Korean Drinking Games to Try on Your First Soju Night

One Bottle, Four Games, Zero Excuses to Sit Out

In Korea, drinking is a group activity. The moment soju hits the table, someone starts a game. You do not need to speak Korean. You do not need to bring anything. These four games are the ones you will actually encounter on a night out in Seoul, and all of them can be learned in under two minutes.

Game 1. Soju Cap Game (병뚜껑 게임)

This is the starter game of almost every Korean drinking session. All you need is the cap from a soju bottle.

1. Twist the inner tab of the soju cap until it sticks out like a small rod.
2. Pass it around the table. Each person flicks the rod once with their finger.
3. The person who snaps it off gets to choose who drinks.

No strategy. No language needed. Just flick and see what happens.

Game 2. TITANIC (타이타닉)

This one is exactly what it sounds like. The goal is to not sink the ship.

1. Fill a large glass halfway with beer.
2. Float an empty soju shot glass on top of the beer.
3. Take turns pouring a small amount of soju into the floating shot glass.
4. The person whose pour sinks the shot glass drinks the entire cup.

Pour as little as possible. The tension builds with every turn, and everyone at the table watches your hand.

Game 3. BASKIN ROBBINS 31 (배스킨라빈스 31)

Named after the ice cream brand's 31 flavors. The number 31 is the one you never want to say.

1. Players take turns counting up from 1.
2. On your turn, you can say one, two, or three numbers in a row.
3. The player who is forced to say 31 drinks.

It sounds easy. Once you get close to 31, it gets loud and stressful very fast.

Game 4. NUNCHI Game (눈치 게임)

NUNCHI is a Korean word for reading the atmosphere and knowing when to act. This game tests exactly that.

1. Players count from 1 upward with no set order. Anyone can say the next number at any time.
2. If two people say the same number at the same time, both of them drink.
3. The game restarts after each penalty.

There is no talking, no pointing, and no designated turns. You just have to feel when it is your moment. NUNCHI is the only drinking game that can teach you something about Korean culture while you play it.

Losing Means Drinking. That Is the Rule.

These four games cover most of what happens at a Korean drinking table. Memorize the rules before your trip, and the next time someone at a pojangmacha or a Korean barbecue reaches for the soju cap, do not sit back and watch. Jump in. Losing means you drink, and drinking means the night keeps going. That is exactly how a good night in Korea is supposed to work.