SEOUL, South Korea — Company after-work drinking culture in South Korea is declining as younger workers reduce participation in late-night corporate gatherings and heavy alcohol consumption.
Workers and industry observers said “hoesik,” the traditional company dinner often involving extended drinking sessions, has become less frequent in recent years.
Office workers described earlier departures from company events compared with previous norms, with many leaving gatherings before midnight instead of continuing until early morning.
A 34-year-old office worker said extended drinking sessions that once lasted until 2 or 3 a.m. are now rare, with employees more likely to end gatherings earlier.
A 31-year-old marketing employee said workplace drinking habits shifted after the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions and curfews changed social behavior.
A 25-year-old respondent said she does not drink alcohol and said many of her peers prefer non-alcoholic social activities.
Data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency showed that binge drinking rates declined across South Korea’s regions after peaking in 2023. The agency defines binge drinking as consuming seven drinks for men or five drinks for women on a single occasion at least once a month.
The data showed regional differences, with some areas recording higher rates than others, while several provinces recorded declines over the past year.
Health survey results also showed that a growing share of people in their 20s either abstain from alcohol or drink less than once a month compared with older age groups.
Experts cited changes in social habits formed during the pandemic and shifting preferences among younger generations as factors contributing to reduced alcohol consumption.
A sociology professor said many university students entered college during the pandemic and did not experience traditional group drinking events, affecting long-term drinking habits.
A consumer studies expert said younger people are increasingly choosing to limit alcohol intake based on health considerations and lifestyle preferences, reflecting broader changes in social attitudes toward drinking.