Korean Job Discussion Forums

tanklor1 · Joined: 13 Jun 2006

I'm heading to Korea next year and right now I'm going over every base that I can think of and I may have found a snag in my plans.

Perhaps I'm over thinking things and this type of situation may never come up but if it does it would pose a dilemma for me.

I'm a person who prides himself that he doesn't drink, I have never touched alcohol and I don�t really plan to. But I was thinking that maybe this may be a problem if I am ever out in a social function where drinking is present. Now I have nothing against alcohol, it�s just something that I don�t do. But my stance on the issue may be a problem for me. So is there any polite way of telling people that I don�t drink without offending them? Or should I suck it up and stay quiet and just drink small amounts? It isn�t that big of a deal and as I said it might not even be a problem for me, but it is something that I�m considering.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Not a problem. Just order a coke or something instead and say you don't drink. Sometimes in Korea people will offer things a few times, but that might be because they assume you're just being polite by saying no. One of my friends here, who posts on this board, doesn't usually drink. I don't think he had any difficulties.

justincan · Joined: 19 Jul 2006

How old are you? have you not been in a social situation in your home country where everyone else was drinking? I suspect Korea is not that different.

If you haven't tried alcohol, I would sugest you give it go. Its a great social lubricator.

However if its really not your thing, I dont think anybody will look down on you for not drinking.

The worst thing is being somewhere where the only person not drunk is you, or being somehwere and the only person drunk is you.

tanklor1 · Joined: 13 Jun 2006

mithridates · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 10:48 am Post subject:

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

It's perfectly OK to not drink. Should you decide to drink a little, just make sure your glass is not empty. As long as it's full (or nearly so) no one will try to give you more. The easiest thing is to just order a Coke (or whatever) and be done with it.

pegpig · Joined: 10 May 2005

I'm surprised at all the 'nobody cares if you drink or not' responses from the pros onboard. True, they can't force you to drink. But, the push, push, push is ALWAYS there and gets annoying quickly for me. If you don't mind lying you could tell people you have an extreme allergy to alcohol.

I'd say Mr. Kotter's gotta go.

ella · Joined: 17 Apr 2006

You can always order something non-alcoholic. I think it's more of a problem to be a non-smoker. You can be around people who are drinking alcohol and not drink alcohol, but if you're around smokers, you're smoking, too.

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

I must admit, the advice here seems a little too optimistic, though having said that, you won't have any BIG trouble. I suggest not drinking just a little bit, it is sort of like putting your foot in the door. Completely refuse from the beginning and continue to do so. I think almost all normal people here (unless alkies) will understand a strong stance, but if you drink a little, they won't understand why you suddenly stop. I know a couple teachers at my school make themselves the designated driver so they don't have to drink. And one lady absolutely hates drinking, but they still somewhat "force" her to drink. On the other hand, the hardcore Christian said no alcohol right from the beginning and he just toasts with Sprite (cider).

seoulshock · Joined: 12 Jul 2005

yeah you can say you're allergic to alcohol... it's a lie, but guess what? they know it's a lie, but it's a way of letting them know that you won't drink no matter what... and that any attempt from them to pressure you into it will make you say no over and over again, rejecting them and causing them to lose face. so you're allergic, OK?

own_king · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Location: here

Living here and not drinking would be tough, almost as tough as being a vegetarian (unless you love your bibimbap). Korea is a drinking culture soju=hoju, right? Thankfully, I have all the necessary vices for Korea - booze, meat, and girls hehe - well everything except smoking, but I smoke a pack a day secondhand, if that counts.

jinks · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: Formerly: Lower North Island

heydelores · Joined: 24 Apr 2006

I don't drink, and it's never been a problem. My friends and coworkers respect it. No one has ever been pushy or reacted as if I were doing something strange. I just order Cider when we go out and still have as much fun as everyone else--without any nasty side-effects!

Captain Corea · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Seoul

If you take a firm stance.. ther should be no problem.

If you waver, they'll think you are wanting to be convinced.

Hapkido-In · Joined: 24 Jun 2006

I don't drink and I've never had a problem with it in Korea.

When asked if I want to drink I just say "Nah, I don't drink".

It's simple.