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회식하다

B1 verb #10,000 most common 7 min read

회식하다

hoesikada Top 10,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 회식하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 회식하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand that 회식하다 means eating with people from your work or school group. It is a verb made from 'Hoesik' (company dinner) and 'Hada' (to do). You can use it simply: '우리 회식해요' (We have a company dinner). Even if you don't use it yourself yet, knowing this word helps you understand why your Korean friends might be busy on a Friday night. Think of it as 'Work + Eat.' At this stage, focus on the fact that it is a special type of eating, not just 'eating' (meok-da). It always involves more than two people who work together. You might see it in a basic textbook when talking about 'daily life' or 'office life.' Remember: Meok-da = I eat. Hoesikhada = We (the company) eat together.

For A2 learners, you can start using 회식하다 with basic particles like '하고' (with) or '에서' (at). You should be able to conjugate it into the past tense: '어제 회식했어요' (I had a company dinner yesterday). You will also notice that it often happens in the evening. A2 learners should distinguish 회식하다 from 외식하다 (eating out with family). If you are talking about your coworkers, use 회식. If you are talking about your parents, use 외식. You might also learn that Korean people often eat 'Samgyeopsal' (pork belly) when they 회식하다. Try to use it in sentences like: '오늘 회사에서 회식해요' (Today, we are having a company dinner at work).

At the B1 level, you should understand the cultural nuance of 회식하다. It is not just about food; it is about building a team. You should be comfortable using various grammar patterns with it, such as '-기 때문에' (because) or '-러 가다' (go in order to). For example: '팀워크를 위해 회식하러 가요' (We are going to have a company dinner for teamwork). You should also know related words like '1차' (first round) and '2차' (second round). At this level, you can express your feelings about it: '회식하는 것을 좋아해요' (I like having company dinners) or '회식하는 것이 힘들어요' (Having company dinners is tiring). You understand that this word is a key part of 'Social Korean.'

B2 learners should be able to discuss the pros and cons of 회식하다 in a professional context. You can use advanced connectors like '-음에도 불구하고' (despite) or '-기 마련이다' (it is bound to). You understand that 회식하다 can sometimes be a 'mandatory' social event. You might use it in a sentence like: '최근에는 강압적으로 회식하는 문화가 사라지고 있습니다' (Recently, the culture of forced company dinners is disappearing). You are also aware of 'Culture Hoesik' (going to movies/concerts) vs. 'Drinking Hoesik.' Your vocabulary should include '회식 자리' (the dinner setting) and '회식비' (the cost of the dinner).

At the C1 level, you can analyze the sociological impact of the verb 회식하다 on Korean labor productivity and work-life balance. You can use it in complex debates about 'Gondae' (old-fashioned/bossy) culture and how the tradition of 회식하다 is evolving with the MZ generation. You understand the subtle power dynamics involved in the act. You might use phrases like '회식을 강요하다' (to force a company dinner) or '회식 자제' (refraining from company dinners). You can also use the word in metaphorical or formal contexts, such as discussing how social cohesion is maintained through such rituals. Your understanding is deep enough to recognize when 회식하다 is being used ironically or with a sense of weariness.

C2 proficiency involves a near-native grasp of the historical evolution of 회식하다. You can discuss its roots in post-war industrialization and its role in the 'Miracle on the Han River.' You are familiar with literary or cinematic representations of 회식하다 as a site of both bonding and corporate oppression. You can use the word in highly formal reports, academic papers about Korean organizational behavior, or nuanced creative writing. You understand the linguistic nuances between 회식, 연찬, and 향응. You can navigate any hoesik situation perfectly, knowing exactly how the verb describes the complex interplay of hierarchy, alcohol, and social obligation in Korean society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

회식하다 in 30 Seconds

회식하다 specifically refers to dining with coworkers or members of an organization, emphasizing team bonding rather than just the act of eating.
It is a compound verb derived from '회식' (group dining) and '하다' (to do), used almost exclusively in professional or institutional contexts.
Cultural significance includes hierarchy, alcohol consumption, and multiple 'rounds' (1차, 2차), though modern trends are shifting toward healthier, optional gatherings.
It should not be confused with '외식하다' (eating out with family/friends) or '식사하다' (general eating), as the group identity is crucial.

