Soju Games

Posted by ZenKimchi in Beverages, Top Posts | 0 comments

“I’m getting too old for this shit.” – Roger Murtaugh, Lethal Weapon

I thought I knew drinking culture. I guess I just don’t go out and party like I used to. Any time I hear about some drinking game or tradition, people respond, “What? You didn’t know that?”

Here are some little things people do in Korea when they drink soju.

The Elbow Tap

Before opening a chilled bottle of soju, hold it upside down and tap the bottom vigorously against your elbow. Don’t know why. Maybe to disturb sediments. Maybe to make it open easier.

Flick the Strip

It’s inevitable. Whenever one opens a bottle of soju, there is always a metal strip dangling off the cap. People at the table pass it around and try to flick off the strip. The person sitting to the left of the successful flicker has to drink a shot.

Lucky Number

After flicking the strip, the flicker looks at the bottom of the cap, where there is a number. Everyone takes turns guessing it. The flicker tells them if the number is higher or lower. You have to guess within the parameters. For example, if someone says, “Thirty,” and the flicker says, “Higher,” you can’t guess below thirty. The person who guesses the correct number has to drink.

I always lose these games.

Joe McPherson is the founding editor of ZenKimchi. He is also dining editor for 10 Magazine and writes and consults for multiple publications. He is the only non-Korean judge for the Korean section of the Miele Guide--but don't ever call him a food critic.

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