Korean Job Discussion Forums

[davester13]

I would like to enjoy the Seoul experience like anyone else---arts & entertainment, the day-to-day living, the relationships----but I don't drink alcohol. Of course, I don't believe that drinking is a prerequisite for enjoying life in another country, yet I know how deeply ingrained it is in Korean culture. Do you think drinking is so pervasive in Seoul---and Korea---as to affect the quality of life of someone who doesn't drink? Would you live in Seoul----or even Korea---if you didn't drink?

In particular, I would like you to address relationships in regard to the above question. Is it significantly more challenging to meet women and form intimate relationships with them if you don't drink? Does Seoul have mutual interest or activity clubs/organizations that you find in the U.S., such as rollerblading, dancing, hiking, etc.? Thanks.

[Ya-ta Boy]

Probably half the women in Korea would heave a major sigh of relief if they could snag a husband who didn't drink. I don't think you need to worry about that aspect.

These days, more and more young people don't drink. It's becoming more common.

[Wrench]

I live in Korea and I don't drink. (Well maybe once in awhile.)

[hagwonchecklist]

After tasting Cass, Hite, and OB I still drank, but a lot less.

[the_beaver]

I don't drink. I live here.

[Dawn]

I don't drink and am in my fourth year here. My first job was at a church school, so drinking was not a part of required social functions (though most of the foreign teachers DID drink on their own time). At my present job, the drinker-to-non-drinker ratio is about 60/40. Whenever we have a staff function, alcohol is available for those who want it, and soft drinks are provided for the rest of us. It's simply a non-issue.

[SuperHero]

OP posted this twice. A 2 page version is available here: http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=47556

[kermo]