Most workers in Korea are discontent with after work dining and drinking with their colleagues, according to a survey released yesterday.

The survey, in which the online recruitment portal website Career questioned 1,120 workers from June 12 to June 15, found that 69.7 percent of workers are dissatisfied with the after work dining culture, mainly because they are obligated to participate.

 

In describing their reasons for not enjoying such dinners, called "hoesik" in Korean, meaning eating together, 32 percent of those surveyed cited the pressure which makes everyone feel they must attend.

 

Next came the "same old style" of dining, which was chosen as the source of dissatisfaction, by 29.1 percent. Excessive alcohol consumption came third with 16 percent, while 14.5 percent chose the delay in getting home, and 2.3 percent picked abusive language and sexual harassment as reasons participants disliked dining with colleagues after their work day.

 

Welcome or farewell parties were found to be the most frequent occasions for dinners with co-workers, topping the list with 34.7 percent. Next came `drinking on a whim` with 22.1 percent, while 18.8 percent answered that their after work dinners were scheduled for no particular reason.

 

As for the frequency of the events, the survey found that 37.9 percent of workers attend after work dinners with colleagues two to three times a month, followed by once a month for 35.6 percent and six to ten times a month for 13.1 percent.

 

Soju, a popular Korean alcoholic beverage, turned out to be the most popular drink consumed at the dinner table. Thirty-nine percent of the respondents also picked soju as their favorite alcohol, followed by beer at 23.3 percent, wine at 8.4 percent and other foreign liquors favored by 4.5 percent.

 

Nearly 30 percent of those surveyed identified themselves as gourmet restaurant explorers while 20.4 percent answered that they prefer to enjoy cultural activities such as films and performances after work. More than 17 percent answered that they enjoy working out with colleagues, whereas 16.4 percent said that they prefer drinking and singing with colleagues.

 

"Desirable dining culture can play a positive role in promoting solidarity and friendship among workers. Reflecting individuals` needs and demands to the corporate dinner culture will maximize their efficiency," said Kim Ki-tae, CEO of the portal website Career.