If you've ever worked in Korea or even visited for business, you might have heard of Hoesik (회식) . It's a company dinner (or sometimes lunch) where coworkers get together to eat, drink, and bond. Sounds fun, right? Well… it depends on who you ask! Some people love it, others dread it . Let’s dive into what makes Hoesik both a blessing and a curse, and how it has changed after COVID-19. The Good Side of Hoesik One of the best things about Hoesik is that it helps break the ice between coworkers . In Korean work culture, hierarchy can be pretty strict, so these gatherings provide a rare chance to talk casually with your boss or colleagues. People share personal stories, joke around, and build stronger relationships outside of the office setting. It can also be a great way to de-stress after work. With delicious food (think Korean BBQ, fried chicken, or seafood) and drinks flowing, it’s a moment to enjoy and relax with your team. Some even say Hoesik is where real teamwork s...
If you've ever worked in Korea or even visited for business, you might have heard of Hoesik (회식). It's a company dinner (or sometimes lunch) where coworkers get together to eat, drink, and bond. Sounds fun, right? Well… it depends on who you ask! Some people love it, others dread it. Let’s dive into what makes Hoesik both a blessing and a curse, and how it has changed after COVID-19.
The Good Side of Hoesik
One of the best things about Hoesik is that it helps break the ice between coworkers. In Korean work culture, hierarchy can be pretty strict, so these gatherings provide a rare chance to talk casually with your boss or colleagues. People share personal stories, joke around, and build stronger relationships outside of the office setting.
It can also be a great way to de-stress after work. With delicious food (think Korean BBQ, fried chicken, or seafood) and drinks flowing, it’s a moment to enjoy and relax with your team. Some even say Hoesik is where real teamwork starts because you get to see a more human side of your coworkers.
The Not-So-Great Side of Hoesik
On the flip side, Hoesik can sometimes feel more like an obligation than an invitation. In the past, employees were often expected to attend, even if they were tired or had personal plans. Saying “no” wasn’t easy, especially for junior employees who didn’t want to seem disrespectful.
Another issue is the drinking culture that often comes with Hoesik. While it’s totally fine to enjoy a drink, some workplaces had a tradition of “one-shot” (finishing your drink in one go) or bosses encouraging employees to drink more than they wanted. Thankfully, this pressure is decreasing, but it was a big reason why some people disliked Hoesik.
How Hoesik Has Changed After COVID-19
Like many aspects of life, Hoesik has changed since the pandemic. The biggest shift? It happens much less often. Before COVID, some companies had Hoesik almost weekly. Now, many companies only do it occasionally, like for team celebrations or year-end parties.
The format has also changed. Instead of late-night drinking sessions, more companies are choosing casual lunches or coffee meetups.
Most importantly, the idea that Hoesik should be optional is becoming more accepted. Younger employees, especially, value their personal time and feel comfortable skipping Hoesik without worrying about negative consequences.
Final Thoughts
Love it or hate it, Hoesik is a unique part of Korean work culture. While it has its downsides, it also offers a chance to bond with colleagues in a more relaxed setting. The good news? The culture is evolving, and there’s more flexibility than before.
So, if you ever get invited to a Hoesik, give it a try! You might end up enjoying it more than you expect. And if it’s not your thing? No worries—these days, skipping it is totally fine too.
What do you think about Hoesik? Would you love it or avoid it?