Korean Drinking Culture Explained: Soju, Somaek, BBQ, and What You Should Know
Korean drinking culture is one of the most common things tourists hear about before visiting Seoul. You may have seen soju in Korean dramas, watched people mix soju and beer into somaek, or heard that Korean BBQ and soju are a classic pairing. But when you actually sit down at a Korean BBQ restaurant, the culture can feel confusing if nobody explains it.
Who pours the drink? Are you supposed to pour your own soju? What is somaek? Do you have to drink in one shot? What do you say when cheering? What should you eat with soju? And what if you do not drink alcohol?
This guide explains Korean drinking culture in a simple, tourist-friendly way, especially for people planning to eat Korean BBQ in Myeongdong. Drinking is optional, and you should never feel pressured to drink alcohol. But understanding the culture can help you feel more comfortable at the table, especially if you are eating with Korean friends, coworkers, or a group.
At Myeongdong Korean BBQ Mongvely, we meet many first-time visitors who want to try Korean BBQ, soju, somaek, side dishes, and the full Korean dining experience. This guide will help you understand the basics before your meal.
➣ READ ALSO : The Ultimate Guide to Korean BBQ in Seoul
What Is Korean Drinking Culture?
Korean drinking culture is not only about alcohol. It is also about social connection, table manners, food pairing, and group dining.
In Korea, drinking often happens with food. People usually do not sit down with only alcohol. They order dishes to share, such as Korean BBQ, fried chicken, spicy stew, pancakes, seafood, grilled pork belly, or other drinking foods known as anju.
The drink is part of the meal, not separate from it. This is why Korean BBQ and soju are so strongly connected. The grilled meat is rich and savory, while soju is clean, sharp, and easy to drink in small glasses. Together, they create a classic Korean night-out feeling.
Korean drinking culture also has etiquette. Pouring for others, receiving drinks politely, using two hands in formal situations, and saying cheers are all part of the experience.
If you are a tourist, you do not need to act perfectly. Koreans usually understand that foreigners may not know every rule. But learning the basics makes the experience smoother and more respectful.
What Is Soju?
Soju is Korea’s most famous alcoholic drink. It is usually clear, served in a green bottle, and poured into small shot glasses. Modern commercial soju is often lower in alcohol than hard liquor like vodka, but it is still strong enough that you should drink it carefully.
Soju has a clean, slightly sweet, and neutral taste. Some types are plain, while others are flavored with fruit such as peach, grape, grapefruit, or green grape. Plain soju is more traditional for meals, while fruit soju is popular with people who prefer a sweeter and lighter taste.
At Korean BBQ restaurants, soju is usually shared at the table. One bottle can be poured into several small glasses, and people refill each other as they eat.
Why Soju Goes Well With Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ is rich. Beef and pork are grilled at the table, often eaten with garlic, kimchi, ssamjang, sesame oil, lettuce wraps, and side dishes. The meat can be juicy, smoky, salty, fatty, and intense.
Soju works well because it cuts through that richness. After eating grilled pork belly or marinated beef, a small sip of soju can make the next bite feel fresh again.
This is why many Koreans enjoy soju with grilled meat. It is not just about drinking. It is about balance.
A good Korean BBQ and soju pairing may look like this:
Start with grilled beef or pork. Eat it with sesame oil and salt, ssamjang, kimchi, or lettuce. Take a small sip of soju between bites. Continue with side dishes, soup, rice, ramen, or cold noodles depending on your meal.
The goal is not to drink quickly. The better way is to eat, sip, talk, and enjoy the table slowly.
What Is Somaek?
Somaek is a Korean mixed drink made with soju and maekju, which means beer in Korean. The name comes from combining the two words: soju + maekju = somaek.
Somaek is popular because it is lighter than drinking straight soju but stronger than beer alone. It is fizzy, refreshing, and easy to share at a group dinner.
There is no single official ratio. Some people like more beer and a small amount of soju. Others like it stronger. A common tourist-friendly version is mostly beer with a small shot of soju mixed in.
