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‘Hoesik’ aka Office Dinners in K-Drama: A Culture You Need to Know

Learn more about office dinners in Korean culture, a key component in many K-drama narratives

Feb 28, 2023

'Hoesik' is a mainstream culture in various professions. A good example of this anecdote is the famed medical rom-com 'Hospital Playlist.' Photo courtesy of tvN

Korea has an extensive cultural legacy. Its traditional practices and rituals are so deeply embedded in society that they even have a role in corporate culture. In an office setting, different cultures have different ways of socializing outside of work. Executives from various organizations may even share meals together at their workplaces or other public venues to foster camaraderie among employees. This distinctive activity is called “Hoesik” (office dinner) in Korean, a subculture of a Korean organizational setting. But what does it look like in a Korean office? Read on to learn more about office dinners in Korean culture – a key component in many K-drama narratives.

What is a Korean office dinner?

An office dinner is a meal that staff members from different companies have with each other. They can be hosted for a number of reasons, such as celebrating momentous events, encouraging unity, or establishing new commercial alliances. Dinners in the office are also common throughout the hiring process. In some Asian companies, the job interview process often includes going to an office dinner. The main difference between a company dinner and an office dinner is that the former is only open to employees of a specific company. Watch Boss in the Mirror, a Korean variety show in which Korean bosses assess themselves to foster a better work culture, often engaging staff in sharing meals together, among other activities.

What distinguishes a company dinner from an office dinner?

The business ties between two companies in Asian cultures transcend beyond the owners, managers and employees of those companies. It also covers their families. Business associates are expected to build bonds akin to family relationships, so they will often spend time together in group encounters such as dinners or other social affairs. This goes past friendship; it is a long-standing commitment to helping each other flourish in business. However, not all company employees will attend company dinners. Company dinners are typically meant for senior executives, their spouses, and other stakeholders. In contrast, office dinners are open to all.

It is worth noting that Hoesik is also a mainstream culture in other professions. A good example of this anecdote is the famed medical rom-com Hospital Playlist. Five doctors who are also close friends work in the same hospital, and have a mutual passion for music. They often appear to eat together as well, whether it be a quick meal while at work or after hours, which strengthens their friendship even more.

What it means to attend an office dinner in Korea

Office dinners, as mentioned earlier, are commonly arranged as part of the recruitment process in Korea. It allows you to become acquainted with the management and vice versa, as well as express any concerns you may have about the company, while also allowing the company to assess how you will fit into its ethos. There tends to be a cultural variance in how people interact outside of work. In the United States, for example, co-workers drinking alcohol outside of business gatherings is deemed inappropriate. However, in some societies, consuming alcohol is a crucial facet of socializing. 90 Day Korean explains that Koreans often gather at the end of the day over drinks to vent their frustrations, whether they are about family, a relationship, or work. It’s probably true for many people that it’s easier to talk about what’s troubling us when there’s a little booze involved to loosen things up. As evidenced in the True Beauty sequence below, this is additionally viewed as a social activity with peers and colleagues.

When to expect an office dinner and what to eat?

Usually, office dinners in Korea are conducted in the spring and fall seasons to escape the discomfort of the summer heat. Depending on the establishment, you may be served kimchi, gimbap, namul, japchae, jajangmyeon, jajang-guk, bulgogi, galbi, samgyeopsal, sundubu-guk, odeng, soondubu or dak-galbi. A large corporation may even invite overseas workers to the dinner to give employees a better understanding of Korean culture. Check out some of the food items in the clip here, which Go Eun-chan (Yoon Eun-hye) enjoys on multiple occasions with her coworkers and boss in the classic rom-com drama series, Coffee Prince.

If you intend to work in Korea, if you’re applying for or a job there or have bagged one already, this may come in handy. It is crucial to do your homework before attending an office dinner in that country. Check to see who will be there and what the occasion is. This will make you feel more at ease and enable you to participate in the conversation. Remember that experiencing culture is a rewarding experience. It gives you a peek at a distinct approach to living. You can better comprehend the people and how they function if you are more familiar with Korean culture. This can help you be more productive in your dealings with Korean employees, as well as make you feel more comfortable at your new workplace.

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