Legal Drinking Age in South Korea: A Complete Guide

South Korea is a fascinating country with a rich culture, a dynamic economy, and vibrant nightlife. If you are planning to visit South Korea and enjoy its alcoholic beverages, you might be curious about the legal drinking age in this country. However, the answer is not as simple as you might think because South Korea has a different way of counting age than most other countries.

What is the Legal Drinking Age in South Korea?

The legal drinking age in South Korea is 19 years old. This means that you must be 19 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol in Korea. It’s important to note that this applies to both Koreans and non-Koreans.

However, the legal drinking age in Korea is based on the Korean age system, which is different from the international age system. In Korea, everyone is one or two years older than their birth age because they count the time spent in the womb and the new year as adding one year. Therefore, to calculate your Korean age, you must add one or two years to your international age, depending on your current date and birthday.

The legal drinking age in Korea also only applies from January 1st of the year you turn 20 in Korean age. For example, if you were born in 2003, you can drink alcohol starting January 1st, 2023, even if your birthday is later in the year.

How Does The Korean Age System Work?

In South Korea, everyone is one or two years older than their international age. This is because Koreans consider the time spent in the womb to be one year, so everyone is born one year old. Everyone turns another year older on New Year’s Day, regardless of their birthday. This means someone born on December 31st is considered two years old, only a few days or weeks after birth.

To calculate your Korean age, you must add one or two years to your international age, depending on your current date and birthday. For example, if you were born in 2003 and it is 2021, your global age is 18, but your Korean age is either 19 or 20, depending on whether your birthday has passed.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Drink Alcohol in South Korea?

The legal drinking age in South Korea is 20 years old in Korean age. This means that you have to be 19 years old in international age to drink alcohol in this country legally. However, there is a catch: you can only drink alcohol from January 1st of the year you turn 20 in Korean age. For example, if you were born in 2003, you can drink alcohol starting January 1st, 2023, even if your birthday is later in the year.

What are the Penalties for Breaking the Legal Drinking Age in South Korea?

If you are under 20 years old in Korea age and you are caught buying or drinking alcohol in public places, you could face a fine of up to 500,000 won (about $440). If you are a business owner or a staff member who sells or serves alcohol to a minor, you could face a fine of between 500,000 and 30,000,000 won (about $440 to $26,400) and lose your license or business.

If you drink and drive in South Korea, you could face a fine, a suspension of your license, or imprisonment, depending on your blood alcohol level and the severity of the offense. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration in South Korea is 0.05%, which is lower than in many other countries.

Can You Drink Alcohol in Public Places in South Korea?

Yes, you can drink alcohol in public places in South Korea, as long as you are of legal age and behave responsibly. You can drink alcohol on the beach, in the park, or on the street without any legal consequences. However, you should respect other people and the environment and avoid causing disturbance or damage. You should also be aware of the local customs and norms and follow the rules of the places you visit. For example, some beaches or parks may have signs prohibiting alcohol consumption, or some events or festivals may have specific alcohol-use regulations. You should always check before you drink.

What are the Most Popular Alcoholic Drinks in South Korea?

South Korea has a rich and diverse drinking culture, with many types of alcoholic drinks to choose from. Some of the most popular alcoholic beverages in South Korea are:

Soju:

This is the national drink of South Korea, with an alcohol content of between 16 to 53%. It is distilled from various starchy crops such as rice, potatoes, wheat, or barley. It is usually served in small green bottles and drunk in shot glasses. It can be mixed with other drinks, such as beer, juice, or soda, to create different cocktails.

Makgeolli:

This is a traditional Korean rice wine with an alcohol content between 6 and 9%. It is made from fermented rice and water and looks milky and fizzy. It is usually served in a large metal bowl and drunk in small bowls. It has a sweet and sour taste and can be flavored with fruits, herbs, or nuts.

Beer:

This is a popular drink in South Korea, especially among young people. The most common brands are Cass, Hite, and OB, which are light and refreshing lagers. Many craft beers and imported beers are also available in bars and pubs. Beer is often paired with fried chicken, a popular snack in South Korea.

Wine:

This is a relatively new drink in South Korea, but it is gaining popularity among women and wine lovers. Many types of wine are available in South Korea, such as red, white, rose, and sparkling. Wine is often enjoyed with cheese, bread, or fruit.

How Do You Ask for a Beer in South Korea?

1. 맥주 한 병 주세요 (maek-ju han byeong ju-se-yo) = Please give me a bottle of beer.
2. 맥주 한 잔 주세요 (make-ju han Jan ju-se-yo) = Please give me a glass of beer.

The word 한 (han) in these sentences means ‘one,’ and 병 (beyond) means a bottle, while 잔 (Jan) means glass. So if you wanted two bottles or glasses, you would say 두 병 (du byeong) or 두 잔 (du jan) instead, and so on. You can also specify the brand of beer you want, such as Cass, Hite, or OB, by saying it before 맥주 (maek-ju).

For example, you can say:

1. 카스 맥주 한 병 주세요 (ka-seu maek-ju han byeong ju-se-yo) = Please give me a bottle of Cass beer.
2. 하이트 맥주 한 잔 주세요 (hai-teu make-ju han Jan ju-se-yo) = Please give me a glass of Hite beer.

Conclusion

The legal drinking age in South Korea is 19 years old, but it is based on the Korean age system, which is different from the international age system. In Korea, everyone is one or two years older than their birth age because they count the time spent in the womb and the new year as adding one year.

FAQ

Q: How old do you have to be to drink alcohol in South Korea?

A: You must be 19 years old in international age, and you can only drink from January 1st of the year you turn 20 in Korean age.

Q: How do you calculate your Korean age?

A: Depending on your date and birthday, you must add one or two years to your international age.

Q: What are the penalties for drinking underage in South Korea?

A: You could face a fine of up to 500,000 won (about $440), suspension of your license, or imprisonment, depending on the offense.

Q: Can you drink alcohol in public places in South Korea?

A: Yes, you can, as long as you are of legal age and behave responsibly. However, you should follow the rules and etiquette of the places you visit.

Q: What are the most popular alcoholic drinks in South Korea?

A: Some of the most popular drinks are soju, makgeolli, beer, and wine.

Q: How do you order a drink in South Korea?

A: You need to say the name of the drink and the quantity you want in Korean. For example, 맥주 한 병 주세요 (maek-ju han byeong ju-se-yo) means please give me a bottle of beer.

Q: How do you say cheers in South Korea?

A: You need to say 건배 (geon-bae), which means dry glass, and clink your glasses with others.

Q: What are the rules and etiquette for drinking in South Korea?

A: You should use two hands when receiving or pouring a drink, never fill your glass, turn your head away from your elders or superiors when drinking, never refuse a drink, and always say cheers before drinking.

Q: What is the drinking culture in South Korea?

A: The drinking culture in South Korea is very social and lively, with many occasions and reasons to drink. Drinking is often seen as a way to bond with friends, family, coworkers, and strangers. Drinking games, karaoke, and noraebang (singing rooms) are everyday activities accompanying drinking in South Korea.