Page 28 - PowerE-L05-D

Lesson 7

Korean Drinking Culture

Like other social events in Korea, drinking is
governed by conventions. From the invitation to the

drinking event itself, Koreans observe a special
etiquette. This etiquette constitutes Korean drinking

culture. When a senior or an elder invites you to drink,
it’s polite to accept graciously, despite your reluctance.

An invitation is not coercion and you can decline. But, it’s expected that you accept
because drinking in Korea is not done merely to be inebriated nor to imbibe spirits. It

has a bonding effect, business deals can be made and social connections

established during the drinking event. In some cases, the “survivor” in a drinking
spree is the winner in the business deal, so it’s a business skill to know how to drink.

Rules govern the manner of drinking. When an older person pours you a drink, you
offer your glass with fingertips touching the wrist of the hand holding the glass, at

the same time nodding slightly to acknowledge seniority. However, you don’t need to
hold the glass this way when drinking with a peer. Unlike western people who refill

anytime, Koreans refill only when the glass is completely or almost empty and they
do it slowly and carefully so the liquor doesn’t spill over the brim or froth

excessively. Who pays the bill? The oldest person normally pays, although this rule
isn’t iron clad. In the case of friends, there’s a mutual understanding if they’d go

Dutch, take turns or let somebody, regardless of age, foot the bill. But in general

cases, the older man pays.

Comprehension

1. What should you do when an older person offers you a drink?
2. What you mean by foot the bill?

Questions
1. Tell me more about the manners at a drinking event in Korea.

Vocabulary & Expressions

etiquette: the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or
prescribed by authority
graciously: marked by kindness & courtesy
reluctance: the quality or state of being reluctant, unwillingness
coercion: to compel to an act or choice
imbibe: to take in or up
iron clad: so firm or secure
go Dutch: each person pays for his or her own way

26