The Korean verb 회식하다 (hoesikhada) is a cornerstone of South Korean social and corporate life. At its most basic level, it translates to 'to have a company dinner' or 'to dine together with colleagues.' However, the cultural weight of this word far exceeds a simple meal. It represents a collective ritual designed to foster 'jeong' (emotional bonding) and hierarchy within a professional or social group. Unlike a casual lunch with a coworker, a hoesik is often an organized event, usually occurring after work hours, and frequently involves multiple rounds of food and drink.

The Social Glue: In the Korean workplace, communication isn't just about emails and meetings. It happens over grilled meat and soju. To 회식하다 is to step out of the rigid formal roles of the office and enter a space where relationships are solidified through shared consumption. It is considered an extension of work, where grievances might be aired (carefully) and team spirit is built.

오늘 프로젝트 끝났으니까 다 같이 회식합시다! (Since we finished the project today, let's all have a company dinner!)

Historically, 회식하다 implied a mandatory attendance where the boss led the group to a restaurant. While modern Korean culture is shifting toward 'Woerabel' (Work-Life Balance), the act of hoesikhada remains a vital part of the professional landscape. You will hear this word most often in office settings, but it can also apply to university clubs or large organizations. It is the verb used when the collective 'we' of an institution gathers to eat.

Modern Nuance: Nowadays, the definition is expanding. Some companies now 회식하다 at lunch to avoid late nights, or they might engage in 'culture hoesik' like going to a movie or a bowling alley together.

우리 팀은 술 대신 영화를 보며 회식하기로 했어요. (Our team decided to have a social gathering by watching a movie instead of drinking.)

Understanding 회식하다 is essential for anyone looking to work in Korea or understand Korean media, as it provides a window into the communal nature of Korean society. It is the bridge between professional duty and personal connection, often blurring the lines between the two in a way that is uniquely Korean.

Using 회식하다 in a sentence requires an understanding of both its grammatical structure and the social context of 'with whom' you are eating. Because it is a verb ending in -하다, it follows standard conjugation patterns. However, because it implies a group activity, it is almost always paired with collective nouns or the particle -와/과 (with) or -랑 (informal with).

Grammar Structure: [Group/Person] + 와/과/이랑 + 회식하다. For example: '직원들과 회식하다' (To have a dinner with employees).

어제 부서 사람들과 삼겹살집에서 회식했어요. (Yesterday, I had a company dinner with the department people at a pork belly restaurant.)

When you want to suggest or invite someone to a company dinner, you use the suggestive form -읍시다/자 or the polite -어요. In a formal setting, a manager might say, "오늘 회식합시다" (Let's have a company dinner today). Note that the object 'dinner' is baked into the verb, so you don't usually say '저녁을 회식하다'—that would be redundant. You simply say 회식하다.

Tense Variations: Past: 회식했다 (Had a dinner). Present: 회식한다/회식해요 (Having a dinner). Future: 회식할 것이다/회식할 거예요 (Will have a dinner).

내일은 중요한 손님과 회식할 예정입니다. (We are scheduled to have a social dinner with an important guest tomorrow.)

In professional writing or formal announcements, you might see the noun form 회식 used more frequently, such as '회식 안내' (Dinner announcement). However, in conversation, the verb form 회식하다 is the standard way to describe the action of going out to eat with your work group.

You will encounter 회식하다 in almost every Korean office-themed drama (K-Drama) or movie. It is often used as a plot device to bring characters together outside the office, leading to revelations, romance, or conflict. In reality, you will hear it most frequently in the elevator of a corporate building at 5:00 PM, or in the frantic phone calls of employees telling their families they will be home late.

In the Media: Shows like 'Misaeng' or 'My Mister' frequently feature scenes where characters 회식하다. These scenes highlight the stress of forced socialization or the warmth of camaraderie. If a character says, "오늘 회식 빠지면 안 돼?" (Can't I skip the company dinner today?), it signals a tension between personal freedom and group loyalty.

드라마에서 주인공들이 퇴근 후에 자주 회식하는 장면이 나와요. (In dramas, scenes where the main characters often have company dinners after work appear frequently.)

In the news, 회식하다 is often discussed in the context of changing labor laws and social norms. For instance, during the pandemic, the phrase '회식 금지' (ban on company dinners) was a major headline. More recently, news reports discuss 'MZ generation' attitudes toward hoesik, specifically how younger workers are less willing to 회식하다 late into the night.

Everyday Conversation: Friends might ask each other, "요즘도 회식 자주 해?" (Do you still have company dinners often?). This is a common way to gauge how busy or 'old-school' someone's workplace is.

