To play apt Korean drinking games, you’ll typically engage in simple rounds, following rules tied to numbers, chants, or hand gestures, with a penalty for failing which is drinking.
Ever wondered how to truly experience Korean culture? One fun way is through its social drinking games! They are a staple at gatherings and involve easy-to-learn rules, with a bit of lighthearted pressure. If you want to know how to play apt Korean drinking game, you’ve come to the right place.
These games are more about the social interaction than the actual drinking, creating memorable moments. They often use simple phrases or actions, but mistakes equal a sip. Prepare yourself for a good time, and remember to always drink responsibly!
How to Play Apt Korean Drinking Games: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you’re curious about Korean drinking games? You’ve probably seen them in K-dramas or heard stories from friends. They’re a fun and social way to get to know people, but they can seem a little confusing at first. Don’t worry; we’ll break it all down step-by-step. Let’s get started on how to play apt Korean drinking games.
Why Play Korean Drinking Games?
Before diving into the rules, let’s think about why these games are so popular in Korea. These aren’t just about drinking; they’re a big part of Korean culture. They’re a way to relax, connect, and share laughs with friends and colleagues. These games help to make situations less formal and allow people to show their fun side. Plus, they are incredibly entertaining! Playing these games is like a mini-adventure with each round, offering unexpected twists and turns. Learning these games will give you a glimpse into Korean social dynamics, too. It’s not just about knowing the rules; it’s about understanding the playful spirit behind them. Many games rely on quick thinking, so they are great for keeping you sharp and entertained. Ultimately, Korean drinking games are a fantastic way to make memories with friends.
Common Korean Drinking Game Essentials
Before we jump into specific games, let’s talk about what you will likely need. You won’t need a lot, but these items are key to having a good game night:
- Soju: This is the most popular Korean liquor. It comes in a green bottle, and its taste is like vodka but a bit sweeter.
- Beer (Maekju): Often used as a chaser or mixed with soju for a “somaek” (soju and beer) drink.
- Small Glasses (Soju Glasses): These are small, typically shot-sized glasses. You will need enough for everyone playing.
- A Table: A space where everyone can gather around and easily play.
- Good Company: The most important element! Playing with friends makes it more fun.
These are the basic items, but some games will need other things like pens, paper, or dice. We will discuss that in specific game rules later.
Understanding Korean Drinking Culture
It’s important to know a little about the drinking culture in Korea. Here are a few things to consider:
- Pouring Drinks: When pouring a drink for someone else, always use both hands to hold the bottle. This is a sign of respect. Also, when receiving a drink, use both hands to hold your glass.
- Waiting for Elders: If there are older people present, they will usually take the first sip. Wait for them to do so before you start drinking.
- Don’t Fill Your Own Glass: It’s customary to wait for someone else to pour your drink for you. Keep an eye on other people’s glasses and refill them if they are empty.
- Cheers! (Gunbae!): Before you take a sip, people often say “gunbae!” which means “cheers!”.
- Know Your Limits: It is totally okay to not drink too much. Don’t feel forced to drink more than you are comfortable with. It’s all about fun and good times.
Knowing these customs will help you navigate Korean social drinking situations with ease and respect. It shows you appreciate the culture and makes the experience more enjoyable.
Popular Korean Drinking Games
Now, for the fun part! Let’s learn some popular Korean drinking games. Remember, the exact rules might vary slightly depending on who you’re playing with, but these are the general guidelines.
Baskin Robbins 31 (Baskin Robbins Sseoreunhana)
This game involves counting up to 31. Here’s how to play:
- The first person starts by saying “1.”
- The next person continues counting, saying either one, two, or three numbers. For example, they can say “2” or “2, 3” or “2, 3, 4.”
- The counting continues around the circle.
- The person who has to say “31” loses and has to drink.
This game tests your memory and reaction time. It’s simple, but can get intense towards the end! Try it out with your friends and see how fast you can think on your feet.
The Finger Game (Sonbyeongho)
This is a simple game that involves holding out fingers. It’s easy to learn but also really fun:
- One person starts by saying a number between 1 and 5 while holding out a certain number of fingers (any number from zero to five) on one hand.
- The next person, going clockwise or counter clockwise, does the same thing.
- The game continues until the number of fingers that have been shown altogether by all players, matches a number that was called out. When this happens the person who called out the number that matches the fingers that were shown, loses and has to drink.
- If the total number of fingers shown never matches a called number, the game continues and a new round begins with a new person.
This game is all about quick math and a little bit of luck. Pay attention to the numbers everyone is saying and the fingers they are showing!
The “Image Game” (Nunchi Game)
This game is all about being fast and having good timing. It’s a little silly and that’s the fun part!
- Everyone sits in a circle. The first person says “1” loudly.
- The next person says “2” and so on, going around the circle.
- The catch? The person who says their number at the exact same time as another player has to drink.
- You have to be fast, but also avoid saying your number at the same time as another player.
The Image game, or Nunchi Game, is about reading the room. You have to pay attention to what other people are doing and try to gauge their timing.
The Subway Game (Jihachul Game)
This game is a little more complicated and involves some storytelling. Here’s how to play:
- One person starts by stating a place on the Subway, or a place they’ve been to. For example: “I went to Hongdae.”
