Korean Business Drinking Culture
The south korean working culture almost encourages drinking.
Korean business drinking culture. This is considered a great honour. Don t be surprised by this as eating and drinking together especially in a professional setting is a major part of korean culture drinking and socializing. Many companies hold work dinners called hoesik which means eating and drinking with work colleagues.
During those times and still today this took place during a ritual to show respect to ancestors. For this reason it is crucial to understand some fundamental korean cultural practices within the business context. You should always remove your shoes and remember to point them towards the front door.
Hospitality is an important part of south korean business culture. South korea s drinking culture reveals much about its social structure lifestyle and traditions. Mondays are a big night for hoesik so there are fewer cars at evening rush hour as most office workers leave them at work so they can go drinking.
South korea s interest in creating its own alcohol came about during the koryo dynasty 946 943 when exposure to foreign cultures and the introduction of distilled water created the basis and. The beverages themselves are also reflective of the country s geography climate and cultures. Drinking is such a big part of korean life that seoul traffic is said to correspond with the city s drinking culture.
Like the french drinking wine drinking alcohol is an essential part of a korean s life. Since the invention of korean alcohol several hundred years ago koreans have had the habit of consuming alcohol when celebrating important holidays. Because eating and drinking is so important in korean culture participating in drinking with your potential business partner is a great way to help form that interpersonal working relationship with them.
Tvn netflix connoisseurs of korean dramas and movies will be familiar with that huge red tent where the characters frequent to drink soju for everything from a breakup to a celebration. Alcohol mostly referring to soju is an inevitable factor when engaging in korean business hweshiks. The korean drinking culture goes all the way back to the old days.