Work meetings, known as hoesik, are occasions where colleagues and superiors gather to drink after a workday. These events serve not only as leisure moments but also as opportunities to discuss business and solidify relationships. In a highly competitive society like South Korea one, alcohol consumption is often used as a way to alleviate accumulated stress. Koreans primarily drink to relax and feel comfortable, especially after long workdays; in this sense, drinking culture provides an opportunity to escape daily pressures and socialize in an informal setting.

Moreover, the relatively low cost of alcoholic beverages—especially soju—contributes to its widespread consumption. Despite recent price increases, a bottle of rice liquor still costs slightly more than a bottle of water, making it easily accessible to everyone. This economic factor encourages many to choose alcohol as a recreational option.

Drinking Etiquette

The drinking culture in Korea comes with strict social rules. For instance, it is considered rude to pour your own drink; beverages must be poured by another person, especially if they are a superior, elder, or respected individual. Additionally, when pouring a drink, it is customary to use both hands: the right hand holds the bottle while the left hand supports the right wrist. Similarly, when receiving a drink, the glass should be held with both hands. One should never fill their glass until it is completely empty as a sign of respect toward fellow diners. Always serve the oldest or most respected person present first and never refuse a drink; doing so is considered impolite! These norms reflect respect for social hierarchy and the importance of interpersonal relationships.

In Korea, drinking culture has become so mainstream that it has even developed into a flourishing economy for hangover remedies—a rapidly growing sector valued at approximately $288 million in 2022, expected to rise significantly in subsequent years. This market includes various products such as pills, drinks, and cosmetics designed to alleviate hangover symptoms. Among the most popular remedies is haejangguk, a traditional soup said to help recover energy and detoxify the body. In recent years, innovations like hangover-recovery ice cream have emerged that combine traditional ingredients like oriental raisins with modern formats to attract consumers.

Despite positive traditions related to socialization and its beneficial impact on the economy, excessive alcohol consumption has raised public health concerns. The WHO reports that in 2014, the age-standardized death rate from liver cirrhosis was 50 per 100,000 for males and 57.5 for females. For road traffic accidents, there were 18 male fatalities and 11 female fatalities per 100,000. In cases of death from cirrhosis of the liver, the chance that alcohol caused the disease is 18% and 11%, respectively. In recent years there has been growing awareness of the risks associated with heavy drinking, leading to more government campaigns promoting responsible consumption. However, alcohol’s influence remains strong as social events continue to revolve around it.