At Korean gatherings, someone may mix somaek for the table. Sometimes people use a spoon or chopsticks to stir it. Some people make it dramatic and fun, especially at casual gatherings, but you do not need to copy every trick you see online.
If it is your first time, drink somaek slowly. Because it tastes smoother than straight soju, it can be easy to drink too much without realizing it.
Soju vs Somaek: Which Should You Try First?
If you are new to Korean drinking culture, start simple.
Try plain soju first if you want the classic Korean BBQ pairing. Take a small sip, not a full shot, and see how it tastes with grilled meat.
Try somaek if you prefer beer or want something fizzy and easier to drink. Somaek is often more approachable for tourists because the beer softens the sharpness of the soju.
Try fruit soju if you dislike the taste of plain alcohol. Fruit soju can be sweet and easy to enjoy, but remember that it is still alcohol.
The best option depends on your preference. There is no need to force yourself to drink something you do not enjoy.
Korean Drinking Etiquette: The Basics
Korean drinking etiquette can look complicated, but the basic rules are simple.
Do Not Pour Only for Yourself
In Korean culture, it is common to pour drinks for others at the table. Someone may pour for you, and you may pour for them. Pouring only for yourself can look a little awkward in a traditional setting.
If someone’s glass is empty, you can offer to refill it. If someone offers to pour for you, hold your glass politely.
Use Two Hands When Receiving a Drink
When someone older, senior, or someone you are not close with pours your drink, it is polite to hold your glass with two hands. You can also hold the glass with one hand and support your arm with the other hand.
This shows respect.
With close friends, people may be more casual. But if you are unsure, using two hands is safer.
Use Two Hands When Pouring
When pouring soju or beer for someone older or more senior, hold the bottle with two hands or support your pouring arm with your other hand.
Again, this is a sign of politeness.
Turn Slightly Away When Drinking With Elders
In more traditional settings, if you are drinking with someone older or senior, you may turn your head slightly to the side when taking a sip. This shows respect.
Tourists are not usually expected to know every detail, but it is useful to understand the gesture if you see Koreans doing it.
Say “Geonbae”
The Korean word for cheers is geonbae. It means something like “cheers” or “bottoms up,” though you do not always have to finish the whole glass.
You can say “geonbae” when clinking glasses with your group.
Do You Have to Drink in One Shot?
No. You do not always have to drink soju in one shot.
In Korean dramas or social media videos, people often take soju as a shot. In real life, it depends on the situation. Some people drink it in one shot, especially at the start of a meal or during a toast. Others sip slowly.
If you are not used to soju, sip it. There is nothing wrong with drinking slowly.
The same applies to somaek. It can taste easy, but it is still alcohol. Drink at your own pace.
What Is Anju?
Anju means food eaten with alcohol. In Korea, drinking usually comes with food, and anju is a major part of the culture.
Common anju includes:
Korean BBQ
Fried chicken
Spicy stew
Seafood pancakes
Tteokbokki
Grilled fish
Dried squid
Fried snacks
Sausage and stir-fried dishes
Pork belly
Gopchang or intestines
Korean BBQ is one of the best-known anju choices because grilled meat is rich, social, and easy to share. It also gives people time to talk while cooking and eating.
Korean BBQ as a Drinking Food
Korean BBQ is not only dinner. It is also one of Korea’s most popular social meals.
At the table, people grill meat together, pass side dishes, pour drinks, make lettuce wraps, talk, and eat slowly. This shared structure makes Korean BBQ perfect for group dining.
For foreigners, Korean BBQ is also a good introduction to Korean drinking culture because the food gives structure to the meal. You are not just sitting with drinks. You are cooking, eating, sharing, and learning the table rhythm.
At Mongvely, Korean BBQ is self-service, so guests choose their meat and side dishes, bring them to the table, and grill the meat themselves. This gives visitors a casual way to experience Korean BBQ culture in Myeongdong.
Best Korean BBQ Foods With Soju
Soju pairs especially well with richer, savory foods.
