At what is it legal to drink in Korea?
The legal drinking age in South Korea is 20 years old according to the traditional Korean age system, which counts age from the time of conception rather than birth. This equates to 19 years old in the international age system.
So at age 20 (Korean age) or 19 (international age), it becomes legal to purchase and publicly consume alcoholic beverages in South Korea. However, there are still laws prohibiting public drunkenness and alcohol-influenced misconduct, even at the legal drinking age.
Fines for Public Intoxication
While drinking in public places like parks or sidewalks is legal, disorderly conduct under the influence can result in penalties up to 100,000 won (about $80 USD). Enforcement tends to be stricter in areas like public transit or near schools.
Drinking Age Enforcement
Bars, clubs, restaurants, convenience stores, and other establishments that serve alcohol are required to check ID cards against the legal drinking age. Koreans have identification cards clearly marking their birth year.
Those found violating drinking age laws can face fines, revoked liquor licenses, and other repercussions. So the 20/19 age limit is strictly followed.
Brief History of Legal Drinking Age in Korea
Up until 2000, the legal drinking age in Korea was just 18 years old. Concerns around underage and binge drinking led to the limit being raised to 19 internationally / 20 in Korean age in 2001.
Some organizations have lobbied for further increasing the drinking age to 21 or older, but no changes have been enacted so far.
Drinking Age Compared to Other Asian Countries
| Country | Legal Drinking Age |
| South Korea | 20 (Kr age) / 19 |
| Japan | 20 |
| China | 18 |
| Thailand | 20 |
So Korea‘s current legal limit is older than some neighbors like China, but younger than Japan or Thailand.
Social Acceptance of Public Drinking
Drinking alcohol, particularly soju and beer, is socially acceptable in many public settings like parks, streets, and restaurants in Korea. Intoxication is not frowned upon socially until it causes disruptive behavior.
However, cultural attitudes are slowly shifting to discourage overconsumption among younger generations. Binge drinking rates have declined over the past decade but remain relatively high compared to other developed countries.
In summary, the legal drinking age of 20 Korean years/19 international years is strictly enforced. But responsible public drinking is commonplace for those of legal age. Moderation is still expected to avoid hefty fines.
