🤔 What is a “Hoesik”? Korean After-Work Dinners Explained
🍻 What is a “Hoesik”? Korean After-Work Dinners Explained
If you work with Koreans, you’ll eventually hear 회식 (hoesik)—the after-work team dinner. It looks casual, but there’s structure, etiquette, and useful language worth learning. Below is a practical guide (with Korean lines + romanization + English) to help you join confidently—without faux pas.
한국에서 일하거나 한국 팀과 협업하면 회식을 접하게 됩니다. 격식과 예절, 알아두면 좋은 표현을 함께 정리했어요. 실제 상황에서 바로 써 보세요.
📚 Table of Contents (tap)
1) What does “hoesik” mean?
회식 literally means “company meal.” Teams gather after work to welcome newcomers, celebrate milestones, or de-stress. It’s considered an extension of work—relationship-building time with food and (often) drinks.
‘회사 식사’라는 뜻으로, 신입 환영·프로젝트 기념·팀 리프레시 등 다양한 이유로 진행됩니다. 업무의 연장선이자 관계를 다지는 시간으로 여겨집니다.
2) Typical flow (1차 → 2차 → 3차)
- 1차 (restaurant): BBQ/samgyeopsal, bulgogi, stew + drinks
- 2차 (hof/bar): snacks (anju), beer/soju/highballs
- 3차 (optional): karaoke (노래방) or dessert café
요즘은 점심 회식·건강 회식(무알코올, 활동형)도 늘고 있어요.
3) Hoesik etiquette: do & don’t
✅ Pour for others (esp. seniors); hold bottle/glass with two hands
✅ Turn slightly away when sipping in front of seniors
✅ Try a little of the first toast if possible; you may say you’ll go slow
❌ Don’t fill your own glass first (let others pour for you)
❌ Don’t leave early without a heads-up (give a simple reason)
술을 못 마시면 “저는 술이 약해서, 천천히 마실게요.”처럼 미리 부드럽게 말해 두면 좋아요.
4) Useful phrases
| Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 건배! | geonbae! | Cheers! |
| 잘 먹겠습니다 / 잘 먹었습니다. | jal meokgetseumnida / jal meogeotseumnida | Thank you (before/after eating). |
| 부장님, 한 잔 받으세요. | bujangnim, han jan badeuseyo | Manager, please have a drink. |
| 저는 술이 약해서 천천히 마실게요. | jeoneun suli yakhaeseo cheoncheonhi masilgeyo | I’m a light drinker—I’ll go slow. |
| 오늘 즐거웠습니다. 다음에 또 뵙겠습니다. | oneul jeulgeowotsseumnida. daeume tto boepgetseumnida | I had a great time. See you again next time. |
5) Common mistakes
- Pouring your own drink first → Let someone else pour; then reciprocate.
- One-hand pouring/receiving → Use two hands (or support your arm).
- Disappearing without notice → Tell your lead early: “오늘은 먼저 들어가 보겠습니다.”
- Refusing the first toast bluntly → Soften it: “조금만 받을게요.”
6) Did you know?
Many teams now choose 활동형 회식 (bowling, screen golf, hiking) or 점심 회식. Culture differs by company/manager, so read the room and follow the organizer’s lead.
요즘은 활동형·점심 회식이 늘었습니다. 회사·리더에 따라 분위기가 달라지니, 주최자 신호를 따라가면 안전해요.
7) FAQ
Q. I don’t drink alcohol. Is it okay to refuse?
A. Yes. Say you’ll participate with food/soft drinks: “저는 음료로 함께할게요.”
술을 못 마셔도 괜찮습니다. “저는 음료로 함께할게요.”라고 자연스럽게 말하세요.
Q. Do I have to attend every round?
A. No. Join 1st round, then excuse yourself politely if needed.
모든 차수를 참석할 필요는 없습니다. 1차만 참석 후 정중히 양해를 구하세요.
Q. Who pays?
A. Often covered by the team budget or the most senior attendee; follow your lead’s cue.
팀 예산 또는 상급자가 계산하는 경우가 많습니다. 리드의 안내를 따르세요.
8) Related posts & searches
- Basic Korean Greetings You Must Know
- Making Phone Calls in Korean
- How to Type in Korean on Your Keyboard
Related searches: Korean work culture, 회식 예절, Korean business etiquette, cheers in Korean, company dinner phrases
9) Practice for work culture
Want to role-play a full hoesik—from ordering BBQ to polite toasts and graceful exits? Get corrections on tone and honorifics.
🗓️ Update & transparency
Last updated: Aug 28, 2025 (KST)
This guide is continuously refined based on learner feedback—politeness, nuance, and real workplace situations. 완전히 만족할 때까지 계속 업데이트합니다.
