What Does 안주 (Anju) Mean in Korean?
10-Second Answer
안주 (anju) means food eaten specifically alongside alcohol — not a snack in general, but the category of food that PAIRS with drinking. Korean drinking culture treats anju as essential, not optional: ordering drinks with no anju at all is unusual and can even draw a confused look from staff.
Quick Examples
안주 뭐 시킬까?
anju mwo sikilkka?
What should we order to go with the drinks?
이 집 안주가 맛있어서 유명해요.
i jip anjuga masisseoseo yumyeonghaeyo.
This place is famous for its anju.
Common Anju
| Anju | What it is |
|---|---|
| 치킨 (chikin) | Korean fried chicken — the classic 치맥 pairing with beer |
| 삼겹살 | Grilled pork belly, paired with soju |
| 마른안주 (mareun-anju) | "Dry anju" — dried squid, nuts, jerky-style snacks |
| 과일 안주 | Fruit platters — a lighter option, common with lower-proof drinks |
| 족발/보쌈 | Pig's trotters / boiled pork wraps — hearty bar food |
Why Anju Matters So Much
Drinking without anju is sometimes called 깡술 ("bare/plain drinking") and can come across as either unusual or a little concerning, since it's associated with drinking too fast or too seriously rather than the social, paced style anju supports. This connects to the broader pattern covered in the soju and drinking etiquette pages — Korean drinking culture is built around shared food and pacing, not drinking as a stand-alone activity.
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Thinking anju is just 'a snack'
It specifically describes food meant to accompany alcohol — not all Korean snack food qualifies as anju in context.
Mistake #2 — Skipping it to save money
It's such a core part of the culture that most drinking spots expect at least some anju order, and going without can seem odd rather than frugal.
Mini Quiz
1. What does 안주 specifically refer to?
2. What is 깡술?
3. What is 마른안주?
Related Knowledge
Learn Next
The single most famous anju-and-drink pairing in Korea deserves its own page.
Will you remember this tomorrow?
Add it to your review queue — the daily session brings it back before you forget.
Start today's study →Last updated: 2026-08-10 · Written and reviewed by a native Korean speaker.