Seoul: Korean Drinking Games Night (non-drinkers welcome)

In Hongdae, a night out can start with a circle of new faces, a kimchi seafood pancake, and games that turn a table of strangers into a team. This two-hour session teaches you Korean drinking games and how Somaek and soju bombs fit into the fun. I like that the host, Taeseong, makes the rules clear, and that soft drinks are included for non-drinkers. One caution: two hours can feel short once the group gets going.

I also like the small-group limit of ten and the easy-to-reach meeting point by Hongik University Station Exit 8. The games are built for laughter, not fluent Korean or perfect English, but the walk through busy Hongdae streets to the bar may take a little patience.

• Learn games made for Korean university drinking culture, with Taeseong explaining the rules and helping the group practice.
• Alcohol is optional: beer and soju are included, as are soft drinks for non-drinkers.
• A kimchi seafood pancake comes with the session, a savory food break between rounds.
• Meet beside Hongik University Station Exit 8, then head to a local bar in Hongdae.
• The group is capped at ten, which helps solo visitors and pairs get to know one another.

Games That Turn Strangers Into a Group

This is less a sightseeing tour than a social start to a night in Seoul. You meet a small group, settle in at a Hongdae bar, and learn games that Korean university students developed to make drinking occasions more playful. The point is not to memorize a list of rules. It is to join in, get a few rounds wrong, and laugh along with everyone else.

Taeseong, also called Taesong in some accounts and introduced as Hongdae Boy, leads in English. He explains each game, then gives the group time to try it. Some games are easy to pick up; others can be surprisingly tricky, especially after a few rounds. If you miss a rule, he is known for patiently explaining it again rather than leaving you behind.

You do not need advanced English to take part. The games rely on simple instructions and quick reactions, so visitors with different language levels can play together. That makes the activity a good choice if you want a social evening but are wary of joining a conversation-heavy event.

The small-group cap of ten is part of the appeal. A large bar crawl can leave you following a crowd; here, the format gives you a better chance to learn people’s names and take part. Solo visitors are welcome, and the setup is well suited to people arriving alone or as a pair.

Meeting Near Hongik University Station

The meeting point is in front of the Starbucks beside Hongik University Station Exit 8, at Yanghwa-ro 166. Look for a guide wearing a badge with the tour’s Instagram QR code. The station location is useful in a busy neighborhood, but Hongdae’s crowded streets can make it harder to spot a group at a glance, so give yourself a little time to find the guide.

If you are late, go straight to the bar, 홍대주막, at Wausan-ro 21-gil 12-3. Save the address before setting out, and keep the WhatsApp contact handy if you need help: +82 10 5698 8790. The tour asks you to bring a passport or ID card, so do not leave it at your accommodation.

From the station, the group walks to the bar. That short transition is part of the evening, but the streets can be very busy. If you dislike weaving through crowds, take care to stay with the group and follow the guide.

Settling In at a Hongdae Bar

The main stop is a local bar in Hongdae, where the games are taught and played over the two-hour session. Rather than spending the evening moving between several venues, you get time to settle in, understand the rules, and play enough rounds to feel comfortable. The venue is described as quieter than the area’s busiest tourist spots, which can make it easier to hear instructions and talk with the group.

This is a useful way to get a taste of Korean social drinking customs without needing to decode them on your own. The host introduces games associated with university drinking culture and explains how to make Somaek, a beer-and-soju combination, as well as a soju bomb. You also get a Korean seafood kimchi pancake, sometimes described as Korean pizza. It gives the table something to share besides drinks and helps make the activity feel like a meal-and-games gathering rather than a lecture.

The included drinks are beer and soju. Soft drinks are also provided for non-drinkers, and you can participate without consuming alcohol. The activity’s appeal is the games and company, not a requirement to drink. If you do drink, pace yourself: the games may involve drinking as a forfeit, and it is sensible to choose a non-alcoholic option when you prefer.

What the Games Are Like

Expect to learn several games, not just watch a demonstration. Taeseong introduces the rules and lets the group practice, so there is room to make mistakes and try again. The humor often comes from the gap between a simple-sounding rule and how difficult it becomes to remember it when everyone is moving quickly.