Pork Belly
Pork belly is one of the best meats with soju. It is fatty, crispy, and rich when grilled properly. Eat it with kimchi, garlic, ssamjang, and lettuce, then take a small sip of soju.
Pork Neck
Pork neck is meatier and less fatty than pork belly. It works well with ssamjang, onion sauce, and pickled side dishes.
Beef
Beef works well with soju when eaten simply. Try it with sesame oil and salt, onion sauce, or lettuce wraps. Marinated beef pairs well with rice and soju because the sweet-savory flavor balances the drink.
Kimchi
Kimchi is one of the best side dishes with soju and grilled meat. It adds spice, acidity, and freshness. Grilled kimchi with pork is especially good.
Garlic and Ssamjang
Garlic and ssamjang make the meat taste stronger and more Korean. Use a small amount so it does not overpower the meat.
Cold Noodles
Cold noodles after BBQ can make the meal feel more refreshing. This is especially good in summer or after eating rich meat.
Best Korean BBQ Foods With Somaek
Somaek works well with foods that taste salty, spicy, crispy, or grilled.
With Korean BBQ, somaek is good because beer adds refreshment while soju adds strength. It pairs well with pork belly, marinated beef, grilled kimchi, spicy sauces, and salty side dishes.
If you are eating a heavy meal, somaek can feel easier than straight soju. But because it is smooth and fizzy, drink slowly.
How to Eat Korean BBQ While Drinking
The best way to enjoy Korean BBQ and drinks is to keep balance.
Do not drink on an empty stomach. Start with food first. Eat a few bites of meat, side dishes, and rice before drinking too much.
Use side dishes to refresh your mouth. Kimchi, pickled radish, lettuce, and bean sprouts help balance grilled meat and alcohol.
Drink water between alcoholic drinks. This is simple but important, especially if you are walking around Seoul before or after dinner.
Do not rush. Korean BBQ is meant to be eaten slowly with conversation.
A Simple First-Time Korean BBQ and Soju Order
If you are new to Korean BBQ and soju culture, keep it simple.
Start with beef or pork Korean BBQ. Add side dishes such as kimchi, lettuce, garlic, ssamjang, and pickled radish. Try soju with grilled meat. If you prefer something lighter, try beer or somaek. Finish with rice, soybean stew, ramen, or cold noodles depending on your meal.
At Mongvely, selected courses may include beef, pork, side dishes, sauces, rice, soybean stew, ramen, soft drinks, and cold noodles depending on the course. This makes it easier for first-time visitors because you can try a full Korean BBQ meal in one place.
Korean Drinking Culture in Myeongdong
Myeongdong is one of the easiest areas for tourists to try Korean BBQ and understand Korean dining culture. The area is close to hotels, subway stations, shopping streets, beauty stores, street food, and sightseeing spots.
Many visitors come to Myeongdong after shopping or sightseeing and want a meal that feels properly Korean. Korean BBQ is a good choice because it is interactive, filling, and easy to enjoy with a group.
If you are interested in Korean drinking culture, Myeongdong is also a comfortable place to learn because many restaurants are used to international visitors.
Mongvely has a main branch near Myeongdong Station and another branch near Euljiro 1-ga Station. Both are convenient for visitors who want Korean BBQ after shopping, sightseeing, or staying nearby.
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
Drinking Too Fast
Soju can be stronger than it tastes. Somaek can also feel easy to drink because of the beer. Take your time.
Ignoring Etiquette Completely
You do not need to be perfect, but simple gestures like using two hands and pouring for others can make a good impression.
Thinking Everyone Must Drink
Not everyone in Korea drinks. It is fine to say no.
Overloading the Grill
If you are eating Korean BBQ, do not put too much meat on the grill at once. Grill slowly and eat while the meat is hot.
Responsible Drinking Tips for Tourists
Only drink if you are legally allowed to drink in Korea.
Bring ID if you plan to order alcohol. Restaurants and stores may check identification.
