When U.S. troops are discussed in the Korean media, the topic of alcohol often comes up. Educating yourself on the legal and cultural norms surrounding alcohol consumption can help you maintain healthy drinking habits while respecting your host country. Here’s everything you need to know about drinking in Korea.
Minimum age for alcohol consumption
In Korea, people who turn 19 on January 1 of each year according to the international age system can legally purchase and consume alcohol and tobacco. In other words, if you are still 18 but turn 19 later in the year, you can purchase and use these items at the beginning of the year, regardless of your exact month of birth.
However, USFK (United States Forces Korea) policy states that the minimum drinking age for persons subject to SOFA, including military personnel, civilian employees, contractors, and their dependents, is 21 years of age, both on and off base.
Rule for open containers
In Korea, there are no regulations restricting the time and place of drinking. The concept of an “open container” does not exist in Korea, as drinking in public is a common activity. You will see many Koreans drinking alcohol on the street or in the park or on the beach, and some even take their leftover alcohol from the bar with them when they leave.
However, for persons covered by SOFA with USFK, according to the USFK policy, an open container of an alcoholic beverage is not permitted in public unless it is a public area designated for alcohol consumption.
Alcohol is available in convenience stores, grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants and bars, with no time or quantity restrictions. You must show your ID to prove your age, as selling alcohol to minors can result in severe penalties for business owners.
Because Korea’s alcohol laws are relatively lax, many people drink to excess. Remember to drink responsibly and always designate a driver who will not drink.
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol!
As in the United States, driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Korea. The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Korea is 0.03% and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol vary.
Drunk driving can result in prison sentences of up to five years or fines of between five and 20 million won. Even more severe penalties are imposed if the driver injures others. The police often carry out alcohol checks on the road without prior notice. Conclusion: If you drink, don’t drive!
For an average-sized Korean, a blood alcohol level of 0.03% can be reached after consuming just one glass of wine, two small glasses of soju (Korean liquor), or a 350 ml can of beer.
Road Traffic Regulations – Article 44 (Prohibition of driving under the influence of alcohol)
-
No one is allowed to drive a car, tram or bicycle under the influence of alcohol.
-
Police officers may measure a driver’s alcohol content using a breathalyzer if this is necessary for road safety or if there is reasonable suspicion that the driver is under the influence of alcohol. The driver must accept the measurement.
-
If a driver contests the result of the breathalyzer test, he or she may be required to provide a blood sample or undergo other testing methods.
-
The standard value for indicating that you are under the influence of alcohol is a blood alcohol content of 0.03% or more.
Drinking etiquette
When having a drink with Koreans, it is customary to order a bottle of soju or beer and share it in glasses. It is a polite gesture to pour each other’s drinks, and it is usually respectful for younger people to pour older people’s drinks first. If someone’s glass is empty, it is polite to ask if they would like more and to refill it.
When drinking with older Koreans, it is polite to pour the drinks while holding the bottle with both hands, tilting the bottle with one hand and supporting it with the other. If an older person is pouring you drinks, hold your glass with both hands.
In Korea, it is a sign of respect for elders to use both hands when giving or receiving something. It is also polite to turn your head slightly to the side when drinking, rather than looking an older person directly in the eye.
Hangover relief
Drinks against hangovers (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Hangover pills (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Many hangover drinks and supplements are sold in Korean convenience stores that contain herbs or ingredients such as ragwort fruit or taurine, which are said to help you feel less lousy after drinking.
These “cures” help prevent hangovers by inhibiting alcohol absorption and speeding up its breakdown. For best results, they are usually taken about 30 minutes before drinking. While they cannot completely prevent hangovers, they can help reduce symptoms.
Convenience stores carry both drink and pill forms of hangover remedies, so it depends on the consumer’s preference. Popular hangover drinks include Morning Care (모닝케어) and Heotgae Condition (헛개 컨디션). Popular hangover remedies in pill form include Condition-hwan (컨디션환) and Sang-que-hwan (상쾌환).
