Welcome to Korea! Korean food is a huge part of our culture, but the dining etiquette can sometimes be a little confusing for foreigners. Don’t worry! This simple guide will help you navigate a Korean meal with confidence and show respect for the local culture.
We’ve broken down this guide into two parts: First, you’ll learn the essential table manners for dining at any Korean restaurant. Then, we’ll move on to a special section on Korean drinking culture so you can toast with your new friends like a local.
Part 1: Table Manners and Rules
Don’t stress about getting every rule perfect! Koreans appreciate the effort you make to understand and respect their culture. Just remember these few simple tips, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a delicious Korean meal like a pro. Have fun!
1
Respect for Elders
The eldest person sits first and starts eating first.
Wait for the eldest person to drink before you do.
When pouring a drink for an elder, use both hands on the bottle. When receiving a drink, hold your glass with both hands.
2
The Rules of the Spoon and Chopsticks
Never stick your chopsticks straight up in your rice bowl.
Use your spoon for rice and soup, and chopsticks for everything else.
Don’t hold the spoon and chopsticks at the same time.
3
Sharing Food and Serving Others
Many Korean dishes are meant to be shared (e.g., stews, grilled meats).
When someone offers you food or pours you a drink, it’s a sign of kindness. Accept it gracefully.
It’s a common practice to use serving spoons to take food from the shared bowls.
4
Eating Speed and Meal’s End
Try to eat at a similar pace to the people you’re with.
It’s polite to finish everything on your plate, but not mandatory.
Leaving a small amount of food is generally okay.
Don’t worry too much about getting everything perfect—even half of Koreans don’t use chopsticks the ‘right’ way!
Part 2: A Guide to Korean Drinking Culture
Korean drinking culture is all about sharing and showing respect. Following a few simple rules will make you feel right at home at any dinner table.
Toasting with “Jjan!”
“Jjan” (짠) is the Korean word for “cheers.” It’s pronounced like the “jahn” in “John,” but with a quick, punchy sound at the end. Unlike in some other cultures, you can say “Jjan!” as many times as you like. It’s a fun way to connect with people and show appreciation.
Pouring for Others
In Korea, you don’t pour your own drink. Whenever possible, pour for others, and they will pour for you. This isn’t always the case; you can coordinate and decide together. However, if you’re drinking with an elder, it’s best to pour for them whenever possible. When pouring for someone older or of higher social status, hold the bottle with both hands—one hand on the neck, the other supporting the base.
Toasting with Elders (The Glass Position)
When toasting with an elder, it’s polite to lower your glass slightly below theirs to show respect. This is a sign that you acknowledge their seniority. After the toast, when you drink, it’s also a common practice to turn your head slightly away from the elder before taking a sip.
Why You Should Pay Attention to the Bottle’s Logo
This is a subtle detail that shows great respect. When pouring a drink, especially a traditional soju or makgeolli bottle, make sure the logo is facing away from the person you are serving. It’s a small gesture that shows you’re not trying to advertise for the company and are simply focused on serving them politely.
By knowing these small etiquette rules beforehand, you’ll do more than just enjoy delicious food; you’ll be able to connect more deeply with locals and create unforgettable memories.
We hope this post becomes a small starting point for making your trip to Korea a richer and more meaningful one.
Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments, or suggest topics you’d like us to cover!
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