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Seoul office hoesik drinking culture - mandatory three-round progression through Jongno

Korean office colleagues invite you to hoesik in Jongno-gu after work. This isn't optional social time - it's mandatory team bonding with strict drinking protocol you can't escape.

Round one: galbi restaurant with soju bottles. Round two: chicken and beer at hof. Round three: noraebang until 3am. Refusing drinks considered seriously rude especially from senior colleagues.

Never pour your own drink, always receive with both hands, drink when others drink. Broke these rules once during my first Seoul hoesik, still cringe remembering the awkward silence.

G
grumpyollie
29/01/2026

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