Also no wonder that hangovers at work is common. Sometimes manager will allow their employees napping, as long as they’re in office more or less on time. However, many try to mask their hangovers with coffee or snacks. There are even specialized hangovers drinks (called “hani” or “haejang-guk”), which are soup-based meals known to help alleviate hangover.

However, hwae shik has sometimes been criticized for creating pressure to drink alcohol, which can be uncomfortable for some individuals, including those who don’t drink for personal, religious, or health reasons. The drinking culture can sometimes make it difficult for individuals to avoid without feeling marginalized. Alcohol-induced risky behavior can also be a concern. This could include inappropriate conduct, workplace harassment, or violation of personal boundaries. The increasing recognition of these issues is leading to some change, but there’s still a long way to go in terms of creating a more inclusive, respectful, and health-conscious workplace culture.

The hoeshik culture in Korea, while useful for building team relationships, has negative impacts such as stress, exhaustion, health issues, and social pressure. The pressure to participate, especially in events involving alcohol, often leads to exclusion for non-drinkers and harassment. Growing awareness of work-life balance is driving a shift toward more inclusive and healthy activities, although this tradition remains strong. Moving forward, companies need to balance employee well-being with more flexible bonding events. As a result, there’s a move to create a work environment that balances team-building with employee well-being, offering more respectful and inclusive alternatives.