Korean Drinking Culture: Soju, Beer, and Pocha Life
How Koreans drink—soju, beer, pochas, and etiquette—and how to join in respectfully in Seoul, Busan, and beyond.
Drinking in Korea is deeply social. Soju and beer, shared at pochas (tent bars) and restaurants, are part of dinner, after-work culture, and nightlife. Understanding the basics—what to drink, how to pour, and where to go—will help you take part in a way that feels natural and respectful.
Why drinking culture matters in Korea
In Korea, drinking is rarely a solo activity. It is tied to meals, hierarchy (pouring for others, receiving with two hands), and bonding. Soju is the default spirit; beer (often with soju in a bomb) is common. Pochas and casual restaurants serve both with anju (drinking food). For travellers, joining a group or visiting a pocha in Hongdae or Itaewon is one of the best ways to experience this culture. The vibe is loud, communal, and often late-running.
Soju, beer, and the basics
Soju is a clear, usually sweet spirit (around 17–20% ABV) drunk in small shots. It is cheap and ubiquitous. Beer (maekju) is often drunk with soju in a 'so-maek' (soju + beer) combination. At tables, it is customary to pour for others and to receive drinks with two hands when someone senior or older pours for you. Refusing is acceptable but turning down the first pour can sometimes be read as cold; pacing yourself is normal.
Pochas and where to drink
Pochas (tent bars or casual drinking spots) serve soju, beer, and anju—fried chicken, tteokbokki, odeng, and more. They are found in every nightlife area: Hongdae, Itaewon, and near universities and office districts. Restaurants also serve alcohol; many Koreans order soju and beer with dinner. For a classic experience, hit a pocha in Itaewon or Hongdae after 9 PM and order soju, beer, and a shared plate of anju.
Etiquette and safety
Pour for others; don't pour your own. Use two hands when receiving. Tipping is not expected. The legal drinking age is 19. Public drunkenness is common but stay respectful; avoid causing a scene. Plan your return: subways stop around midnight, so taxis or night buses are standard after that. If you are with Korean friends, follow their lead on toasts and pace.
Connecting to travel
A night at a pocha pairs well with our Hongdae and Itaewon bar guides. For daytime context, read our nightlife culture and cafe culture articles. Seoul itineraries that include an evening in Hongdae or Itaewon will naturally expose you to drinking culture; no need to force it—just say yes when someone suggests soju.
Frequently asked questions
- What is soju?
- Soju is Korea's most popular spirit: clear, usually sweet, and typically 17–20% ABV. It is drunk in small shots, often with beer and anju (drinking food), at pochas and restaurants. It is cheap and widely available.
- Do I have to drink in Korea?
- No. You can decline; many Koreans do not drink or drink lightly. If you do drink, pouring for others and receiving with two hands are the main customs. Pacing yourself is normal and acceptable.
- Where is the best pocha area in Seoul?
- Hongdae and Itaewon are two of the best areas for pochas and casual drinking. Both have dense clusters of tents and small bars with soju, beer, and anju. Itaewon is more international; Hongdae is more student-heavy.