한국의 회식과 음주 문화에 대한 가이드The Ultimate Guide to South Korea's 회식 (Hoeshik) and Drinking Culture

 

If you are traveling in South Korea, you will often see lively, energetic groups dining and drinking around major business districts late at night. The Korean drinking culture is closely tied to the concept of Hoeshik (회식)—corporate or social dinners that serve as a crucial part of team building and networking.

However, the culture underwent a massive transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changing generational values. Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding traditional and modern Korean drinking culture.

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Part 1: Before and After COVID-19 (코로나 전과 후의 변화)

1. Before COVID-19 (Traditional Hoeshik)

• The Scale: The traditional Hoeshik was characterized by massive, mandatory gatherings where the entire team would go to a Korean BBQ restaurant for dinner, followed by a '2nd round' (2차) at a pub, and sometimes even a '3rd round' (3차) at a karaoke bar (Noraebang).

• The Culture: There was heavy pressure to drink, and everyone was expected to finish their glasses (and the server's glass) as a sign of team spirit.

2. After COVID-19 (The Shift)

• Rise of Sub-Groups: Following the pandemic, companies and younger employees began avoiding long, late-night events. Hoeshik transformed into smaller lunches or early evening dinners that end before 9:00 PM.

• Respecting Personal Time: Working-from-home experiences taught people to value their personal lives, making mandatory participation in 2nd or 3rd rounds socially unacceptable in most corporate settings.

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Part 2: Recent Trends in 2026

The modern drinking culture is very different from the past:

1. 'Jeonyuk--eul-i-neun-salm' (저녁이 있는 삶 / Work-Life Balance)

• Hoeshik is now seen as an optional event rather than an extension of work. Many companies prefer cultural activities like watching a movie or dining at an upscale restaurant together.

2. 'Gan-pyeon-han Hoeshik' (간편한 회식 / Simple Gatherings)

• Instead of moving to multiple locations, teams often choose to stay at one premium restaurant with great food and finish the event quickly.

3. Low-Alcohol Trends (Somaek & Highballs)

• The traditional pressure to drink straight shots of Soju has been replaced by preferences for low-alcohol alternatives. Drinking Somaek (Soju + Beer) or premixed highballs is much more popular.

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Part 3: Useful Korean Drinking Phrases

• "Jam-si-man-yo, so-maek han-jan mal-a-ju-se-yo" means "Please make one glass of Somaek (Soju and Beer)."

• "Jal meok-get-sseumnida" means "I will eat and drink well."

• "One-shot" (원샷) means "Bottoms up" or "Finish your glass."

베풀되 보답을 구하지 말고, 처한 곳에서 조화롭지 못함이 없게 하라. 무리를 지어 남에게 음주나 참여를 강요하지 않고, 서로가 처한 상황과 개인의 삶을 존중하며 무리 전체가 자연스럽게 화합하고 만족하는 상태를 의미합니다.

Give without expecting a return, and ensure there is no disharmony wherever you are. Respect each individual's boundaries to achieve true social harmony.

참전계경 (參佺戒經) 제151사 충족

Chamjeongyegyeong (The Scripture of Mutual Ultimate Purity), Article 151 'Chung-jok' (Sufficiency)