Business and Workplace Series EP 7: After-Work Socializing: The Korean Concept of 회식 (Hoesik)"

 

Episode 7: "After-Work Socializing: The Korean Concept of 회식 (Hoesik)"

Today’s episode is about the Korean concept of ‘회식’ (hoesik), or after-work socializing.

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[1: Key Vocabulary ]

• 회식 (hoesik) – After-work gathering
• 건배 (geonbae) – Cheers
• 술 (sul) – Alcohol
• 안주 (anju) – Side dishes served with drinks
• 분위기 (bunwigi) – Atmosphere

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[ 2: Useful Phrases ]

Participating in Conversation:

• '건배합시다!' (Geonbaehapsida!) – Let’s toast!
• '좋은 분위기네요.' (Joeun bunwigineyo.) – It’s a great atmosphere.

Politely Declining Alcohol:

• '죄송하지만 술은 못 마십니다.' (Joesonghajiman sul-eun mot masimnida.) – Sorry, I can’t drink alcohol.

Thanking Colleagues:

• '오늘 즐거웠습니다.' (Oneul jeulgeowotseumnida.) – I had a great time today.

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[3: Practice Dialogue ]

Scenario: Toasting at a 회식

Manager:
다 같이 건배합시다!
(Da gachi geonbaehapsida!) – Let’s all toast!

You:
건배! (Geonbae!) – Cheers!

Manager:
분위기가 정말 좋네요.
(Bunwigiga jeongmal jonneyo.) – The atmosphere is really great.

You:
네, 오늘 즐겁습니다.
(Ne, oneul jeulgeopseumnida.) – Yes, I’m having fun today.

“Great work today!  See you next time! 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo). Goodbye!”