Everyday know-how / Seoul field notes

Korean drinking culture for visitors, and how to say no

You can always choose something else.

local/seoul editorial team2 min readUpdated 2026-09-29

Hand pouring soju from a green bottle into a small glass on a wooden restaurant table — Soju is often poured for others at the table, but joining the meal does not mean you have to drink. Photo: Kārlis Dambrāns / CC BY 2.0

The quick take

Here’s what to know.

You can join a meal in Seoul without drinking alcohol. Say what you prefer early, choose your own pace and feel free to leave when you want. Some groups follow pouring customs, but expectations vary. A coffee, a meal or a walk is an equally good way to meet someone, with no drinking ritual to get right.

Before you go

Say early if you’re not drinking.
Set your own pace and keep your way home in mind.
Suggest coffee or food instead if you prefer.

How do I say I am not drinking?

Say it clearly and early. You do not owe anyone a personal explanation, and a polite refusal is enough. If somebody keeps pushing, repeat your choice, switch the plan or leave. Do not rely on a particular Korean phrase to guarantee that everyone will respect a boundary.

술은 안 마셔요 — sureun an masyeoyo — I don’t drink alcohol.
물 주세요 — mul juseyo — Water, please.
Suggest coffee, tea or food if that feels easier.

Illustration of a hand resting over a water glass as a bottle is offered across a dinner table — A clear, early no is enough, and asking for water gives the table something else to pour. Illustration by local/seoul · About the artwork

Do I have to follow every pouring custom?

Watch what the people around you do and ask if you are curious. Some hosts use two hands when offering or receiving a drink, especially in more formal settings. Treat that as a courtesy you may encounter, not a test or a reason to drink more than you intended.

Illustration of two hands supporting a plain bottle while another pair of hands holds a small cup — Pouring or receiving with two hands is a courtesy you may see, mostly in more formal settings. Illustration by local/seoul · About the artwork

Do I have to go to the next place?

No. If the group suggests another venue, decide whether you want to join. You can say you are heading back without promising another round. Check transport while you still have time to choose a comfortable route home, and keep control of your own plans and belongings.

What is a comfortable first-meeting plan?

Pick a public place, keep the initial plan short and agree on costs. Meet for coffee or a meal if you are unsure about a bar. For local/seoul, coffee, food and a walk are all ordinary meetup options; alcohol is never part of a requirement.

Share the meeting plan with someone you trust.
Keep your own way home available.
Leave or ask staff for help if a situation feels uncomfortable.

Cheonggyecheon stream in central Seoul at dusk, with a stone bridge, lit walkway and office towers — A walk along Cheonggyecheon is a public, alcohol-free way to spend a first meeting. Photo: kallerna / CC BY-SA 4.0

A few more things

Good questions.

Can I make friends in Seoul without drinking?

Yes. Suggest a cafe, a meal, a museum visit or a walk that suits both people. Be direct about your preferences rather than agreeing to a drinking plan you do not want.

Is it rude to leave before the next round?

You can leave whenever you want. A simple goodbye and a clear message that you are heading home is enough. You do not need to justify your personal limits.

Will everyone accept a polite refusal?

People vary. State your boundary clearly and do not assume custom guarantees safety or respect. If someone keeps pressuring you, you can end the meetup and seek help from staff or someone you trust.

Plans and opening hours can change. Check the venue or official source before you go. How we put these guides together · Suggest a correction

Get a feel for the neighborhood.

People walking along Hongdae Street in Seoul — Karsten Torrefiel / Unsplash