우리 회사는 한 달에 한 번 회식해요. (Our company has a dinner once a month.)

Whether it's a complaint, a plan, or a cultural observation, 회식하다 is a word that permeates the daily discourse of adult life in Korea.

While 회식하다 seems straightforward, English speakers often make mistakes by using it in contexts where a simpler word for 'eating' is more appropriate. The most common error is using 회식하다 for any group meal, including those with friends or family.

Mistake 1: Misidentifying the Group: You cannot 회식하다 with your family or your high school friends. For those situations, use '외식하다' (to eat out) or '모임을 가지다' (to have a gathering). 회식하다 is strictly for professional or organizational colleagues.

[Wrong] 어제 가족이랑 회식했어요.
[Right] 어제 가족이랑 외식했어요. (I ate out with my family yesterday.)

Another mistake is treating 회식 as a direct object for '먹다' (to eat). Since 회식 is the event itself, you 'do' the event (회식하다) or 'go' to the event (회식에 가다). You do not 'eat the hoesik.'

Mistake 2: Confusing with '식사하다': 식사하다 is a general, polite way to say 'to eat a meal.' If you are just grabbing a quick lunch with a colleague to discuss a project, it's 식사. If the whole team is going out after work to bond, it's 회식.

점심에 부장님과 간단히 식사했어요. (I had a simple meal with the manager at lunch.) [Use 식사하다 for small, casual work meals]

Finally, some learners forget that 회식하다 is a verb. They might try to say '회식을 해요' which is also correct, but '회식하다' is more common as a single verb unit. Ensure you don't confuse it with '회합하다' (to meet/assemble), which is much more formal and rarely used for social dining.

While 회식하다 is the most specific term for company dining, there are several related words that describe different types of social eating or gathering. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the right social circle.

회식하다 vs. 외식하다: 회식하다 is for colleagues and organizations. 외식하다 (oesikhada) simply means 'to eat out' (away from home) and is usually used for families or couples going to a restaurant.

주말에는 보통 가족들과 외식해요. (On weekends, I usually eat out with my family.)

회식하다 vs. 모임(을 가지다): 모임 (moim) means 'gathering' or 'meeting.' You can have a '동창 모임' (alumni gathering) or '친구 모임' (friend gathering). While hoesik is a type of moim, moim is broader and doesn't necessarily involve a full meal.

Another alternative is 술자리 (sul-jari), which literally means 'a place/occasion for drinking.' If the primary focus of the company gathering is drinking rather than the food, people might say "오늘 술자리가 있어요" (I have a drinking engagement today). However, 회식하다 remains the standard polite term to use in front of bosses or in official schedules.

Comparison Summary

회식하다: Professional/Work groups + Dinner/Socializing.
외식하다: Family/Personal + Eating at a restaurant.
식사하다: General/Neutral + Eating a meal.
술자리: Casual/Social + Focusing on alcohol.

친구들과의 모임은 즐겁지만, 회사 회식은 가끔 부담스러워요. (Gatherings with friends are fun, but company dinners are sometimes burdensome.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the past, hoesik was often seen as a semi-military ritual to ensure loyalty. Today, it is evolving into 'Culture Hoesik' where teams go to escape rooms or watch musicals together.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /hwɛ.ɕik.ha.da/

US /hweɪ.ʃik.hɑ.dɑ/

Stress is generally even, but a slight emphasis on the first syllable '회' is common in natural speech.

Rhymes With

외식하다 (oesikhada) 금식하다 (geumsikhada) 휴식하다 (hyusikhada) 장식하다 (jangsikhada) 수식하다 (susikhada) 인식하다 (insikhada) 소식하다 (sosikhada) 과식하다 (gwasikhada)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '회' as 'hoi' instead of 'hwe'.
Making the 'k' in 'sik' too explosive; it should be a stopped sound before 'h'.
Confusing '회' (hwe) with '해' (hae).
Dropping the 'h' in 'hada' entirely.
Pronouncing '식' like 'seek' with a long 'ee' instead of a short 'i'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize as it frequently appears in everyday texts and subtitles.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct conjugation of '하다' and understanding when to use the noun vs. verb.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of '회' (hwe) can be tricky for beginners, but the word is very common.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound makes it easy to pick out in office-related conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

회사 (Company) 식사 (Meal) 먹다 (To eat) 동료 (Colleague) 하다 (To do)

Learn Next

술자리 (Drinking occasion) 건배 (Cheers) 2차 (Second round) 대접하다 (To treat/serve) 친목 (Socializing)

Advanced

위계질서 (Hierarchy) 조직 문화 (Organizational culture) 단합 (Unity) 워라밸 (Work-life balance) 강요 (Coercion)

Grammar to Know

-기로 하다 (Decide to do)

오늘은 고깃집에서 회식하기로 했어요.

