(Illustration by Stripes Korea)
When U.S. troops are mentioned in Korean media, issues relating to alcohol often come up. Learning both legal and cultural norms around alcohol consumption can help you maintain healthy drinking habits while respecting your host country. Here is what you need to know about drinking in Korea.
Drinking age rule
In Korea, people can legally buy alcohol and tobacco starting Jan. 1 of the year they turn 19. In other words, even if you are still 18, you may purchase them from the beginning of that year.
However, USFK (United States Forces Korea) policy states that the drinking age for those under SOFA including service members, civilian employees, contractors and their dependents is 21 years old, both on and off base.
Open container rule
In Korea, public drinking is common and generally allowed, so you’ll see people drinking in parks or on the street.
However, note that some districts have designated alcohol-free zones where drinking in public can result in fines. Always check signs before opening a drink outdoors.
Also, for those under SOFA, with USFK, an open container of an alcoholic beverage in public isn’t allowed unless it’s a public area intended for the consumption of alcohol, according to USFK policy.
Alcohol is available at convenience stores, grocery markets, supermarkets, restaurants, and bars, with no restrictions on the time or quantity you can purchase. You must show your I.D. to prove your age, as selling alcohol to minors can result in severe penalties for business owners.
Due to Korea’s relatively lenient alcohol consumption laws, many might drink excessively. Remember that if you’re going to drink, do it responsibly and always have a designated driver.
(Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea)
(Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea)
(Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea)
Don’t drink and drive!
As it is in the States, driving under the influence is against the law in Korea. The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Korea is 0.03% and penalties for driving while intoxicated can vary.
Drunk driving penalties include imprisonment of up to five years or fines from five million to 20 million won. More severe punishments apply if a driver causes injury to others. Police frequently conduct BAC checks on the road without prior notice. Bottom line: If you drink, don’t drive!
Because BAC can rise quickly and varies by person, even one drink may put you over 0.03%.
Road Traffic Act - Article 44 (Prohibition on Driving under the Influence)
No one shall drive a car, tram, or bicycle while under the influence of alcohol.
Police officers may measure a driver’s alcohol level using a breathalyzer if deemed necessary for traffic safety, or if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a driver is under the influence. The driver must comply with the measurement.
If a driver disputes the breathalyzer results, they may be required to provide a blood sample or undergo other testing methods.
The standard for being considered under the influence of alcohol is a BAC of 0.03% or higher.
Drinking etiquette
When having a drink with Koreans, it is common to order a bottle of soju or beer and share it in glasses. It is a polite gesture to fill each other’s cups, and it is usually respectful for younger people to pour drinks for older people first. If someone’s glass is empty, it is courteous to ask if they want more and refill it.
When drinking with elderly Koreans, it is polite to pour the drinks while holding the bottle with both hands, one tilting the bottle and the other supporting it. If an older person is pouring drinks for you, hold your glass with both hands.
In Korea, using both hands to give or receive something is a sign of respect for elders. Also, when drinking, it is polite to slightly turn your head to the side rather than facing an elderly person directly.
Hangover relief
Hangover relief pills (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea)
Hangover relief drinks (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea)
In Korean convenience stores, you’ll find many hangover drinks and supplements for sale that contain herbs or ingredients like oriental raising tree fruit or taurine, as these are thought to help prevent you from feeling like crap after drinking.
These “cures” may help prevent hangovers by reducing alcohol absorption and supporting the breakdown. They are usually taken about 30 minutes before drinking for best results. They may not completely prevent hangovers but may help reduce symptoms.
Convenience stores carry both hangover supplements in drink and pill form, so it’s up to the preference of the consumer. Popular hangover drinks are Morning Care (모닝케어) and Heotgae Condition (헛개 컨디션). Popular hangover supplement pills are Condition-hwan (컨디션환) and Sang-que-hwan (상쾌환).
