Living in Korea TipsA Foreigner’s Guide to 회식 (Korean Work Dinner Culture) 🍗🍺

Whether you’re working part-time, doing internships, or working for a company ‘Hoesik’ (회식) is something many foreigners in Korea encounter. Learning about it can help you feel more comfortable in Korean social culture and create a bond with your colleagues and seniors at the same time.

image created with chatgpt

🍺What Is 회식? (Hoesik)

회식 is a group meal organized by a company, team, or organization after work or an event.

It’s not just about eating that tasty samgyeopsal together with soju, or chicken and beer, it is a social gathering where people:

• build relationships
• communicate more freely
• relax outside of formal settings such as in the workplace

Common places include Korean BBQ restaurants, chicken spots, or local pubs.

🌍 Can Foreigners Join?

Yes. Foreigners are often invited to 회식, especially in:

• workplaces
• university groups
• internships

It’s completely okay if you’re not familiar with the culture since most people understand and will guide you. (even if you don’t drink alcohol you can still join and enjoy the food too)

🍖What Usually Happens?

A typical 회식 may include:

• sharing dishes (like samgyeopsal-my favorite or stew)
• group conversations and getting to know each other
• sometimes moving to a second place (called 2차 and sometimes until 3차) for drinks or….you know what I’m about to say- 노래방 (noraebang)
• Somaek (soju + beer) is always a must drink

Not all 회식 is the same and it depends on your company or team. Some may be short and casual, others can last longer.

👍 Why It’s Important

회식 is often seen as a way to:

• get closer to co-workers or classmates
• show team spirit
• improve communication outside formal environments

For foreigners, it can be a great chance to experience Korean culture firsthand outside of the professional setting.

🙏 Basic Etiquette Tips

To feel more comfortable, here are a few simple tips:

• Wait for elders or seniors to start eating first
• Use both hands when receiving drinks from someone older, and if you’re a junior you should be the one to pour the drink with two hands
• The junior usually grills the meat (unless the senior wants to do it) and the junior is usually the one who gets the side dishes and prepares the utensils
• Turn your head slightly away from the boss or senior when drinking
• Be polite and engage in conversation

If you don’t drink alcohol, you can say:
“죄송하지만 술은 잘 못 마셔요.”
(I’m sorry, I’m not good at drinking.)

They would understand so do not worry!

🌟Things to Know

• Drinking alcohol is optional, not required so don’t pressure yourself and try to have fun
• You can leave early if needed, just be polite about it (though usually the boss leaves first)
• Some 회식 may feel a bit formal depending on the group
• Make sure to HAVE FUN and socialize

🫶Final Tip

회식 might feel unfamiliar at first, but it’s a meaningful part of Korean culture. Even just showing up and being respectful can leave a good impression. In addition, it is where bonds form and at first you might feel burdened and uncomfortable but trust me its going to be fun and just be natural (but still take note of the basic etiquettes okay?)

Now you know 회식—take it easy and enjoy the culture 🍻