-느라고 (Because of doing - usually negative result)

회식하느라고 숙제를 못 했어요.

-자고 하다 (Suggesting - indirect quote)

팀장님이 오늘 회식하자고 하셨어요.

-아/어 보이다 (Look/Seem like)

회식 자리가 아주 즐거워 보여요.

-(으)면서 (While doing)

회식하면서 서로에 대해 더 알게 됐어요.

Examples by Level

오늘 우리 회식해요.

Today we have a company dinner.

Simple present tense of 회식하다.

회사 사람들이랑 회식해요.

I have a company dinner with people from work.

Using -이랑 (with) to show who you are with.

회식은 맛있어요.

The company dinner is delicious.

Using the noun form 회식 as a subject.

어디에서 회식해요?

Where are we having the company dinner?

Question form with 'where'.

금요일에 회식해요.

We have a company dinner on Friday.

Time particle -에 used with Friday.

회식하고 싶어요.

I want to have a company dinner.

-고 싶다 (want to) attached to the verb stem.

회식은 즐거워요.

Company dinners are fun.

Simple adjective description.

선생님하고 회식해요.

I've got a social dinner with the teacher.

Using 회식하다 for an organizational group (school).

어제 고깃집에서 회식했어요.

Yesterday, we had a company dinner at a meat restaurant.

Past tense -했어요.

내일 회식할 수 있어요?

Can we have a company dinner tomorrow?

-ㄹ 수 있다 (can/ability/possibility).

회식하러 갈까요?

Shall we go for a company dinner?

-러 가다 (go to do something) + -ㄹ까요 (shall we).

우리 팀은 자주 회식해요.

Our team has company dinners often.

Adverb 자주 (often) modifying the verb.

회식해서 기분이 좋아요.

I feel good because we had a company dinner.

-아서/어서 (reason/cause).

부장님이 회식하자고 했어요.

The manager said let's have a company dinner.

Indirect quotation for a suggestion (-자고 하다).

회식하기 싫어요.

I don't want to have a company dinner.

-기 싫다 (to not want to do something).

이번 회식은 삼겹살이에요.

This company dinner is pork belly.

Noun form 회식 used with the copula 이다.

회식할 때 술을 마셔야 해요?

Do I have to drink alcohol when we have a company dinner?

-ㄹ 때 (when) and -아야/어야 하다 (must/have to).

팀원들이 다 같이 회식하면 친해질 수 있어요.

If all team members have dinner together, they can get closer.

Conditional -면 (if) and 'get closer' 친해지다.

오늘 회식하니까 늦게 들어갈 거예요.

Since we're having a company dinner today, I'll be home late.

-니까 (because/since) and future tense.

회식하는 대신에 영화를 보러 갔어요.

Instead of having a dinner, we went to see a movie.

-는 대신에 (instead of).

부장님께서 회식 장소를 정하셨어요.

The manager (honorific) decided on the dinner location.

Honorific subject and past tense.

회식에 참석하지 못해서 죄송합니다.

I'm sorry I couldn't attend the company dinner.

-지 못하다 (cannot) and formal apology.

회식하면서 업무 이야기를 많이 했어요.

While having the company dinner, we talked a lot about work.

-(으)면서 (while).

이번 회식비는 회사에서 냅니다.

The company is paying for this dinner.

Subject/Topic markers and payment verb.

회식 문화가 예전보다 많이 변했어요.

The company dinner culture has changed a lot compared to the past.

Comparison -보다 and change of state -아/어지다.

억지로 회식하는 것은 스트레스가 될 수 있어요.

Having a company dinner against one's will can be stressful.

Gerund form -는 것 and auxiliary 'can be'.

회식 자리에서 예의를 지키는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to maintain etiquette at the company dinner table.

Noun phrase '회식 자리' and 'importance' expression.

회식하기보다는 일찍 퇴근하고 싶어하는 직원이 많아요.

There are many employees who would rather leave work early than have a company dinner.

-기보다는 (rather than) and -고 싶어하다 (third person desire).

