Had a weird moment at a family dinner in Seoul last month

I always thought the whole 'don't pour your own drink in Korea' thing was just an old superstition people ignored. But my friend's grandma gave me this look when I reached for the bottle, and her son quietly refilled my glass instead. It's not about rules, it's about showing you care about the other person's comfort. Anyone else discovered a taboo that actually makes sense once you see it in action?

2 comments

2 Comments

stone.jesse18d ago

I mean, I get it, but is it really that deep? Like, yeah, it's a nice gesture and all, but I seriously doubt grandma is going to disown you if you accidentally pour your own drink once. I've been to Korea a few times and people definitely still pour their own drinks at bars and parties, especially younger people. It feels like one of those things older folks care about way more than anyone actually living there does day to day. Maybe I'm being too casual about it, but unless someone straight up yells at me I'm not going to lose sleep over grabbing a soju bottle. Feels like a lot of pressure for something that's basically just common courtesy on steroids.

taylor.jordan18d agoMost Upvoted

Bet it's mostly tourists overthinking it honestly.