Korean Drinking Games Night (non-drinkers welcome) — Hongdae

Korean Drinking Games Night (non-drinkers welcome) — Hongdae

Play classic Korean university drinking games in Hongdae with a friendly local guide. Learn how to make somaek and do a soju-bomb, enjoy beer, soju and Korean pancake (kimchi seafood pancake). Non-drinkers are welcome — soft drinks are provided.

In Collaboration with Korean Drinking Games Night. Updated on March 4, 2026.

Disclaimer

This itinerary was created in collaboration with Korean Drinking Games Night, inspired by the tour Korean Drinking Games Night (non-drinkers are also welcome). Please check the tour information during your booking process.

Highlights

  • Learn and play popular Korean university drinking games
  • Guide demonstrates how to make somaek and a soju bomb
  • Included: beer, soju, kimchi seafood pancake, soft drinks
  • Meet in Hongdae (near Hongik University station) — social, small-group atmosphere
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Itinerary

Day 1

Meet your guide — In front of Starbucks (next to Hongik University Station Exit 8)

20:00 – 20:10 • 10m

Group meet-up point. Your guide 'Hongdae Boy' will greet you, confirm the group, and give a brief introduction and safety notes before moving on.

166 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04050, South Korea

Tips from local experts:

  • Arrive 5–10 minutes early at Hongik Univ Station Exit 8 to locate the guide easily.
  • Bring a photo ID if asked by the venue for seating or service purposes.
  • If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, tell the guide on arrival so soft drinks are reserved.

Short walk to the event space in Hongdae

20:10 – 20:20 • 10m

A brief, level walk from the meeting point to the nearby casual pub/room where the drinking games will be hosted. Expect 5–10 minutes on foot through flat, well-lit streets.

Tips from local experts:

  • Wear comfortable shoes; the walk is short but the area can be busy on weekend nights.
  • Keep your belongings close — Hongdae is lively and crowded after dark.
  • If you have mobility needs, tell the guide at the meeting point so the route can be adjusted.

Korean Drinking Games Session — Play, eat, and drink

20:20 – 21:45 • 1h 25m

Guided session of classic Korean university drinking games. The guide will explain rules step-by-step, demonstrate somaek (beer + soju mix) and soju-bomb technique, and lead group gameplay. Included: beer, soju, kimchi seafood pancake (Korean-style pancake), and soft drinks for non-drinkers.

Hongdae, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tips from local experts:

  • Pace yourself — games are fast and social; alternate alcoholic drinks with the provided soft drinks or water.
  • If you have dietary restrictions, tell the guide before the meal is served so accommodations can be arranged where possible.
  • Ask the guide to teach you the Korean phrases used in the games — most games require little English and the guide will translate key lines.

Wrap-up and goodbyes

21:45 – 22:00 • 15m

Short debrief with the guide, final photos, and guidance on recommended nearby spots if you want to continue your night independently. Event ends at the bar area; participants are responsible for their own onward transport.

347-20 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
4.5 (9,000 reviews)

Tips from local experts:

  • Plan your onward transport in advance: Seoul subway runs until around midnight on weekdays (later on weekends) — check local times.
  • If you need help calling a taxi, ask the guide before the session ends.
  • Keep small change for taxis or late-night purchases — many taxis accept cards but cash is often faster.

Itinerary Attributes

Days1
Highlights4
Season-
Month-
PersonaFriends
Transfers1
Restaurants-
Total Activities3
Total Places3
Activities TypesNeighborhood, Transfer, Experience, Break

Why this experience

Your evening in Hongdae starts with a walk from Starbucks near Hongik University Station, where you'll discover one of Seoul's most spirited neighborhoods. Inside the event space, you'll learn Korean drinking games that university students have passed down for decades—the kind where laughter matters more than the drink itself. Whether you're nursing a Coke or sipping soju, you're playing the same games, laughing with strangers who become friends by the end of the night. The food and drinks included keep everyone fueled, and the energy is contagious: this is how Seoul's young creative community actually connects.


Before you go

  • Best time: Year-round. Spring and autumn bring the most vibrant crowds; winter can be cold but adds cozy atmosphere to evening gatherings.
  • Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. Budget category experience.
  • Difficulty: Easy. No prior experience needed; games are learned on the spot.
  • What to bring: Comfortable clothes, phone for photos, willingness to laugh at yourself.
  • Getting there: Meet at Starbucks near Hongik University Station Exit 8. The event space is a short walk into Hongdae's artistic district.
  • Accessibility: The venue is on ground level with street access. Let the guide know if you have mobility considerations.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to drink alcohol? No. The games work just as well with any drink—juice, beer, soju, water, it doesn't matter. Non-drinkers are genuinely welcome and included fully.

What Korean drinking games will we learn? You'll learn classics like Cheers/Whiskey, Change the Subject, and others that rely on counting, memory, and quick reactions. Each game has its own rhythm and rules, and the guide teaches them as you go.

Will there be food? Yes. Snacks and simple Korean street food are included to keep energy up throughout the evening.

What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The bookable experience includes the guided games session, all food and drinks, and group participation in an evening set in Hongdae's creative heart.


Complete your trip in Seoul

Hongdae's energy doesn't stop when the games end. Keep exploring Seoul's social side with these experiences.

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Last updated: April 2026

Book the tour in advance!

Korean Drinking Games Night (non-drinkers are also welcome)