Korean Job Discussion Forums

Viaje · Joined: 03 Feb 2009 Location: Indebted, USA

I don't drink alcohol, although I do enjoy a really good glass of red wine on occasion, though haven't even done that probably in over a year. So drinking is really not part of my life. I remember being told by Americans who had corporate jobs in Japan that it was considered part of the job to go out with coworkers after work and have a few drinks. I would not be up for that type of situation. How is it for teachers in Korea. Would I constantly be insulting people if I say that I'm sorry I don't drink? There are tens of thousands of English teachers there, there must be a percentage of non-drinkers. How many here at Dave's don't drink or only occasionally?

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008

The ex-pats in my area drink when they get together. Drinking is the reason for their friendships.

I don't mind drinking but I stay away from people who make drinking the reason they hang around together.

Lots of alcholics here looking for others to make their reality seam normal.

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

You do not have to drink booze to get along in Korea. Just be firm in your stance and don't cave into the pressure. You'll find that you get more respect from the people that count than if you cave.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Drinking is a large part of male social culture here, but it is not all. The number of non-drinkers among young people is much much higher than when I first arrived and it isn't really a problem for them. For one thing, they can just volunteer to be the designated driver.

I've seen lots of people just ask for Chilsung Cider (7-Up) and drink along with everyone else for the toasts. No one really minds. The key is that they take part in a group social activity. It's the willingness to try to get along that is important, not the detail of getting slobbering drunk.

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

I've been meeting more and more people here who don't drink, or drink very little alchohol and I think that's great! A couple of years ago, the gov. and businesses re-evaluated alchohol in the workforce and came to realise that it was harming productivity. Since then, it's been much easier to decline the booze.

I think it's important to find people that will respect you for who you are and not how much booze you can stomache. On the flip side, much socialising happens around "watering holes". The key for you might be to find alternative ways of doing things where booze is not the be all and end all of an event. In that case, I would recommend Seoul since there are many more alternatives than some of the other fishing villages like Busan. Smile

cdninkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

I don't drink and I get along fine; my friends don't drink either. It's been an issue in the past, but with time you'll find like-minded people.

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

Let's see! Early Monday morning. You're getting all of us that are kind of bright eyed and bushy tailed, relatively early risers. Give it another 2 or 3 hours and you're going to hear a totally different tune! Smile

Only half-kidding.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

I didn't start drinking until I came to Korea, and it wasn't due to any pressure. You might be surprised Laughing

Thumbnail Postermonkey · Joined: 24 Jul 2006

I found it easier to make new "friends" (gain more business) through drinking with the greysuits at the companies I worked with....eventually, it sorta worked for me. Although if you're up to 2-3 bottles of Soju 2-3 times a week, you may need to take a step back. Stick to your guns re.: how you feel about drinking as it applies to ya and make no apologies for it either. But it worked for me.

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

If you want to drink tell people you are a Christian then all sane people willl avoid you.

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

You''ll be fine...just do a shot or two of soju if you absolutely must drink....there are alot of christians who don't drink...the culture is used to it now...

nene · Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Location: Samcheok, Gangwon-do

Sorry for the shameless blog plug, but check out this recent post; specifically about a page down: who does best and worst in Korea...

http://viewfromgangwon.blogspot.com/2009/01/teaching-and-living-in-korea-gangwon-do.html

sarbonn · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Location: Michigan

I don't drink anymore, and I have no problems here in Korea.

crusher_of_heads · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 6:13 pm Post subject:

You'll get more handwringing if you resist eating some of the crappy food like octopus or sangyupsal then saying no to a drink.