[fishead soup]

The Do's and Don't of Korean drinking customs

Giving and Receiving a drink

Never pour your own drink
When recieving a drink from an elder always use two hands.
When pouring a drink for an elder always use two hands.
When drinking in front of an elder look away from the elder.

Exchanging Soju glasses
If someone offers you their glass you must accept it.
This is sign of friendship in Korean culture
If you are a nondrinker you can ask them to pour you cider(Konglish 7 up)
I've seen some people who place a glass below the table to pour all unwanted drinks.

Refusing a Drink.
If you are a nondrinker If you tell your host either you don't drink for Religious
or health reasons. These are generally considered acceptable in Korean culture.

Who pays
Generally it is the person who did the inviting pays.
Otherwise the elder pays.
Most Korean hosts will insist on paying.
Going Dutch is not common in Korea.

Fighting for the Bill
Some Koreans will have a playful scuffle and struggle to pull out their Credit cards. If you would like to pay but do not want to engage in this friendly horseplay. Simply pretend to go to the toilet and settle the bill. Your hosts will be pleasently surprised