Learn about Korean drinking culture, from traditional etiquette and social customs to soju, somaek and Korean drinking games. These guides explain how drinking culture in Korea works, including how drinks are poured and received, how people drink with older friends or colleagues, and which traditions visitors are most likely to encounter.
You’ll also find practical guides to Korean drinking etiquette, soju customs, drinking vocabulary and other parts of Korean alcohol culture that can help you feel more comfortable during a night out in Korea.
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What is chimaek? Chimaek is one of Korea’s most popular food and drink pairings, combining crispy Korean fried chicken and beer into a casual social experience enjoyed with friends, at restaurants, during sports games and even beside the Han River.
The word chimaek (치맥) combines chikin, meaning chicken, with maekju, the Korean word for beer. What started as a simple pairing has become a recognizable part of modern Korean food and drinking culture.
In this guide, you’ll learn the meaning of chimaek, why fried chicken and beer became such a popular combination in Korea, which Korean fried chicken styles are worth trying, and where you can experience chimaek in Seoul.
We’ll also look at how K-dramas helped make chimaek famous around the world, why the Han River is such a popular place to enjoy it, and how chimaek differs from other Korean drinking traditions such as somaek.
If you’ve ever wondered why Koreans love chicken and beer so much, this guide explains everything you need to know before trying chimaek in Korea for yourself.
Updated September 2026 · 12 min read
What is chimaek? Chimaek is one of Korea’s most popular food and drink pairings, combining crispy Korean fried chicken and beer into a casual social experience enjoyed with friends, at
What is a Korean pocha? A pocha is one of Korea’s most recognizable late-night food and drinking experiences — a casual place where people gather around the table, share
What is somaek? Somaek is one of Korea’s best-known drinking combinations — a simple mix of soju and beer that you’ll often see shared around the table during a night
Learn the essentials of Korean drinking etiquette, from pouring and receiving drinks with two hands to drinking respectfully with elders. Discover when to sip or take a shot, which foods
Planning your first night out in Korea? Discover the essentials of Korean drinking etiquette and feel more confident sharing drinks with locals. Learn how to pour soju, why two hands
Planning your first night out in Korea? Explore Korean drinking culture and discover the traditions, drinks and social customs that shape an evening with locals. From soju etiquette and Korean
Skip the rulebook – learn APT, 3-6-9 and Titanic at a real table in Hongdae.
Rules, popular games and how Koreans actually play them.
Etiquette, soju, somaek and the food that belongs on the table.
Where to go after dark, and what a Seoul night really looks like.
The neighbourhood we host in, from first bar to last train.