"Hoesik" refers to company dinners or gatherings, often held after work, where colleagues eat, drink, and socialize together. When having a hoesik, people often go to barbecue restaurants, especially places that serve samgyeopsal (pork belly). During these gatherings, they eat and drink together. In Korea, there are complex etiquettes to follow when drinking alcohol. It’s important to participate actively but also know your limits when it comes to drinking.
In Korea, it’s important to pour drinks for others with both hands, receive drinks with both hands, drink the first shot together with a toast, and always respect elders by waiting for them to drink first.
To drink soju properly, pour for others using both hands, receive drinks with both hands, take the first shot in one go, and say 'geonbae' for cheers."
Drinking Etiquette in Korea
- Pouring Drinks:
- When pouring drinks for others, always use both hands. This shows respect, especially to someone older or of higher status.
- It’s considered rude to pour your own drink.
2. Receiving Drinks:
- Hold your glass with both hands when someone pours you a drink. This gesture shows respect and gratitude.
- Turn your head slightly away from the person who poured the drink when taking your first sip.
3. First Drink:
- It is customary to drink the first shot of a new drink all at once. This is often done together with a toast.
- After the first shot, you can sip it at your own pace.
4. Refilling Drinks:
- Keep an eye on the glasses of your companions and refill them when they are empty. This shows attentiveness and good manners.
5. Making a Toast:
- Common phrases for toasting include "건배" (geonbae) which means "cheers" and "위하여" (wihayeo) which means "for the benefit of."
6. Respecting Elders:
- Always wait for the eldest person to start drinking before you take your first sip.
- Show extra respect to elders by turning your head away when drinking in front of them.
