with the right combination of food and friends, taking repeated shots of this 40 proof rice vodka can be quite a treat. but before you go off downing shots of this stuff, there are a few things about the etiquette of drinking soju and it goes something like this:
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- Soju is usually drunk in group gatherings while eating, unmixed and portioned into individual shot glasses.
- It is against traditional custom in Korea to fill one's own glass. Instead, it must be filled by someone else at the table. This promotes a spirit of thoughtfulness and camaraderie.
- To pour a drink, hold the bottle in the right hand with the left hand touching the right forearm or elbow; this peculiar arm position originated from the practice of holding back the sleeve of the hanbok so that it wouldn't touch the table or the food. When receiving a drink, rest the glass in the left palm and hold it with the right hand, perhaps bowing the head slightly to show additional respect.
- Koreans say "one shot", a challenge to down your glass in one gulp.
- A glass should not be refilled unless completely empty and should
be promptly refilled once empty; it is considered rude to not fill
others' glass when empty
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- Some special rules apply when drinking with someone of much higher status, i.e. greater age or rank.
- When drinking in front of elders (people older than you), you should always turn away from the elder first. Drinking the shot while directly facing the elder is disrespectful.
- If an elder gives an empty soju shotglass (usually his/hers) to you, it means that the person is going to fill the glass and wants you to drink it. You do not have to drink it bottoms up, but at least you have to act as if you are drinking it (sipping is okay). If you do drink the entire glass, then return the empty glass back to the senior who gave it to you. You are not supposed to return it immediately, but holding it for a long time is considered rude.
- In Korean culture, using two hands to offer and accept items is considered an act of great respect. Accordingly, if one's glass is going to be filled by a superior, one should hold the glass with both hands. Similarly, when pouring soju for an elder, one holds the bottle with both hands.
- Among friends of equal social status, it is not necessary to use
both hands while pouring or receiving a drink, but may be done out of
habit or politeness.
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