Some games have appeared in popular culture, too. One attendee connected the activity with the APT game associated with the Rose and Bruno Mars song, but the precise game lineup can vary. The central idea remains the same: you learn by playing, and you can take the games with you to use later with friends.

There is a playful competitive edge, but the tone is informal. You are not expected to be good at the games, and getting a rule wrong is part of the fun. The guide’s patience matters here. When the group needs another explanation, he can slow down and walk through the steps again.

The tour also offers a small cultural window. You hear how these games fit into Korean university drinking culture and learn basic etiquette through the activity itself. It is not a broad history lesson, nor a complete guide to Korean nightlife. Think of it as a lively introduction that gives you a few customs and conversation starters to carry into the rest of your stay.

Two Hours, With the Option to Keep Going

The advertised session lasts two hours. That is enough time to learn and play, though the walk to the bar and the arrival of late participants can eat into the time at the table. If you are hoping for a long, leisurely night with every game repeated several times, two hours may feel brief.

The session is also a starting point, not a full night out. Taeseong may recommend a place to go afterward, and groups sometimes choose to continue together. Treat that as a possible bonus, not a guaranteed part of the paid activity. Any later drinks, club entry, or other costs are not listed as included.

That distinction helps you plan your evening. If you have a dinner reservation or another timed activity, leave a buffer rather than assuming the tour will finish exactly when you need to be elsewhere. If you want to stay out, keep your plans open and ask Taeseong for suggestions at the end.

Is $39 Good Value?

At $39 per person, the price covers the two-hour guided session, beer and soju, soft drinks for non-drinkers, and a kimchi seafood pancake. You are also paying for a host who teaches the games and helps a mixed group feel at ease. For a visitor who wants a structured way to meet people and learn a social custom, that combination offers more than simply buying drinks at a bar.

The value depends on what you want from the night. If you already know Hongdae nightlife well and only want a place to drink, you may prefer to explore independently. If you are new to Seoul, traveling solo, or curious about Korean drinking games, the guided format gives you an easy first step and a ready-made group.

The price does not include anything after the two-hour activity. Keep extra spending in mind if you plan to follow the group to another bar or club. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity, which gives you some flexibility if your Seoul plans change.

Who Should Book This Night?

I would recommend this for solo visitors, pairs, and small groups who want a social activity with a local angle. The English-speaking guide, simple game format, and small group size make it approachable even if your Korean is limited. It can also work well as a first-night activity: you meet people, learn a few games, and get a feel for Hongdae before deciding where to go next.

Non-drinkers can join, too. Soft drinks are included, and the games do not require alcohol to be enjoyable. If you do not want to be around drinking at all, however, this is probably not the right outing: alcohol is a central part of the theme, even though drinking it is optional.

This is not the best pick if you want a quiet cultural talk, a detailed food tour, or an evening with a fixed schedule beyond the two hours. The atmosphere is playful, the rules can be tricky, and the group’s energy shapes the night. Bring your ID, arrive ready to meet people, and keep your expectations focused on games, conversation, and a taste of local drinking culture.

Should You Book?

Book if you want an easy, friendly way to learn Korean drinking games and meet people in Hongdae, with food and non-alcoholic drinks included. The strongest reasons are Taeseong’s patient explanations, the small group, and the fact that you can take the games with you for the rest of your trip. Skip it if you want a quiet evening or do not enjoy drinking-centered settings, even when alcohol is optional.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

Meet in front of the Starbucks beside Hongik University Station Exit 8. The address to enter in Naver Map is 양화로 166. Look for a guide wearing a badge with the tour’s Instagram QR code.

What should I do if I am late?

Go directly to the bar, 홍대주막, at 와우산로21길 12-3. You can also contact the activity by WhatsApp at +82 10 5698 8790.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. Beer, soju, and a kimchi seafood pancake are included. Soft drinks are also provided for non-drinkers.

Can I join if I do not drink alcohol?

Yes. Non-drinkers are welcome, and soft drinks are included. You can take part in the games without choosing alcoholic drinks.

What language is the tour in?

The live guide speaks English. The games are described as not requiring advanced English.

How long is the activity, and how many people can join?

The activity lasts two hours, and the group is limited to ten participants. Check availability for starting times.

What should I bring, and can I cancel?

Bring a passport or ID card. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.