Getting to know Korea : Drinking Etiquette

Drinking Etiquette

Yes, slamming the alcohol back can be a part of "business practice" here in Korea. No, it's not OK just to pour yourself shot after shot without even considering your drinking partners. Koreans have figured out drinking to an exact science and you'll see that science's results pretty regularly! (Public drunkeness is somewhat commonplace in Korea.)

Drinking among co-workers and friends is a way to grow closer to one another. It's seen the same way just as if you were to ask a new acquaintance to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. However, so not to offend any of your drinking acquaintances, it's a good idea to know the do's and don't's of drinking in Korea.

First, you'll never see a Korean drinking beer, soju, wine, alcohol in general directly from the bottle. Any alcoholic beverage will ALWAYS be served into some sort of glass or cup. We're not in college anymore, so chugging soju straight from the bottle isn't really an option, especially not in Korea. Also, expect to be asked to purchase some side dishes/bar munchies (ahn-joo i.e. noodles, crackers, etc.) You'll also most likely be served some complimentary side dishes such as fruity puffs or cardboard-flavored crunchy rings. Delicious!

The following is the etiquette for drinking with Koreans in Korea. You should never serve yourself first. Grasp the bottle/pitcher with both hands and offer to serve your compatriots first and them one of them will serve you. When being served, always grasp the glass or cup with two hands and you may opt to say "kamsahamnida" to the pourer. When you notice that someone's cup is empty, make an effort to be the first person to offer to refill that person's cup. (Never to the brim, but about 3/4 full.)When it comes to the bill, you may find that Koreans are ready to come to fisticuffs to pay. Always offer to at least pay an equally divided amount (even if you only had one glass of beer while your company may have had several.)

Following these drinking standards in Korea will assure you a pleasurable experience! :D

Sources :

http://www.korean-business-etiquette.com/

http://www.koreanrestaurantguide.com/atr/atr_etiq.htm

FAQs...Part 3

Here is just another one of the many FAQ blog entries. Keep your eyes open for the next segment.

* Why am I getting SO many emails from people I don't know that supposedly work for HandS Korea?
You most likely have received an overwhelming amount of emails from one or multiple HandS Korea team members. No, these emails are not to annoy you and fill up your inbox. Our goal in sending them is to give you some information on various aspects regarding Korea, so that if you have never been to Korea, you have at least a glimpse of what to expect. We also hope that it will ease your transition into Korean society. Of course, if you have additional questions, you are more than welcome to email us. We're more than happy to answer any of your questions!
* What is it like working with HandS Korea? How many teachers work for you?
Just to clarify, HandS Korea is a consulting firm. This means that we're not a school, but that we work with schools all over Korea to help them find native English speaking teachers. Our mission is to help sufficiently motivated and qualified native English speaking teachers find positions here. In short, NO teachers work for HandS Korea, but rather with the schools with whom we work in cooperation. (P.S. Working for HandS Korea is GREAT!)

* I don't have a 4 year bachelor's degree. Am I still eligible to teach English in Korea?
Unfortunately, the answer is generally no. There are some exceptions (they are few and far between), but nearly all schools, hagwon and public, prefer that their teachers hold at least a 4 year bachelor's degree. Certificates, diplomas or other degrees are not usually accepted by the schools as a sufficient amount of education to teach for them. If you are still highly interested in teaching in Korea, there is an option with the some Korean public schools. There are fewer positions free and a lower salary is provided. If you are interested in this possibility, please contact a HandS Korean team member.

* How often will I get paid?
All the schools that we work with distribute paychecks monthly. This means that upon arrival, you will not receive a paycheck until one month after. It may be a good idea for you to bring some money ahead of time just to get by for the first month. Foreign debit and credit cards are accepted in most stores and many ATMs also accept foreign cards. Banks will often do currency exchanges and there are usually many cash exchange places in tourist areas. On occasion, a school will allow for a partial cash advance on your first paycheck. If this is something you feel you would need, please let one of us know and we will discuss it with your school.

* Will I have to drive from school to school daily in order to do my job?
No, you will absolutely not have to do any kind of driving in order to get to work. (Unless you decide to purchase a scooter. In which case, you would be drive yourself!) Your school will find you an apartment within close proximity and in most cases, within walking distance to your school. Any other transportation on your free time will be up to you. Don't worry too much about transportation because it is pretty cheap here!