgeolliOne bottle of Korean makgeolli
Makgeolli that pairs well with Korean cuisine.

Wrap-up

In Korea, you can enjoy various types of alcohol like soju, fruit soju, beer, somaek (soju + beer), and makgeolli with delicious Korean food. Check the alcohol content and try different flavors. The cost of dining out is often much higher, so ordering takeout or delivery and enjoying it with drinks from the supermarket is another option. Don't forget to practice the two-handed etiquette and say "Geonbae".