Work dinners and drinking culture
You have the right to say "I can't drink". Never force it down.
Basics of a hoesik
- A hoesik is a meal and drinks with work colleagues.
- Seating — seniors usually take the inner or head seats.
- Pouring — pour for seniors with both hands.
- Receiving — take the glass with both hands, and it is common to turn your head slightly to drink.
- Toasts — people say "위하여" or "짠" and clink glasses.
When you don't drink
- Say so clearly at the start — "저는 술을 못 합니다" or "I don't drink for religious reasons".
- Toasting with a soft drink is perfectly fine.
- You can also accept the glass and just touch it to your lips.
- If pressed, "my health doesn't allow it" usually settles it.
- You may leave early if unwell — mention it beforehand.
Worth knowing
- First round, second round — there is a culture of moving venue and continuing. Attending only the first is fine.
- Cost — usually the company or a senior pays, but some split it. Ask in advance.
- The next day — attending doesn't excuse you from the next day's work.
- Work dinners are sometimes treated as an extension of work. Where attendance is compulsory, ask 1350.
Questions people ask
Is attending compulsory? It cannot be forced. You may feel social pressure, so attending while declining alcohol is one approach.
I was pressured to drink. Pressure is not acceptable. If it repeats, consult 1350 or your company's grievance channel.
I was sexually harassed at a work dinner. Record it and report it immediately. You can consult or report to 1350, 1331 (National Human Rights Commission) or 112.
They asked me to pay towards the dinner. It varies by company custom. If it's a real burden, say so honestly.
Take care
Never drive after drinking. Drink-driving is punished severely and can affect your residence status. Use a designated driver service or a taxi. Assault and sexual harassment at a drinking gathering are crimes — don't endure them, report them. See driving-rules.
Related
korean-etiquette · age-honorifics · restaurant-etiquette · driving-rules · addiction-center
Source
Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, Danuri portal www.liveinkorea.kr / As of 2026-08