Korean hoesik (회식) is technically a workplace team dinner.

In practice, it has historically been:

• a loyalty test

• a hierarchy performance

• a drink you didn't choose

• attendance that was "optional" (everyone understood what that meant)

The table didn't teach hierarchy only at home.

It followed Koreans straight into the office.

That said: hoesik is genuinely changing.

Younger Koreans are pushing back, gatherings are shorter, and "작은 회식" — a small, low-key dinner — is now a thing. (Which would have sounded like pure nonsense a generation ago.)

In fact, things are shifting so much that many companies are now replacing the dreaded heavy-drinking night outs with a simple, pleasant team lunch instead!

If you're curious about what a Korean corporate dinner actually looks like, and how much effort goes into making a modern hoesik "chill" and enjoyable for everyone, check out this recent K-drama clip below.

It captures a fun slice of this evolving culture. 👇🥂