Seoul, Hongdae Food & Drinking games in traditional theme bar!

If you’re looking for a lively, social experience that combines local culture, delicious drinks, and fun games, this tour in Hongdae might just be your new favorite way to spend an evening in Seoul. Designed for solo travelers, groups, or anyone eager to get a taste of Korea’s drinking traditions, it offers a relaxed environment to connect and have a good laugh.

What really stands out are the informative host, the chance to learn popular Korean drinking games, and the opportunity to sample iconic drinks like soju and makgeolli. A possible downside? The event requires a minimum of three participants to run, so if you’re traveling solo during a quiet time, you might want to check availability in advance. This experience suits those curious about Korean nightlife, eager to meet new friends, or just wanting a fun, low-pressure way to enjoy Seoul’s vibrant Hongdae scene.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Insight: Learn about Korean drinking etiquette and games from a host with 27 years living in Korea.
• Interactive Fun: Play popular games like Baskin Robbins 31, Titanic, and 369, which are designed to make strangers quickly become friends.
• Delicious Drinks & Food: Enjoy iconic beverages such as soju and makgeolli along with traditional snacks.
• Casual Atmosphere: The traditional theme bar offers a cozy, immersive setting to relax and connect.
• Group Size & Flexibility: Limited to 6 travelers for a personalized experience, but may be canceled if fewer than 3 sign up.
• Great Value: At only $35 per person for around 2 hours, you get a mix of culture, fun, and socializing that’s hard to beat.

Exploring the Tour in Detail

Starting Point & Meeting Experience

Your evening kicks off at Mr Kim Toast, located at 152 Yanghwa-ro in Mapo-gu, a lively part of Hongdae known for its youthful energy and quirky cafes. The meeting spot sets a casual tone, perfect for a relaxed night out. Since the tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, you won’t feel lost in a crowd—expect a warm, friendly welcome from your host, Day, who has spent nearly three decades immersed in Korean drinking culture.

The Traditional Theme Bar

The venue itself boasts a traditional Korean-inspired decor. Think low wooden tables, paper lanterns, and subtle cultural touches that transport you away from the modern city streets into a cozy, authentic atmosphere. Reviewers mention the beautiful setting and delicious food, which helps elevate the experience beyond just games and drinks.

Drinks & Snacks

You’ll start by tasting iconic Korean drinks like soju, a clear, potent spirit often enjoyed with casual sips, and makgeolli, a milky rice wine with a slightly sweet, tangy flavor. These beverages are staples in Korean social settings, and understanding their etiquette helps you blend seamlessly into the local scene.

Accompanying the drinks are traditional snacks, which may include small plates of savory bites perfect for sharing. This setup encourages mingling and creates a convivial vibe, making it easier to relax and enjoy the games.

Learning & Playing Korean Drinking Games

The core of this tour is the interactive games. Your host, Day, is well-versed in the rules and customs of popular drinking games like APT, 369, Baskin Robbins 31, Titanic, and more. These games are specifically designed to break down barriers—often, strangers become friends in a matter of minutes while trying to outwit each other in hilarious challenges.

From the reviews, it’s clear that participants appreciate Day’s friendly guidance and detailed explanations, which make even complex rules easy to pick up. For example, one guest shared, “We really enjoyed our time snacking and learning drinking games,” highlighting how the games add an engaging element to the evening.

Cultural Etiquette & Fun Moments

Not only do you get to play, but you also gain insight into Korean drinking etiquette, which involves certain customs like pouring drinks for others and knowing when to say cheers. This adds an extra cultural layer to your night, making it more than just a party.

Reviewers also note that the laughter and camaraderie flow naturally, with many saying they left feeling like they had made new friends or had a taste of real local life. One even mentioned that they would keep singing “Baskin Robbins 31” after the tour, demonstrating how memorable the games can be.

End of the Tour & Recommendations

The experience wraps up back at the original meeting point, leaving plenty of time to explore Hongdae’s nightlife further. The host suggests various bars and spots to continue your night, and many guests report that those recommendations turned out to be fantastic choices, adding extra value to their evening.

Considerations & Practical Info

While the tour offers a lot of fun, keep in mind that if fewer than three participants sign up on your scheduled day, the event might be canceled. This is important if you’re visiting during a quieter period or traveling solo. It’s advisable to check your reservation and stay flexible.

The cost of $35 covers roughly two hours of entertainment, drinks, and cultural insights—an affordable price considering the quality and intimacy of the experience. Since the activity is capped at 6 travelers, it’s a great opportunity for personalized interaction, but it also means spots could fill quickly.

Why We Think This Tour Offers Value

This experience is a fantastic choice for those wanting to dive into Seoul’s local drinking culture in a relaxed, social setting. The combination of traditional drinks, lively games, and cultural insights ensures you get more than just a bar crawl—you gain understanding and stories to take home.

The small group size and friendly host create an inclusive environment, perfect for solo travelers or small groups eager to connect. Plus, the delicious food and drinks make it feel like a genuine local night out rather than a touristy trap.

Most importantly, participants tell us how much they enjoyed the laughter, camaraderie, and cultural learning. It’s an authentic way to spend an evening in Hongdae, especially if you want to see a different side of Seoul’s vibrant nightlife.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers interested in Korean drinking customs and games. It’s ideal if you’re traveling solo or with a small group and want to meet new people in a casual, fun environment. Food lovers will appreciate the traditional snacks and drinks, while culture buffs will enjoy the insights into etiquette behind the games.

Those seeking a low-stress, social activity that mixes learning with entertainment will find this tour hits the mark. However, if you prefer larger parties or highly structured tours, this might feel a little intimate or informal.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the focus is on drinking games, the emphasis is on fun and cultural learning. If you don’t drink alcohol, you might still enjoy the games and social atmosphere, but it’s primarily designed around alcoholic beverages.

What are the main drinks served?
You will taste soju and makgeolli, both iconic Korean drinks. These beverages are part of Korea’s traditional drinking culture.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect short evening activity.

What is the group size limit?
The maximum number of travelers is 6, ensuring a personalized experience, but note that if fewer than 3 sign up, the event may be canceled.

Is the venue accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point in Hongdae is near public transportation, which makes it easy to reach.

Can I make a reservation close to the date?
Reservations near the event date may lead to a change of venue, so it’s best to book in advance to secure your spot.

What if I want to continue exploring afterward?
The host often recommends additional bars around Hongdae, which are known for their lively atmospheres and good drinks—perfect for extending your night.

Final Thoughts

For travelers eager to experience Seoul beyond the typical tourist spots, this Hongdae drinking game tour offers an engaging, authentic peek into Korean nightlife. The combination of traditional drinks, lively games, and cultural insights creates a memorable, fun-filled evening that fosters social connections.

It’s particularly well-suited for solo travelers, small groups, or anyone curious about local customs. The relaxed environment helps break down barriers, and the friendly host ensures everyone feels included.

While it’s a short experience, the memories—and perhaps a new game or two—will stick with you long after you leave. If you’re after a laid-back, culturally rich night out that’s as much about fun as it is about learning, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Note: Always double-check your reservation and be aware of minimum participant requirements. Enjoy your time in Seoul and cheers to new friends and unforgettable nights!