Drinking Culture: How’s the Difference between the U.S. and South Korea?

Have you ever wondered how much different drinking cultures in Korea and states? Here is an article that one of DSKUSSS members wrote! Drinking cultures are also a way to understand another culture. This article makes you understand the differences! Also feel free to share you thoughts on this through comments.

Drinking Culture: How’s the Difference between the U.S. and South Korea?

Jungwon Lee

Dept. of Global Studies

 Pusan National University

             

Saying or hearing a sentence “Let’s have a drink!” is not at all unfamiliar. Good news is often celebrated by a group of people having a few drinks, and when people are highly stressed, they try to get rid of their stress by drinking nice can of cold beer. An American pianist, comedian, and actor Oscar Levant once said, “I envy people who drink. Al least they have something to blame everything on.” Buying someone a drink is a gesture of goodwill because it may be an expression of gratitude, or it may mark the resolution of a dispute. Like this, the culture of drinking is a huge part of our lives since a very long time. However, especially in this webzine, the difference of drinking culture between the U.S. and South Korea will be explained.

The U.S. is a country of strict rules on alcohol. If one goes to the market to buy liquor, he or she has to prove their identification that th

ey are over 21 years old. This is because of adolescences’ numerous eventful accidents. However, in some states, alcohols are allowed under 21 only for medical purposes. Thus, the U.S. is very sensitive about the alcohol issue, and penalties are also very strict. On the other hand, in South Korea, people can buy alcohol when they are 19 years old or over.  

Another characteristic is that in the U.S., the amount of liquor that can be sold to one person and the area allowed to drink is restricted, especially strong drinks like vodka or tequila. Because U.S. is such a big country, the alcohol laws are different from state to state, but for example, if one does not abide by the law in Illinois, then he or she may go to jail for a year or could be fined up to $2500 or more. However, South Korea is more generous in this area. The allowed amount of drinks that can be sold is not limited, and people can drink almost at any place where they do not give harm to others.

Lastly, Koreans usually drink outside with their colleagues and friends. Many Koreans dine and drink alcohol together after they have finished their work or classes. Also, university students go to MT(membership training) every semester and make new friends during playing games and drinking. Koreans mostly drink soju(a distilled Korean beverage containing ethanol and water) and beer. However, Americans usually invite their friends or neighbors to their houses, and enjoy drinking at home.

We can’t say which country’s drinking culture is better or not. Most people from both countries enjoy drinking, and they also developed their own style of drinking. They also know that too much drinking affects their health and can lead to serious diseases like liver cancer. Thus, cheers to a healthy and fun drinking culture!