Korean Job Discussion Forums

[revelation2221]

From what I've read so far, it's pretty much expected that in Korea, you will drink, and you will (most likely) get drunk (at least occasionally). If I'm wrong, please feel free to tell me, and disregard the rest of this message.

This poses a slight problem for me, as I don't drink, never have, and would prefer not to.

Now, I would be willing to budge a bit for cultural expectations or just to be polite, but getting totally plastered is out of the question. To make things worse, I have no tolerance for or experience with alcohol, and I'm a lightweight (just short of 140 lbs (64 kg)).

Basically, what would you suggest for someone who doesn't want to get drunk, but still wants an active social life?

[CentralCali]

Use my method. All you have to do is say, "I do not drink alcohol." That will close the matter for most people.

[bobbyhanlon]

maybe join groups of people who like the outdoors, ie. mountain walking, cycling, this kind of stuff.

generally though social activity in korea absolutely revolves around alcohol. to be honest, if i didn't like a drink, i don't think i would have enjoyed korea. same goes for vegetarianism- sitting around a table eating meat and drinking soju, thats how friendships are made in korea. maybe its the mongol influence or something.. for me, this is wonderful, but if you don't like that, things can be pretty tough.

[thoreau]

[ED209]

[The evil penguin]

I could be an arse and say "Just grow a pair and say NO", but that would be me being an arse. And i'm trying to de-arsify.

Actually, i know how you feel. I don't mind the odd beer, but usually while having a good barbeque with friends or out in the boat fishing and so on....certainly not because a group of borgs in suits will think less of me because i won't go along with the crowd.

It might have a lot to do with my wangta status at work- but hell, i've got daves whenever i need a whinge- but i couldn't care less what they think really. I do my job...one second past six o'clock on a friday afternoon/evening and I'm off like a frog in a sock stuffed into a letter box mid summer.


Maybe they'll respect you for it.... certainly the men won't... but the brownie points you DO earn your female colleagues may make up for the borg cold shoulders......or make your situation even worse. whatever...

[oskinny1]

I worked with a pretty devout christian who wouldn't drink. When soju was being consumed, he just filled his shot glass up with cider (not the boozy kind) and joined in. No one batted an eye.

[slideaway77]

Hey,
I'm on heavy meds so I can't drink. I have been teetotal over here for a few months and it has its good and bad points.
If I was you I'd get into exercise weight training, running something to focus on that you enjoy. It's doubtful you'll make any "soul mates" in the Korean gym as Koreans are shy! but it will keep you sane!!
As other people on here have said drinking is regarded highly in Korea by the "borg"-loved that description of suited Korean men!! Non drinking at restaurant meals is not allowed and will do you no favours!
Dating wise you could use online dating instead of picking up in bars alot of Korean women dont drink like western girls do on dates, which is a positive I guess so you could go to tea shops..
But, I still think gettting hammered in Itaewon on the weekends to hook up is the best approach..alcohol=seoul social lubrication.
Good luck man it's not easy.. I started a similar thread a few months back have a look.

[bixlerscott]

You can just get 1 drink and act like you're drinking, but end up only consuming 1/4 to 1/2 the beer by the end in 1 to 2 hours. Most settings only last about 1.5 hours. For soju in business dining situations, you can just take the 1st cheers shot with the rich guys such as your new bosses as it's important for building rapport and then you're finished drinking. Yes, often the Korean ladies in a work group will use Chilsung Cider soda when joining in for the 1st cheers shot. The ladies tend to be wiser. While not a lady, I chose not to drink their brew to get drunk since it's extremely low quality resulting in the most horrible hangover. I buy imports when wanting to enjoy a drink. Suggest a Wa Bar if going out to drink with a friend or anyone allowing you some decision making. Wa Bars are fun ice bars where you get a choice of many different kinds of chillin on ice import beers with a bar surrounding the ice pit. You should try it, but don't expect happy hour prices though they don't make you buy anju food like hofs.

[The evil penguin]

[dragon777]

As a foreigner here in Korea it does not really matter that much. However, if you are into social/job climbing it comes with the territory whether you like it or not. Especially foreign management positions. Most of these require the foreigner if she/he wants to get on to the ladder to the better jobs. Not in all cases but most of them.

[the_beaver]

[oldtactics]

At social outings with your coworkers, let your boss or principal fill your glass, cheers with everyone else, and just don't drink it. The act of offering and accepting is more important to Koreans than whether you're actually going to drink it or not. Just be polite and they won't pressure you.

[revelation2221]

Thanks, that really helps.

I guess I'm probably going to have to start drinking then. I think it'll work well to accept the drink and drink really slowly, or take the first shot and be done.

I'll be acquiring a taste for booze then.

[Oreovictim]

As soon as you get your little soju shot glass, just turn it upside down. If anyone is being persistent, just say, "소용 없서요." (소영 없서요?) I think that it means, "It's no use." I'm not going to bother to try to write it out in English. Just learn to read Korean once you get here; it's easy.