Korea is a country with a rich and vibrant drinking culture that dates back centuries. From traditional rice wines to the ever-popular soju, alcohol plays a central role in Korean social and cultural life.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Korean drinking culture is the emphasis on group participation. In Korea, it is common for people to share drinks and bottles, often pouring for each other in a ritual called "tapping." This practice is seen as a way to bond and build relationships, and it is not uncommon for business deals to be sealed over a few rounds of drinks.
Soju, a clear, vodka-like spirit, is the most popular alcohol in Korea and can be found at almost any restaurant or watering hole. It is often consumed neat, but it can also be mixed with other ingredients to create cocktails. Soju is traditionally made from rice, wheat, or barley, but there are also many flavored versions available on the market.
Another popular Korean drink is makgeolli, a slightly sweet and cloudy rice wine. It is made by fermenting a mixture of rice, water, and nuruk, a type of fermentation starter. Makgeolli has a lower alcohol content than soju and is often enjoyed as a casual, everyday drink. There is a new wave of artisanal, contemporary makgeolli that has taken over the Korean RTD market in the last few years. The RTD format of the beverage is always sold in clear pint-sized bottles, as a means for the buyer to
In addition to soju and makgeolli, Korea is also home to a number of other traditional rice wines and spirits. These include baekja, a rice wine made with whole grains of glutinous rice, and cheongju, a clear rice wine that is aged for a longer period of time.
Korean drinking culture is not just about the alcohol itself but also about the food that is traditionally served alongside it. Korean cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and many dishes are specifically designed to be enjoyed with alcohol. Some popular Korean drinking foods include pajeon, a savory pancake made with scallions and seafood; tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes stir-fried in a spicy sauce; and gimbap, a simple Korean seaweed roll that is similar to sushi and made with vegetables cut into batons and processed meat(s).
In Korea, it is also common to see people drinking and eating at local markets and streetside stalls. These informal drinking spots, known as pojangmacha, are a popular hangout for friends and co-workers looking to relax and unwind after a long day. These establishments also serve a range of alcoholic foods. Most establishments thrive off a limited menu that features a number of unique takes on tteokbokki and gimbap. Most patrons maintain a close relationship with the owner of the establishment, similar to that between the average Indian drinker and their bartender or server.
Beer is also a popular communal drink, often consumed at home for small gatherings that comprise friends and/or family. South Korea is also unique in the fact that it is the only country where nearly every family drinks together multiple times a week, bonding over a few cans of beer or glasses of soju.
Drinking sessions with family or superiors at work are oftentimes governed by certain unwritten rules. The exactness of Korean drinking etiquette varies depending on the region in question, but some traditions, such as receiving the drink with both hands and consuming the first drink in one go, are considered mainstays in drinking etiquette across the country. It is common for employers to ask applicants about their alcohol consumption during interviews and subject them to a second "alcohol interview" the same night, with the objective of gauging their tolerance to alcohol.
Despite its central role in Korean culture, alcohol is not without its drawbacks. Like in any country, alcohol abuse and binge drinking can be problems in Korea. However, the government has implemented measures to address these issues, including stricter drunk driving laws and campaigns to promote responsible drinking. Almost every driver in the country has a dash cam installed on both the front and back of their vehicles, relics from a bygone era where accidents arising from drunk driving were a frequent occurrence.
Korean drinking culture is a unique and integral part of the country’s social fabric. From the ritual of "tapping" to the spicy foods that are enjoyed alongside the drinks, there is much to discover and enjoy about Korea’s vibrant alcohol scene.