회식을 통해 팀워크를 다질 수 있다고 믿어요.

I believe that we can strengthen teamwork through company dinners.

-를 통해 (through) and 'strengthen' 다지다.

과도한 회식은 건강을 해칠 수 있습니다.

Excessive company dinners can harm your health.

Formal ending -습니다 and 'harm' 해치다.

회식에 빠지면 눈치가 보여요.

I feel self-conscious/worried about what others think if I skip the dinner.

Idiom '눈치가 보이다' (to feel self-conscious).

요즘은 술 없는 회식을 선호하는 추세입니다.

These days, there is a trend of preferring company dinners without alcohol.

'Trend' 추세 and 'prefer' 선호하다.

회식은 한국 기업 문화의 양날의 검과 같습니다.

Company dinners are like a double-edged sword in Korean corporate culture.

Metaphor '양날의 검' (double-edged sword).

회식의 강제성이 완화되면서 개인의 시간이 존중받기 시작했습니다.

As the mandatory nature of company dinners eases, individual time is starting to be respected.

Passive voice '존중받다' and 'starting to' -기 시작하다.

회식 자리에서의 비공식적인 소통이 업무 효율에 기여하기도 합니다.

Informal communication at company dinners also contributes to work efficiency.

'Contribute' 기여하다 and 'also' -기도 하다.

회식을 단순히 유흥으로 치부해서는 안 됩니다.

One should not dismiss company dinners as mere entertainment.

'Dismiss/Regard' 치부하다 and 'should not' -어서는 안 된다.

세대 간의 갈등이 회식 자리에서 표출되기도 합니다.

Conflicts between generations are sometimes expressed at company dinners.

'Be expressed' 표출되다.

회식 문화를 개선하기 위해 다양한 시도가 이루어지고 있습니다.

Various attempts are being made to improve the company dinner culture.

'Improve' 개선하다 and 'being made' 이루어지고 있다.

회식은 수직적인 위계질서를 확인하는 자리가 되기도 합니다.

A company dinner also becomes a place to confirm the vertical hierarchy.

'Vertical hierarchy' 수직적인 위계질서.

코로나19 이후 회식의 형태가 근본적으로 변화했습니다.

Since COVID-19, the form of company dinners has fundamentally changed.

'Fundamentally' 근본적으로.

회식이라는 명목하에 이루어지는 야간 근무는 지양되어야 마땅합니다.

Night work conducted under the guise of a company dinner should rightfully be avoided.

'Under the guise/name of' 명목하에 and 'should rightfully' -어야 마땅하다.

회식은 집단주의적 정서가 투영된 한국 특유의 사회적 기제입니다.

Company dinners are a social mechanism unique to Korea, reflecting collectivist sentiments.

'Mechanism' 기제 and 'reflected/projected' 투영된.

회식 자리의 담론은 조직 내의 권력 관계를 여실히 드러냅니다.

The discourse at company dinners clearly reveals the power relations within the organization.

'Discourse' 담론 and 'clearly/vividly' 여실히.

회식의 변천사는 한국 경제 성장과 그 궤를 같이합니다.

The history of the evolution of company dinners aligns with Korea's economic growth.

Idiom '궤를 같이하다' (to be in line with).

회식의 순기능과 역기능에 대한 심도 있는 고찰이 필요합니다.

In-depth consideration of the positive and negative functions of company dinners is necessary.

'Positive/Negative function' 순기능/역기능 and 'In-depth consideration' 심도 있는 고찰.

회식 자리에서 빚어지는 오해는 때로 조직의 결속을 해치기도 합니다.

Misunderstandings arising at company dinners sometimes damage the cohesion of the organization.

'Arise/Be created' 빚어지다 and 'Cohesion' 결속.

회식 참여 여부가 인사 고과에 영향을 미쳐서는 안 된다는 목소리가 높습니다.

There are loud voices saying that whether one participates in company dinners should not affect performance reviews.

'Performance review' 인사 고과 and 'Voices are high' 목소리가 높다.

회식은 소속감을 고취하는 수단에서 점차 개인의 선택으로 회귀하고 있습니다.

Company dinners are gradually returning from a means of inspiring a sense of belonging to an individual choice.

'Inspire/Encourage' 고취하다 and 'Return/Revert' 회귀하다.

