Korean · Culture & Society
회식會食

hoesik

Also written: hwesik; company dinner; team dinner

A workplace or organizational group meal, often held after work to build cohesion, celebrate, welcome someone, or conduct informal relationship management.

Literal meaning

group meal or dining together

Cultural context

Hoesik can strengthen team bonds, but it may also carry pressure because seniority, drinking culture, attendance expectations, and after-hours obligations follow employees outside the office.

How dramas use it

Workplace dramas use hoesik for confessions, drunken mistakes, hierarchy tests, secret observations, forced socializing, and the moment a restrained employee finally speaks honestly.

Usage & formality

Not every hoesik involves alcohol, and contemporary workplaces vary widely. The key idea is an organized group gathering connected to work or membership.