What is the best way to explain to my dinner host that I don't drink alcohol ...?

Question

when they start ordering rounds for everybody? I don't want to insult them by refusing to drink with them. I don't drink alcohol because I simply don't like the taste. However, I don't like lying either. I live in China and many times I have to tell people (several times over) I am allergic to alcohol before they will order something else for me. Simply saying I don't drink isn't a good enough reason most of the time. Some people are cool and don't force it, but most of the time I start out with "I don't drink alcohol," but have to say "I am allergic. It will make me sick" before it's accepted that I will not be drinking alcohol. Would I have a similar problem in Korea? Or are most Koreans pretty cool with the non-drinkers in their party?

Answer 1

Say, I'm sorry but I don't drink... that should suffice

Answer 2

Tell them you are a Christian. Generally Christians don't drink in Korea. Only Roman Catholics drink.

Tell them you have a health condition that prevents you from being able to drink example hight blood pressure.

If they order you a drink place a large cup below your table when ever your glass in refilled discreetly transfer the drink from your glass to the larger glass under the table. I've seen this being done several times by other Koreans.

Answer 3

i have the same thing... what i do, is just drink a small amount in that case i did not not offended them, & then i explain my reason why, then they didnt force me after that, they respec it.

by the way do u speak korean? becuse it will be perfect if u can explain it to them in their language therefore they can understand u. well in case u don't just try this line..

미안합니다 ( mi yan ham ni da )
저 술을 마시지 아니요 ( jo su reul masiji aniyo )
때문에 술을 몸이 한테 ( te mune su reul momi ante )
안 좋아서 알레르기 있어요. ( an chuaso alle re gi isoyo )

in english : im so sorry
i don't drink, it's not good on my body
because of i have allergy to alcohol.

Answer 4

I don't drink either, but it depends on your personality. When someone is ordering a round, I raise my hand and say, "Minus one, I'm a designated driver!" I'll take a virgin water on the rocks!". This is usually a great way to break the tension. Good Luck!

Answer 5

If you are a foreigner, I think most Koreans would understand better the dislike for alcohol (compared to a Korean asking not to drink it).

If you are going to use the one-liners above, here are a few corrections (they're a bit incorrect)

I'm sorry,
미얀합니다 ( mi yan ham ni da )
I don't drink alcohol
전 술을 마시지 아나요 (jun, sool-eul mah-shi-ji ah-nah-yo) [vs
저 술을 마시지 아니요 ( jo su reul masiji aniyo )]

This is totally incorrect, don't use this:
to my body, alcohol (it doesn't make sense in English, either)
때문에 술을 몸이 한테 ( te mune su reul momi ante )
It's not good, I have an allergy (ok, this makes more sense in English, but still.)
안 좋아서 알레르기 있어요. ( an chuaso alle re gi isoyo )

If you wanted to say: "I have an allergy to alcohol so I can't drink it" then you would say:

전 술에 알레르기가 있어서 못 마셔요
(Jun sool-eh al-leh-reuh-gih-gah it-suh-suh mot mah-syuh-yo)

Hope that helps!

Answer 6

If you are at Dinner party, just say "no thanks" should be enough.
If you are at drinking party, say " no thank you, I don't drink, but, here, let me offer you some."
then take the bottle from the person and refilled their glasses. It's a great way to show them respect without breaking your own agenda.

Answer 7

you are use other drink as a placement of alcohol. simply use apple cider if you want. even though korean loves wine/ drinking, they have no problem excepting you like or dont like.

Answer 8

no thanks.......i'm driving