Beyond the Bottle: Rethinking South Korea’s Drinking Norms

In South Korea, a nation known for its technological prowess and rapid economic development, another, more troubling tradition persists: a deeply ingrained culture of heavy drinking. This cultural norm, underpinned by historical and social undercurrents, is now at a crossroads, facing growing scrutiny amid changing societal values and increasing awareness of the health and social costs associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

The roots of Korea’s drinking culture are ancient and complex, intertwined with historical practices where alcohol was seen as a vital component of social rituals, medicinal remedies, and a means to foster community bonds. Literary and historical records from as early as the Goguryeo era laud alcohol as a panacea and a social lubricant, integral to honoring ancestors and facilitating social interaction. This positive portrayal, bolstered by Confucian ideals that associate drinking with virtue and sincerity, has perpetuated a culture where alcohol consumption is not just accepted but expected.

In contemporary South Korea, this legacy manifests in the ubiquitous “hoesik” or company dinners, where bonding over drinks is considered essential for workplace harmony and career advancement. However, this tradition often blurs the line between socializing and coercion, leading to adverse outcomes ranging from personal health issues to societal costs exceeding 20 trillion won annually.

The pressure to drink, deeply embedded in both corporate and academic settings, has led to tragic incidents, including deaths from forced consumption among university students and workers. These incidents highlight the darker aspects of Korea’s drinking ethos, where refusal can mean social ostracization or professional stagnation. This coercion, often from hierarchical superiors, underscores a critical issue: the normalization of binge-drinking and the social mandate to participate in it, regardless of personal well-being.

Despite these concerns, government action to address alcohol abuse has been tepid. While efforts to curb drunk driving and underage drinking exist, comprehensive policies targeting the culture of binge-drinking are conspicuously absent. The affordability of alcohol, particularly soju, further exacerbates the problem, making it…