Korean drinking culture decoder
Korean drinking has a vocabulary: 1차 (first round, the dinner), 2차 (second, usually noraebang or another bar), 3차 (third, typically chicken + beer). Each round is a different venue. The 한잔 (hanjan) is one shot (소주 50ml) or one glass (맥주 350ml). A bottle of 소주 is 360ml — about 7 shots. The 안주 (anju) is the food that goes with the drink. This tool estimates the full night-out cost and walks through the etiquette of pouring for elders.
Night-out budget
What this solves
Most "Korean drinking" guides romanticize the experience without telling you the actual per-person total. A 1차 dinner + 2차 karaoke night out easily runs ₩40,000–₩70,000 per person, including food. This tool estimates that, plus the cultural notes on rounds, pouring, and the unwritten "someone pays" rule.
Standard pours
소주: bottle 360ml, ~7 per bottle at ₩5,000. 맥주: glass 500ml ₩5,000–₩7,000. 참이슬 / 처음처럼 are the default brands. OB / Cass / Terra / Hite are the standard beers.
2차 / 3차 routes
2차: typically 노래방 (karaoke) or another bar. Noraebang ₩10,000–₩25,000/hr per room. 3차: usually chicken place (치킨집 ₩25,000–₩40,000 per chicken) or 호프 (beer hall).
Pouring etiquette
Pour with two hands: right hand on bottle, left hand supporting the right wrist or elbow. The receiver holds the glass with both hands or one hand supporting the other. Never pour your own drink — the elder or peer does it for you.
Politely declining
"I'm on antibiotics" or "I have an early flight" is the universal escape. Or simply 소주 한 잔만 (just one). Korean hosts will not push aggressively if you state it once. Tipping the glass slightly back when finished is the polite signal.
How to read the result
- Per-person total = food + drinks across rounds.
- Pace estimate = how long the night typically lasts.
- Etiquette checklist = what to do and not do.
Limitations
- Drinking pace varies enormously; this tool assumes moderate pace.
- Premium cocktails (₩15,000+ per drink) are not modeled.
- Korean soju is 20–25% ABV, less than vodka but more than beer; consumption math differs.
- Some places charge "안주 minimum" (food minimum) of ₩10,000+.
- Group size impacts 1차 vs 2차 cost very differently; splits shown are rough.
FAQ
Is it rude to refuse a round?
No, but a one-line reason helps. "오늘은 조금만요" or "내일 일찍 일어나야 해요" is sufficient.
What's 막걸리 like?
Milky, low-ABV (6–8%), slightly sweet, traditional. ₩5,000–₩10,000 per bowl. Pairs with savory pancakes.
What's the "bomb shot" (소맥)?
소주 + 맥주 = 소맥. Mixed directly or "폭탄주" (bomb shot) — shot glass of 소주 dropped into a beer glass. Drink quickly.
Can I split the bill evenly (더치페이)?
Yes, especially among younger groups. Older or business dinners usually have one payer; accept the refusal gracefully if offered to pay.