This blog post teaches how to politely decline a Korean company dinner, known as ‘hoesik’. It introduces three key Korean expressions: ‘참석하기 어려울 것 같아요’ (I don’t think I can make it), ‘아쉽지만, 선약이 있어서요’ (That’s a shame, but I have a prior engagement), and ‘다음에는 꼭 참석하겠습니다’ (I will definitely join next time). The post provides detailed explanations, pronunciation tips for natural speech, and an example dialogue. It also discusses the cultural shift in South Korea towards ‘Worabel’ (work-life balance), especially among the younger generation, and how company gatherings are evolving.
Finding Your ‘Worabel’: How to Politely Skip a Korean Work Dinner