Common Collocations

회식에 참석하다

회식을 강요하다

회식 장소를 예약하다

회식비를 결제하다

회식 자리가 즐겁다

회식을 자제하다

회식에서 빠지다

회식 문화를 바꾸다

회식 때 건배하다

회식 일정을 잡다

Common Phrases

오늘 회식 어때요?

— How about a company dinner today? Used to suggest a gathering.

일도 일찍 끝났는데 오늘 회식 어때요?

회식 장소 어디예요?

— Where is the dinner location? Common question after a dinner is announced.

저기요, 오늘 회식 장소 어디예요?

회식은 필참인가요?

— Is the company dinner mandatory? Used by employees to check if they must attend.

이번 회식은 필참인가요, 아니면 자유인가요?

회식 메뉴가 뭐예요?

— What is the dinner menu? Used to express interest in the food being served.

부장님, 오늘 회식 메뉴가 뭐예요? 삼겹살인가요?

회식 자리가 길어지다

— The dinner gathering is getting long. Used when the event lasts late into the night.

회식 자리가 길어져서 막차를 놓쳤어요.

회식 분위기가 좋다

— The atmosphere of the dinner is good. Used to describe a friendly gathering.

우리 팀은 회식 분위기가 좋아서 자주 모여요.

회식비를 아끼다

— To save on dinner expenses. Used by management to reduce costs.

경기가 안 좋아서 회식비를 아껴야 해요.

회식 후에 노래방 가다

— To go to karaoke after the dinner. A very common 'second round' activity.

우리는 보통 회식 후에 노래방에 가요.

회식 날짜를 변경하다

— To change the dinner date. Used when there is a scheduling conflict.

비가 너무 많이 와서 회식 날짜를 변경했어요.

회식은 업무의 연장이다

— The company dinner is an extension of work. A common Korean saying reflecting the mandatory feel of hoesik.

한국에서는 회식은 업무의 연장이라고 생각하는 사람이 많아요.

Often Confused With

회식하다 vs 외식하다

English speakers often confuse these. 외식하다 is for family/personal eating out. 회식하다 is for work/organizations.

회식하다 vs 식사하다

식사하다 is just 'to eat a meal.' 회식하다 implies a collective social event with a specific group.

회식하다 vs 파티하다

파티하다 (to party) is much more casual and Western. A hoesik can be a party, but it has more hierarchical and professional strings attached.

Idioms & Expressions

"회식 자리에 꽃이 피다"

— To have a very lively and blooming conversation at a dinner. Used when everyone is enjoying themselves.

동료들의 농담 덕분에 회식 자리에 꽃이 피었습니다.

Literary

"회식으로 스트레스를 풀다"

— To relieve stress through a company dinner. Common justification for hoesik.

우리는 가끔 회식으로 스트레스를 풀곤 해요.

Neutral

"회식 자리에서 눈을 맞추다"

— To build rapport or understanding at a dinner table. Not literally eye contact, but connecting emotionally.

회식 자리에서 눈을 맞추며 서로의 진심을 확인했어요.

Poetic

"회식의 늪에 빠지다"

— To get stuck in a never-ending company dinner (multiple rounds).

어제 3차까지 가느라 회식의 늪에 빠졌어요.

Slang/Humorous

"회식비를 쏘다"

— To treat everyone to the dinner (usually a boss paying).

오늘 부장님이 기분이 좋으셔서 회식비를 쏘셨어요!

Slang

"회식 자리를 빛내다"

— To grace the dinner with one's presence (often used for VIPs).

사장님께서 오셔서 회식 자리를 빛내 주셨습니다.

Formal

"회식으로 배를 채우다"

— To fill one's stomach at a company dinner. Often said when the food is the main attraction.

공짜니까 회식으로 배를 가득 채워야지.

Informal

"회식에서 분위기를 띄우다"

— To liven up the atmosphere at the dinner.

신입 사원이 노래를 불러서 회식에서 분위기를 띄웠어요.

Neutral

"회식 자리가 가시방석이다"

— To feel extremely uncomfortable at a company dinner (like sitting on a bed of thorns).

불편한 상사 옆이라 회식 자리가 가시방석이었어요.

Idiomatic

"회식으로 하나가 되다"

— To become one (a united team) through a company dinner.

우리 팀은 이번 회식으로 정말 하나가 된 것 같아요.

Cliche/Positive

Easily Confused

회식하다 vs 회식 (Hoesik)

Noun vs Verb

회식 is the noun (the event). 회식하다 is the action (to have the event).

