Alcohol in Korea is cheap and easy to buy. A bottle of soju runs about ₩1,500–₩2,000 at a convenience store (and roughly ₩4,000–₩6,000 in a restaurant), beer is similar, and you can buy it 24/7 at convenience stores and supermarkets — there's no late-night sales cutoff like some countries have. The only hard rule is age: you must be 19 (calendar-year basis — born 2007 or earlier in 2026), and stores check ID, so carry your passport or ARC. Alcohol is sold in shops, not specialized liquor stores, and you can legally drink in many public places like parks. Drinking and the culture around it is a big part of Korean social life.
One of the small culture shocks for visitors is how cheap and casual buying alcohol is in Korea. Soju costs less than a coffee, the corner convenience store sells it around the clock, and drinking in a park is perfectly normal. After the strict rules of some home countries, it can feel surprisingly relaxed — with one firm line: age.
Here's what things cost, where and when to buy, and the few rules that actually matter.
How much does alcohol cost in Korea?
Korea is genuinely cheap for drinking, especially the local staples:
Drink | Convenience store | Restaurant / bar |
|---|---|---|
Soju (360ml bottle) | ~₩1,500–₩2,000 | ~₩4,000–₩6,000 |
Domestic beer (e.g., Cass, Terra) | ~₩2,500–₩3,000 | ~₩4,000–₩7,000 |
Makgeolli (rice wine) | ~₩1,500–₩2,500 | ~₩4,000–₩8,000 |
Imported beer / cocktails | ~₩3,000–₩4,500 | ~₩8,000–₩15,000+ |
The big markup is in bars and restaurants — convenience-store prices are a fraction of what you'd pay seated. Imported wine and spirits are comparatively pricey due to taxes.
Why is soju so cheap?
Soju is Korea's national drink, mass-produced and lightly taxed compared with imported spirits, which keeps it around the price of a bottle of water. It's typically 16–17% ABV (lower than vodka), comes in the iconic green bottle, and is sold everywhere. That combination — cheap, available, social — is why it's central to Korean nightlife and meals.
Where can you buy alcohol?
Pretty much everywhere that sells food:
Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24) — the default, open 24/7
Supermarkets and hypermarkets (Emart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart)
Restaurants and bars to drink on-site
Traditional markets for makgeolli and local liquors
There's no separate "liquor store" licensing system like in some countries — beer, soju and most spirits sit right on the shelf next to snacks.
What are the hours and rules?
This is where Korea is more relaxed than many places:
No late-night sales ban. Convenience stores sell alcohol 24 hours, so there's no "can't buy after 10pm" rule.
Drinking in public is broadly allowed. Parks, riversides (the Han River is famous for it), and many outdoor spaces are fine for a casual drink — pair convenience-store soju or beer with delivery food and you've got a classic Korean evening.
The one strict rule is age. You must be 19, and stores check ID. (Some local areas have begun restricting public drinking in specific parks — watch for posted signs.)
The age rule (the only hard line)
You must be 19 to buy alcohol, on Korea's calendar-year basis: anyone born in 2007 or earlier can buy alcohol throughout 2026, even before their birthday. Stores ask for ID if you look young — carry your passport (best for tourists) or ARC (residents). A phone photo usually isn't accepted. Full details are in our Korean drinking age guide.
A few culture notes
Pouring etiquette: it's polite to pour for others (not yourself), hold the bottle with two hands for elders, and turn slightly away when drinking with seniors.
Soju + beer = "somaek," a popular mix.
Anju: Koreans almost always drink with food (fried chicken, jeon, etc.) — bars expect you to order some.
Drink-driving is punished hard — never drive after drinking; use Kakao T or public transport.
Budget your trip
Trip Budget Calculator — A few convenience-store soju nights vs. cocktail bars makes a real difference to your spend. Build a realistic Korea budget — food, drinks, transport and hotels — in a couple of minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a bottle of soju in Korea?
About ₩1,500–₩2,000 at a convenience store and roughly ₩4,000–₩6,000 in a restaurant or bar. Soju is cheap because it's the lightly-taxed national spirit, which is why it's everywhere in Korean social life.
Can you buy alcohol 24 hours in Korea?
Yes. Convenience stores sell alcohol around the clock, and there's no late-night sales cutoff like in some countries. The only restriction is the 19+ age check, so carry valid ID.
What's the legal age to buy alcohol in Korea?
19, on a calendar-year basis — anyone born in 2007 or earlier can buy alcohol in 2026, regardless of their exact birthday. Stores check ID; a passport (tourists) or ARC (residents) is best. See our drinking age guide.
Can you drink alcohol in public in Korea?
Broadly yes — parks, riversides (the Han River is a favorite) and many outdoor areas are fine for a casual drink, which is a normal part of Korean life. Some specific parks have started restricting it, so check posted signs locally.
Where's the cheapest place to buy alcohol?
Convenience stores and supermarkets, by a wide margin versus bars and restaurants. Soju and domestic beer are cheapest there, while imported wine, spirits and cocktails carry a much higher markup, especially when seated.
Do I need ID even if I look older?
Stores may still ask, especially for foreigners, since penalties for selling to minors fall on the business. Carry your passport or ARC — a photo on your phone is often not accepted, particularly at clubs and bars.