Two Hands and a Turned Head
A short guide to soju etiquette — what the gestures mean, and which rules still matter.
Korean drinking has a choreography. You do not need to master it to be welcome, but knowing the basics says you are paying attention.
Pouring and receiving
When someone older pours for you, hold your glass with two hands, or one hand supporting the other wrist. When you pour for them, do the same with the bottle.
The turned head
With elders, many people turn slightly away when they drink. It is a small sign of respect, not a rule anyone will enforce.
What is changing
Younger drinkers keep the gestures they like and drop the ones they don't. Pouring for others remains. The pressure to keep up is fading. That feels right.
건배 — geonbae — means cheers.