회식(noun)이 있어요. vs 회식해요(verb).

회식하다 vs 조식 (Josik)

Sounds similar

조식 means breakfast (usually in a hotel). 회식 is a company dinner.

호텔에서 조식을 먹었어요.

회식하다 vs 중식 (Jungsik)

Sounds similar

중식 can mean lunch or Chinese food. 회식 is a company dinner.

오늘 중식은 짜장면이에요.

회식하다 vs 석식 (Seoksik)

Sounds similar

석식 is a formal word for dinner (often used in schools/cafeterias). 회식 is the social act of dining with colleagues.

학교 석식이 맛있어요.

회식하다 vs 회합 (Hoehap)

Same 'Hoe' character

회합 is a formal meeting or assembly, often political. 회식 is about eating.

양국 대표가 회합을 가졌습니다.

Sentence Patterns

우리 [Time]에 회식해요.

우리 오늘 회식해요.

[Group]와/과 회식했어요.

직원들과 회식했어요.

회식하러 [Place]에 가요.

회식하러 식당에 가요.

회식하기 때문에 [Result].

회식하기 때문에 늦게 가요.

회식하는 대신에 [Alternative].

회식하는 대신에 일찍 끝나요.

[Subject]은/는 회식을 선호하다.

젊은 직원들은 점심 회식을 선호해요.

회식을 통해 [Goal]을/를 도모하다.

회식을 통해 친목을 도모해요.

회식의 [Nuance]을/를 지양하다.

강제적인 회식을 지양해야 합니다.

Word Family

Nouns

회식 (Hoesik - Company dinner/gathering)

회식비 (Hoesik-bi - Dinner expenses)

회식 장소 (Hoesik jangso - Dinner venue)

회식 자리 (Hoesik jari - Dinner table/occasion)

Verbs

회식하다 (Hoesikhada - To have a company dinner)

회식시키다 (Hoesiksikida - To make/order a company dinner to happen)

Adjectives

회식다운 (Hoesik-daun - Like a proper company dinner)

야식 (Late night snack)

외식 (Eating out)

정식 (Formal meal)

회합 (Meeting)

연회 (Banquet)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in adult/professional contexts in Korea.

Common Mistakes

Using it for friends. → 친구들과 모임을 가지다 / 밥을 먹다.
회식하다 is specifically for professional or organizational groups. Using it for friends sounds like you work with your friends in a very formal company.
Using '회식을 먹다'. → 회식하다 / 회식을 하다.
You 'do' a hoesik, you don't 'eat' it. Hoesik is the event name, not the food name.
Confusing with 외식하다. → 가족과 외식하다.
외식하다 is simply 'eating out.' If there's no company/organization involved, it's 외식.
Mispronouncing '회' as '호이'. → 회 (hwe).
The vowel 'ㅚ' sounds like 'we' in 'wet'. 'Hoi' is incorrect.
Thinking it's always at night. → 점심 회식을 하다.
While traditionally at night, hoesik can happen at lunch. Don't assume it always means a late night.

Tips

Pouring Drinks

When you 회식하다, if someone senior pours you a drink, receive it with two hands. It's a sign of respect.

Verb vs Noun

Don't forget that 회식 is the noun. You can say '회식이 있다' (There is a dinner) or '회식하다' (To do/have a dinner).

Seating

Wait for the most senior person to sit down before you take a seat at the hoesik table.

Group Chats

Hoesik announcements usually come through group chats like KakaoTalk. Reply promptly with your attendance.

Common Foods

The most common food for a hoesik is Samgyeopsal (pork belly) or Hoe (raw fish). Knowing these helps you prepare!

Culture Hoesik

If your team is young, they might prefer a 'Culture Hoesik' (watching a movie) over a drinking session.

Conjugation

Remember it's a '하다' verb. Past: 회식했다, Present: 회식한다, Future: 회식할 거다.

Keywords

Listen for '오늘 저녁' (this evening) and '다 같이' (all together) as cues that a hoesik is being discussed.

Declining

If you must skip, always provide a polite reason. '집에 일이 있어서' (I have something to do at home) is a safe bet.

Work Extension

Treat a hoesik as a 'softer' version of work. You can relax, but don't lose your professional manners.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'HOE' (gathering) + 'SIK' (sick of work) + 'HADA' (doing). You are 'doing a gathering because you are sick of work' and need to eat!

