A Complete Guide on Drinking Age in Korea

Alcohol is frequently consumed in South Korea when people get together to socialize. It plays a big role in their culture. There is a good likelihood that alcohol will be consumed if you connect up with a group of Korean tourists and stay out with them.

Food and drinking in Korea are essential parts of their culture and lifestyle. Let us know about the drinking age in Korea. Korean cuisine is famous for its bold flavors and spices and many traditional dishes are served with rice and a variety of side dishes called banchan. Some trendy Korean dishes include Kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), Bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and meat), and Bulgogi (grilled marinated beef).

Drinking in Korea is an integral part of their culture and is often enjoyed in social settings. Soju is the most traditional liquor made from rice and is often consumed with a good number of meals. Beer and other types of alcohol such as Makgeolli (a type of rice wine) and Sikhye (a sweet rice punch) are also consumed.

It is common for Korean to join in a drinking ritual called “Sejak” where everyone at the table drinks together and celebrates and cheers to each other to celebrate!

1. What is the Legal Drinking Age in Korea?

In recent years, South Korea has seen a great rise in the popularity of craft beers and cocktails and many bars have started to offer different kinds of drink options.

Overall food and drinking are essential to Korean culture and lifestyles and are relished in social settings. The legal drinking age in Korea is 19 years old according to the international counting system otherwise it is 20 years old.

It is illegal for individuals under the age of 19 to buy or consume alcohol. Penalties are asked to pay for breaking the law also including fines and imprisonment. 

1.2. Is 18 Minor Age in Korea 

The legal majority age in Korea is 19 years. Therefore, people under the age of 18 are regarded as minors. Minors in Korea are prohibited from voting, drinking alcohol, and smoking among other important activities.

There are plenty of rules that are in setting to protect minors in Korea country also shield them. For example, minors are not allowed to do job on end of the week or in course of college intervals. Additionally, they are not permitted to travel alone without an adult.

The age of adulthood guideline in Korea has some differences. For example, minors can tie knot with the consent of their parents’ sanction, and if they have their parents’ consent, they can  also sign agreement. The adulthood age in Korea is 19, on median.

As a survey, younger people of age 18 are bounded by a number of laws that are formed to keep them safer. They may also have some limitations on their human freedom and authorities. So, 18 years is measured a juvenile in Korea.

2. Impact of Drinking Age Restrictions on Korean Youth 

Restricting the legal age to 19 years old according to international system Korean age will always be at least one year older than your international age. In South Korea may help to lessen the negative effects of excessive drinking among youths.

For example, it may help to reduce alcohol-related accidents and injuries among young generations. Additionally, it may also discourage young people from developing dangerous drinking habits at a very early age.

However, it is important to note that enforcing the legal drinking age can be difficult and it cannot eliminate the problems of underage drinking. 

2.1. Points to Remember While Drinking in Korea

• The legal drinking age in South Korea is 19 years old, the country has used the international counting system.
• It is illegal for young people under the age of 19 to purchase or consume alcohol.
• Penalties for breaking the law can include fines and imprisonment.
• Identification must be shown when buying or drinking alcohol in South Korea. and establishments may refuse service to those who cannot provide proper ID.
• Drinking in public is allowed but it is not allowed in certain areas such as schools, public transportation and government buildings and facilities.
• Drunk drinking is a serious crime and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.  
• There are also cultural expectations about drinking for example in most companies or family gatherings it is expected to drink and join in the parties. 

3. What Age Can You go Clubbing in Korea?

In South Korea, it is common for people to go clubbing also known as “Clubbing culture “as a form of entertainment and socializing with people. Many clubs in South Korea feature electronic dance music (EDM) or K-pop music and often have several rooms with different music games to play.

Clubgoers typically dress in an item of trendy clothing and some clubs have strict dress code demands. Moreover, most of the clubs in South Korea have rigid age limitations and only permit individuals who are above the adulthood drinking age of 19 years. Most of the clubs in Korea may also have an additional charge or is essential for an association.

Generally clubbing in Korea is very popular for amusement and social activity with your friends and is also connected with adulthood and night spots.

4. Changes Overtime to the Drinking Age in Korea

The legal drinking age in South Korea has remained the same. It’s also the norm that if your elder offers you a glass of soju, you should accept every single one of them as a sign of respect.

The fact that they are even inviting you out for a drink should be seen as a great compliment towards you. This naturally adds to the amount of alcohol consumed in Korea as especially older people.

From June 2023, the so-called “Korean Age” system will no longer be permitted on official documents proposed changes to the law in recent times. Only the standardized, internationally recognized method will remain. The government is fulfilling a campaign promise to reduce confusion by adopting the same system used in the rest of the world.

The drinking age in South Korea is 19 years old while in North Korea is not specified. However, it is illegal to buy or consume alcohol if young people are under 17 years old in North Korea.

In South Korea, someone who is 19 years old or over is adult to purchase or drink cocktail. This involves rum, wine, and vodka. The legal age for buying and drinking cocktail was increased from 18 to 19 in 2009 as section of a series of evaluation to cut down on driving while intoxicated.

In North Korea, the adulthood drink age is not specified in any official rules and ordinance. However, it is not legal to buy or drink cocktail if you are less than 17 years old. North Korea has very rigid rules and ordinance in position to stop the manufacturing, diffusion and intake of cocktail as the government wants to limit all the negative effects of alcohol on the population.

It is significant remarking the lawful drinking age is not rigidly imposed in North Korea, and it is not extraordinary for people to drink cocktail at a very teenage age.  Moreover, interrupting the law can steer to severe penalty, including fees and confinement.

Suggested Readings- 5 Amazing North Korea Facts You Need to Know

6. Final Words

In South Korea, drinking alcohol is a common social affair and is greatly rooted in the country tradition. It is frequently used as a connection of adherence and establishing good relationship, both in private and competent settings.

The lawful drink age in Korea is 19, and a wide range of alcoholic cocktails are accessible, involving authentic Korean drinks such as soju and makgeolli. However, too much drinking and liquor related issues such as driving with intoxicated and brutality, are also major issues in Korea.

So, make a vacation trip to Korea to have fun and try the famous Korean dishes and world-famous liquor and non-liquor drinks.

Last Updated on September 8, 2023 by Himani Rawat