Do you drink more since arriving in South Korea?

Question

I am not a heavy drinker, but I have noticed I drink more since being in Korea than when I was back in Canada. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, why?

Answer 1

I do. And it's kinda strange why I would. Everything is so expensive here. In my hometown I can get a sixer for as little as 4 bucks, but here it is 6 bucks and even more when you get it at the corner shop.

Most of the other answerers have given you real good answers, but here is my reason. In my hometown I have loads of friends and family that keep me busy for the most part of my free time. I get out of work and meet up with some buddies for a game of 'clavajas' and when I get home the family has some kind of thing planned and so on and so on...

Apart from being lonely, I also deal with a lot of stress here in Korea and most of it is not work-related. I get homesick and I always worry about the day I have to move back and if everyone is ok back home.

Yeah, buddy! I drink a whole lot more in Korea than I would have back home. Loads more......

Porgie...out!

Answer 2

Yes!
It's practically impossible to live in Korea if you don't drink! A friend of mine cannot take alcohol at all and she says its hell because she's always in a position where she has to drink. (Of course they don't force it down her throat but it's kind of courtesy to drink when a sunbae pours you a glass) As a general population, Koreans tend to drink a lot, whether it's for happy or sad occasions. If you work for a company of some sort, you frequently have hwesiks (sp?) with your team/group. You have dinner, then go to a soju place, then the noraebang..On the otherhand, as individuals, we Koreans tend to turn to alcohol when facing a difficulty in our lives (i.e. ending a relationship, etc.) Even still, when we go out with our friends, alcohol is present there also. Alcohol is very much a part of daily life in Korea so don't feel weird about it, it's normal!

Answer 3

Like another responder mentioned, Koreans tend to drink more on joyful occasions & as well as they feel down too. Many men like drinking soju (Korean type of alcohol) with sahmgyupsal (type of pork.) Many Koreans love that partnership. After a hard days' at work, they like to relax & enjoy something to drink, esp. with their friends or coworkers.
Maybe you've acquired that habit with your biggest concern having something to with you being so far away from home rather than being in Korea being the actual problem. (just fyi, even French people love to drink (alcohol-) wine with their meals.) When (as in what time of day) do you tend to drink more? I guess you should start from there & try to cut back on the drinking, & try your best to avoid those drinking situations as much as possible. find something else to do, like take walks in the park or go to some museums or tourist sites, hoping that you can relieve some of the stress you might be having. gl!

Answer 4

I was a very light drinker. When I moved to Korea I drank like a fish. Once I moved to Japan I drank a lot less. Then I moved back home and I was almost back to normal.

Answer 5

I am not Korean but have lots of Korean clients. It's their culture....not only Koreans but even Chinese relates drinking to...well, being happy, you know. irregardless of the fact that things can get nasty when too much is consumed. I mean, to me, Chinese/Koreans enjoy drinking with their meals. sometimes seems as though it's impolite to decline a drink (esp when you're a man) when offered. :-)

Answer 6

definitely. I'm guessing you've noticed though maybe not seriously thought much about, there are loads of places to drink, then you have shopping, and not much else after that.

Answer 7

nope...never had that happen to me...not a drinker myself so I don't drink anywhere, EXCEPT on very rare special moment...lol

Answer 8

ya, Alcohol had help me much conquering boredom and homesickness