Visual Association

Imagine a group of people in suits sitting around a grill with smoke rising, holding small green bottles (soju). This is the quintessential '회식' scene.

Word Web

회사 (Company) 음식 (Food) 술 (Alcohol) 동료 (Colleague) 삼겹살 (Pork Belly) 소주 (Soju) 팀워크 (Teamwork) 2차 (Second round)

Challenge

Try to write a sentence using 회식하다 and a specific food item, like '치킨' or '갈비'. Then, try to use it with a time expression like '어젯밤' or '다음 주'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 會 (회 - hoe, meaning 'meeting' or 'gathering') and 食 (식 - sik, meaning 'food' or 'eating'), combined with the Korean auxiliary verb 하다 (hada - to do).

Original meaning: The original meaning literally translates to 'meeting and eating' or 'gathering to eat.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be aware that some employees may not drink for religious or health reasons. Modern Korean etiquette suggests not forcing anyone to drink during a hoesik.

In the West, 'Happy Hour' or 'Team Lunch' are similar, but usually less formal and rarely seen as 'mandatory' in the same way hoesik was traditionally viewed.

The drama 'Misaeng' (Incomplete Life) has iconic scenes of team dinners. The movie 'Exit' features a hoesik as the starting point of the disaster. Webtoons often use hoesik to show office politics.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Office Environment

오늘 회식 있나요?
회식 장소가 어디죠?
이번 회식은 빠질게요.
회식 메뉴 추천해 주세요.

Professional Scheduling

회식 일정을 조율하다.
회식 날짜를 잡다.
회식 장소를 예약하다.
회식비를 정산하다.

Socializing with Coworkers

다음에 회식 한 번 해요.
회식 자리에서 친해졌어요.
회식 때 너무 많이 마셨어요.
회식 분위기가 썰렁해요.

New Job / Farewell

환영 회식을 하다.
송별 회식을 하다.
신입 사원 회식.
마지막 회식.

News and Media

회식 문화 개선.
강제 회식 금지.
회식 자리 성희롱 예방.
점심 회식 증가.

Conversation Starters

"이번 주에 우리 팀 회식하는 거 아세요? (Do you know our team is having a dinner this week?)"

"회식 메뉴로 뭐가 좋을까요? (What would be good for the dinner menu?)"

"보통 회식하면 몇 차까지 가세요? (Usually, how many rounds do you go when you have a company dinner?)"

"회식하는 거 좋아하세요, 아니면 싫어하세요? (Do you like having company dinners, or do you dislike them?)"

"가장 기억에 남는 회식이 언제예요? (When was the most memorable company dinner?)"

Journal Prompts

한국의 회식 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 써 보세요. (Write about what you think of Korea's company dinner culture.)

내가 만약 사장이라면 어떤 회식을 하고 싶은지 설명해 보세요. (Describe what kind of company dinner you would want to have if you were the boss.)

회식 자리에서 동료와 친해진 경험이 있다면 공유해 주세요. (Share an experience where you got closer to a colleague at a company dinner.)

회식 문화가 개인의 삶에 미치는 영향에 대해 토론해 보세요. (Discuss the impact of company dinner culture on an individual's life.)

미래의 회식은 어떤 모습일지 상상해서 써 보세요. (Imagine and write about what future company dinners will look like.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Traditionally, yes, alcohol (soju/beer) was a major part. However, modern '회식' can involve just food, or even activities like bowling or movies. It depends on the company culture.

No, it sounds unnatural. Use '친구랑 밥 먹다' or '친구랑 모임을 가지다.' 회식하다 is strictly for professional/formal groups.

Legally, no. Culturally, it often feels mandatory, especially in traditional companies. However, this is changing quickly in Korea.

Usually, the company pays using a corporate card, or the highest-ranking person (the boss) pays for everyone.

These refer to the 'rounds' of a hoesik. 1차 is usually the meal, 2차 is a bar, and 3차 might be karaoke (noraebang) or more drinks.

Yes, it is a standard, polite term. To be even more formal with a boss, you can use '회식을 하시다' or '식사 자리에 참석하시다.'

Yes, university students use it for gatherings of their majors (과회식) or clubs (동아리 회식).

It is a company dinner held during lunch hours. It is becoming popular as it allows employees to go home on time.

You can say '선약이 있어서 참석하기 어렵습니다' (I have a previous engagement, so it's difficult to attend).

'Beongae' means lightning. It is an impromptu, last-minute company dinner announced on the day of.