Drink slowly, especially if you are not used to soju.
Eat enough food before and during drinking.
Drink water.
Do not drink and drive. Use public transport, taxis, or walk back to your hotel if it is safe and nearby.
If you feel uncomfortable, stop drinking. The goal is to enjoy the meal, not to prove anything.
Final Thoughts: Soju, Somaek, BBQ, and Korean Table Culture
Korean drinking culture is easier to understand when you see it as part of the meal. Soju, somaek, BBQ, side dishes, pouring etiquette, and cheers all work together to create a social table.
For tourists, the most important things are simple. Drink only if you want to. Use two hands in polite situations. Pour for others when appropriate. Eat enough food. Try soju or somaek slowly. Pair drinks with grilled meat, kimchi, lettuce wraps, rice, soup, ramen, or cold noodles.
At Mongvely in Myeongdong, Korean BBQ is a practical way to experience this culture because the meal is casual, generous, and easy for first-time visitors to enjoy. Whether you drink soju, try somaek, choose beer, or stick to soft drinks, Korean BBQ is still one of the best ways to experience Korean dining culture in Seoul.
FAQ: Korean Drinking Culture, Soju, Somaek, and BBQ
What is Korean drinking culture?
Korean drinking culture is the social way people drink alcohol with food, usually in groups. It often includes pouring drinks for others, using two hands in polite situations, sharing food, saying cheers, and eating anju such as Korean BBQ, fried chicken, or stew.
What is soju?
Soju is Korea’s most famous alcoholic drink. It is usually clear, served in small glasses, and often enjoyed with Korean food such as BBQ, seafood, fried chicken, and stews.
What is somaek?
Somaek is a Korean mixed drink made with soju and beer. The word comes from soju and maekju, which means beer in Korean.
Is somaek stronger than beer?
Yes, somaek is usually stronger than beer because it includes soju. The exact strength depends on how much soju is mixed into the beer.
What do Koreans say when drinking?
The most common cheers word is “geonbae,” which means cheers.
Do I have to drink soju in one shot?
No. Some people drink soju in one shot during a toast, but you can also sip it slowly. Tourists should drink at their own pace.
Why do Koreans use two hands when drinking?
Using two hands when pouring or receiving a drink shows respect, especially when drinking with someone older, senior, or less familiar.
What should I eat with soju?
Soju pairs well with rich, savory, or grilled foods. Korean BBQ, pork belly, beef, kimchi, stew, fried chicken, seafood, and spicy dishes are common choices.
Why is Korean BBQ good with soju?
Korean BBQ is rich and savory, while soju has a clean and sharp taste. The drink helps balance grilled meat, especially pork belly, beef, garlic, kimchi, and ssamjang.
What is anju?
Anju means food eaten with alcohol. Korean BBQ, fried chicken, stews, seafood pancakes, dried squid, and spicy dishes are common examples.
Can I enjoy Korean BBQ without alcohol?
Yes. Alcohol is optional. You can enjoy Korean BBQ with water, soft drinks, rice, soup, ramen, cold noodles, and side dishes.
Is it rude to refuse alcohol in Korea?
No. It is fine to refuse alcohol politely. You can say that you do not drink or that you are having a soft drink instead.
Where can I try Korean BBQ in Myeongdong?
You can visit Mongvely, an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant in Myeongdong. There is a main branch near Myeongdong Station and another branch near Euljiro 1-ga Station.
What time does Mongvely close?
Mongvely is open daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM, making it convenient for lunch, dinner, and late-night Korean BBQ in Myeongdong.
What is the easiest Korean drink for beginners?
Somaek or fruit soju may feel easier for beginners than plain soju, but both are still alcoholic. Drink slowly and choose what suits your taste.
Visit Us Now!
Mongvely Main Branch
Address: Myeongdong 8na-gil 9 3rd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
➢ Link to Mongvely Main Branch
Mongvely 2nd Branch
Address: Myeongdong 3-gil 44 2nd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
➢ Link to Mongvely Second Branch
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