Learn KOREAN by Topic┃#6 한국의 술 문화

Learn KOREAN by Topic┃#6 한국의 술 문화

Korean Podcast for Beginners┃Ep6. 한국의 술 문화

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【PDF】Korean Podcast for Beginners┃Ep6. 한국의 술 문화.pdf

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📢 The following translations are for the purpose of comprehension only
      not exhaustive version).

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Learn KOREAN by Topic┃#6 한국의 술 문화

After finishing my shopping at the mart, I returned to the dormitory and rested for about 2 hours. I have to head to Gangnam Station now to meet my Mexican friend, Antonio, for dinner. We decided to dine at a restaurant that Antonio knows, which serves delicious samgyeopsal. It's wonderful to meet Mexican friend here in Korea.

 

Antonio mentioned that I must try samgyeopsal while in Korea. He promptly ordered two servings of samgyeopsal, along with a bottle of soju and beer. In Korea, people can legally consume alcohol from January 1st of the year you turn 19. For instance, individuals born in 2004 can start ordering alcohol from January 1, 2023.

 

The pork belly has already arrived. Some restaurants have employees who grill the pork belly for you, while others allow customers to grill it themselves. Since this restaurant is quite busy, we have to grill it ourselves, but Antonio said he handles it well with lots of experiences.

 

 

While the pork belly is sizzling on the grill, Antonio suggests that we have a glass of soju first. Soju is a drink I've often seen in Korean dramas, but this is my first time trying it. There are many varieties of soju in Korea, but it's typically known to have an alcohol content of around 16%.

 

In the past, before the 1970s, it used to be over 25%, but it has since been reduced to 16%. It's neither too strong nor too weak, so the size for a glass of soju isn't that large. A standard bottle of soju is 360ml, which is roughly about 7 and a half glasses.

 

In Korean culture, it is customary for people to pour for each other rather than pouring for themselves. When it comes to pouring or receiving alcohol, the older person usually does it with one hand, while the younger person uses both hands. They then clink glasses and drink together. Typically, if the older person raises their glass and gives a signal, they clink glasses with each other.

 

 

 

The younger person tilts their head towards an empty space or the youngest person sitting next to them, holds the glass in one hand, and covers both the glass and their mouth with the other hand while drinking. This is a gesture that reflects Korean culture's respect for elders.

 

Regardless of age, when meeting someone for the first time or in a professional setting, both parties maintain a polite demeanor. However, when they become close friends or have a strong bond despite the age difference, they can drink more casually and comfortably.

 

When I drink soju, I find it has a slightly bitter and sweet taste. It is customary for Koreans to enjoy soju with spicy foods or soup, as well as meat dishes. When eating chicken, they often pair it with beer, and when having pizza or hamburgers, they tend to choose coke. Now that the pork belly is cooked well, I try it, and it truly is delicious. I can understand why trying samgyeopsal is a must when visiting Korea.

 

 

Antonio suggests mixing soju and beer together for a drink. Koreans frequently enjoy a combination of soju and beer, which is called "somaek". When you mix soju and beer thoroughly, it reduces the bitter taste of soju and provides a refreshing sensation from the beer. Drinking it, I can really say that.

 

It's such a delightful experience to have a delicious pork belly and enjoy alcoholic beverages with friend. Now, I'm eager to ask Antonio about Korean culture and the unique aspects of life in Korea.