- The next person must give a location that connects in some way. For example: “In Hongdae, I went to a cafe.”
- The game continues, with each person adding a detail to the story that connects with the previous detail. If a detail does not connect or fit with the previous details of the story, the person who made the mistake must drink.
This game tests your memory and storytelling ability. It requires focus and can lead to some funny and unexpected stories.
The “Titanic” Game (Taetanik Game)
This is a fun game that involves a mix of drinks. Here’s how it works:
- Fill a tall glass with beer.
- Place an empty shot glass inside the beer.
- Each person takes turns pouring a little bit of soju into the shot glass.
- The person who causes the shot glass to sink (like the Titanic) has to drink the whole mixture.
This is a game of patience and steady hands! It’s fun to see how long the shot glass can stay afloat. This is also a great game to play outside on a nice day, because there is a possibility of spills.
The Coin Flip Game (Dongjeon Dwit Myeon Game)
This is a simple game of chance that’s always exciting. Here’s the lowdown:
- You’ll need a coin.
- Each person chooses either heads or tails.
- Flip the coin. The people who chose wrong drink.
It’s a super simple game but, that’s also why it’s so fun to play. You can play this game over and over. Remember, the point of these games is not to get drunk but to have fun with friends.
The Clap Game (Baksu Game)
This game is all about rhythm and coordination. Here’s how it goes:
- Everyone sits in a circle.
- One person starts with a specific clap pattern, like clap twice, then clap once.
- The person to their left has to repeat that clap pattern and add another one to the end.
- Each person adds to the pattern as it goes around the circle.
- If someone messes up the pattern, they have to drink.
This game tests your memory and ability to keep a rhythm. It can quickly become really challenging. You and your friends can decide on other movements or noises to add into this game as well.
The Mukjjibba Game
This game is similar to Rock, Paper, Scissors but with different hand signals.
- One person starts.
- At the same time, both players make a hand gesture.
- Muk means “scissors” (make a flat hand)
- Jji means “rock” (make a fist)
- Ba means “paper” (open hand)
- The rules are like Rock, Paper, Scissors: Muk beats Jji, Jji beats Ba, Ba beats Muk. If both players pick the same gesture the game continues and they must try again until one player wins.
- If the first person wins, they point to a second person and have that person battle them in a round of Muk Jji Bba. If the second person wins, that person gets to point and battle another player. The game continues until a loser is found. The loser must then drink.
It’s fast-paced and fun, and you can play it for hours and hours. You may also hear it called “Gawee Bawee Bo”.
The “High-Low” Game (Nopa Game)
This game involves predicting numbers. It is easy to learn and to play.
- One person thinks of a number within a range (like 1 to 10).
- The next person guesses a number.
- The person who chose the number will say if the guess was higher or lower.
- This goes around the circle until someone guesses correctly.
- The person who guesses the number correctly loses and has to drink.
This game is a good test of your luck and your ability to guess well.
The Silent 007 Game (Jo Yonghan Gonggongchil Game)
This game requires everyone to be quiet! Here’s how to play:
- Everyone sits in a circle.
- The first person points at someone without speaking. The person they point at must also point to someone else without speaking. This process goes around the circle.
- Eventually the person who has been pointed at, points their hands like a gun towards someone and says “Bang”. The person they point at is then eliminated.
- The game continues until only one person remains. This person is the winner and doesn’t have to drink.
This game is fun because it’s silly and a bit surprising. It’s a game of quick timing and good focus, but also a bit of luck.
Tips for Playing Korean Drinking Games
Here are a few tips to make your Korean drinking game experience even better:
- Start Slowly: Don’t try to learn all the games at once. Begin with one or two and add more as you become more comfortable.
- Be Flexible: The rules can change. Be open to different variations and go with the flow.
- Be Respectful: Remember the cultural aspects of the game. Pour drinks for others and follow the customs.
- Have Fun: The most important thing is to enjoy the time with your friends! Don’t get too focused on winning.
- Stay Hydrated: It’s a good idea to drink water between alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated.
- Know Your Limit: Don’t feel pressured to drink more than you want to. It’s important to drink responsibly.
These tips will make sure that you are respectful to everyone you play with, and also that you are respectful to yourself. Remember, you can always adjust the rules to make them fit your personal preferences.
Learning and playing Korean drinking games can be a lot of fun. It’s a great way to make friends and learn more about Korean culture. These games are not about getting drunk but about having a good time with the people around you. They are a wonderful mix of laughter, challenge, and cultural immersion. Start with the basics, and as you gain confidence, you can start playing the more complex games. Remember to always be respectful, drink responsibly, and, most importantly, enjoy the process.
Learning APT Korean Drinking Game
Final Thoughts
To summarize, you’ll need a clear understanding of the rules for games like Baskin Robbins 31 or the more intense “Titanic.” Practice is essential to grasp the quick-thinking and reaction required. Knowing the cultural nuances surrounding drinking is a must.
Remember, it is about the social interaction, not just consuming alcohol. Therefore, learning how to play apt korean drinking game properly will improve your overall experience.



