Most of my friends living in Korea are expected to know that Koreans like to drink a lot. For Koreans, when something good or bad happens, it is almost always expressed in alcohol. In addition, Korean men use the expression "a cider to drink together" to indicate a close friendship. Therefore, it can be said that if you live in Korean society, you cannot fully feel the affection of Koreans if you do not know much about alcohol.
Drinking scenes are often seen in Korean dramas and movies, and Korean soju is famous almost all over the world. In addition, there are many food cultures related to various alcoholic beverages such as somaek (soju and beer mix) and chimaek (chicken and beer).
What does Korean drinking culture look like? Also, why do Koreans like alcohol? What important place does alcohol occupy in Korean culture? This time, we will learn about Korean drinking culture with these questions.
Why Koreans Love Alcohol
Korean drinking culture reveals a lot about the country's social structure, lifestyle, and traditions. Even the alcohol itself reflects Korea's geography, climate, and culture. Korea became interested in making its own liquor during the Goryeo Dynasty (946–943), when exposed to foreign cultures and the introduction of distilled water. In Korea, alcohol helps build and strengthen bonds between family and friends. Alcohol also plays a very important role in traditional family rites of honoring ancestors. Besides alcohol at traditional holidays and family ceremonies, alcohol consumption has also modernized and become a big part of socialization in Korean culture.
There are many reasons why Koreans like to drink, but I will introduce some of them to you.
1. Alcohol is very cheap.
Koreans' favorite drink is soju, followed by beer. A bottle of soju only costs about 2,000 won.
2. Alcohol helps you get along with other people.
Koreans talk about each other, joke, sing, dance, play games and even cry while drinking. Alcohol serves to promote intimacy and trust.
3. Alcohol is part of the work culture.
In Korea, drinking with co-workers is almost mandatory. Drinking parties contribute to maintaining relationships between superiors and subordinates, discussing work, and strengthening teamwork.
4. Alcohol is linked to traditional holidays and rituals.
In Korea, people drink alcohol while honoring ancestors and sharing goodwill with neighbors and friends during various holidays and seasonal events, such as New Year's Day, farming days, and Chuseok. For example, on New Year's Day, it is believed that drinking soju with chicks will drive away assholes and evil spirits and welcome spring.
Introduction to Korean drinking culture
1. Korean alcohol is diverse and unique.
In Korea, not only foreign alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and whiskey are consumed, but also traditional alcoholic beverages such as soju, makgeolli, rice wine, fruit wine, and takju. Korean alcohol is mainly made by fermenting grains such as rice, barley, wheat, sweet potato, and corn. Korean alcohol has different tastes and aromas depending on the region and season. For example, Andong soju is a soju made in Gangwon-do, made using rice instead of water, so it has a mild and sweet taste. Also, Korean alcohol is mixed with various ingredients and drunk. For example, somaek is a drink made by mixing soju and beer, and elephant is a drink made by mixing cola and soju.
2. Korean alcohol is drunk with food.
In Korea, there is a culture of enjoying alcohol with food rather than simply viewing it as a beverage. In Korea, food eaten while drinking is called snacks. Snacks can enhance the taste of alcohol, prevent hangovers, and supplement nutrition. You can choose from a variety of side dishes depending on your taste and occasion. For example, snacks that go well with soju include pajeon, kimchi stew, and samgyeopsal, and snacks that go well with makgeolli include tofu kimchi, tteokbokki, and stir-fried octopus.
3. Drinking in Korea is related to etiquette.
In Korea, there are certain manners and rules when drinking alcohol. For example, toast someone who is older or has a higher status first, and when accepting or passing a glass, receive or pass it with both hands. Also, turn away or cover your mouth with your hand when emptying or refilling a glass in front of an older or higher-ranking person. These etiquettes are how Koreans respect and care for each other.
Source: First drinking experience, Korean drinking culture manners taught to 20-year-olds - YouTube
Korea's drinking culture is famous all over the world. Korea is known as the biggest drinking country in Asia. Korean alcohol is diverse and unique, and many foreigners enjoy drinking it. Korea's drinking culture reflects the history and traditions of Korea and shows the character and values of the Korean people. Compared to other countries, Korea's drinking culture is evaluated as special and original.
Alcohol occupies a very important place in Korean culture. Alcohol is a part of Korean people's lives and a means of expressing their identity and values. Alcohol is a way for Koreans to get to know, communicate, respect and enjoy each other. Alcohol also plays a role in connecting Korean history and tradition. Alcohol also represents the diversity and richness of Korean culture.
