Korean drinking games are a fantastic way to add excitement, laughter, and some friendly competition to your next gathering. With a perfect mix of tradition, creativity, and humor, these games will keep everyone entertained and maybe a little tipsy! Whether you're a fan of simple games or something that requires a bit more strategy, there's a game for every party vibe. Let's dive into some of the most popular Korean drinking games, including a new trendy addition that's taking the party scene by storm!
1. Attendance Game (출석부 게임)
The Attendance Game turns a school ritual into a hilarious drinking challenge. One player acts as the teacher, calling out names while the others respond. The key rule: the teacher must not call their own name or point to the wrong person. If anyone makes a mistake or misses their cue, they take a drink! It’s all about quick thinking and keeping up with the pace.
2. I-AM-GROUND Self-Introduction
This rhythmic game tests your coordination and focus under pressure. Players must follow a specific hand motion pattern: slap your thighs, clap your hands, then point right and left. Once everyone is in sync, players take turns saying their names while performing the rhythm. Anyone who misses a beat or says the wrong name has to drink!
3. Nunchi Game (눈치게임)
Nunchi, also known as the "Timing Game" or "Sensing Game," is a fast-paced game where players either squat or stand based on the number called. The goal is to avoid being the last person to move or calling out the same number as someone else. Mess up, and it’s drink time! It's a great game for quick decision-making and fun chaos.
4. Bottle Cap (병뚜껑 게임)
This simple yet intense game involves flicking the cap off a soju bottle. Players take turns flicking it with their fingers until it pops off. The person who flicks it off wins, but if you're the one who gets the cap flying, you might just end up taking a shot! It's a game of precision and timing that’s sure to have everyone on edge.
5. Baskin Robbins 31 (베스킨라빈스 31)
In this strategic counting game, players take turns calling out 1-3 numbers in ascending order. The goal? Avoid being the person who says "31." Players can form alliances, and the game quickly ramps up the tension as you try to avoid the losing number. It’s fun, quick, and full of surprising moments.
6. 3-6-9 (삼육구)
A classic that’s as much about rhythm as it is about concentration. Players chant “sam-yuggu, sam-yuggu!” while doing a chicken-wing action, then count upward. But every time a number containing 3, 6, or 9 is called, players must clap instead of saying the number. Mess it up, and you drink!
7. 3-6-9 On Steroids
If the basic 3-6-9 game isn’t challenging enough, this amped-up version adds even more clapping rules. Instead of just focusing on 3, 6, or 9, players can choose other numbers to clap for. This one’s sure to keep everyone on their toes!
8. Babo Game (바보게임)
In the Babo Game, players say a number while showing a different number with their fingers. For example, someone might say “5” while showing “2” fingers. The next player has to repeat the number of fingers while saying a new number. If anyone messes up, they drink! It’s a simple but hilarious game that can lead to plenty of funny mistakes.
9. Love You (사랑해)
This lighthearted game plays on emotions, requiring players to say "I love you" to the person on their left. If the person responds with "huh?" the love is rejected, and the player must say "I love you" to the person opposite. The challenge is not laughing—if you giggle, you drink!
10. Titanic/The Submarine (타이타닉/잠수함)
For those who enjoy a little more drama, the Titanic game involves a glass of beer with a shot glass floating inside. Players take turns pouring soju into the shot glass until it sinks. Whoever causes it to sink has to drink the entire cocktail of beer and soju—known as somaek. It’s a game that combines strategy with a bit of danger!
11. High-Low (하이–로우) / Up-Down (업다운)
A simple guessing game where the players must guess a hidden number between 1 and 100. After each guess, the game master will reveal if the correct number is higher or lower. The person who guesses the right number wins, while everyone else drinks.
12. Image Game (이미지 게임)
In this game, players take turns giving a “Most likely to...” description, and everyone points to who they think fits best. The person who gets the most votes has to drink. However, there’s a twist: if you think you’re the one who’ll get the most votes, you can block the attack by crossing your arms. If you’re wrong, you drink instead!
13. Mandu Game (만두 게임)
The Mandu Game is a chant-based game where players chant "mandu mandu mandu" and call out a number in multiples of 5. If the number matches the number of fingers shown, the player wins, and the others drink. It’s simple but fun, with different variations depending on the rules you choose.
14. The Black Knight (흑기사)
In this game, any player can step in as the "Black Knight" to drink on behalf of someone else. It adds a heroic or mischievous touch to any drinking game, and can lead to some funny moments of strategic saving or sacrificing.
15. Korea's Trendy APT Drinking Game
Recently gaining popularity thanks to BLACKPINK's Rosé and her collaboration with Bruno Mars, the APT Game (Apartment Drinking Game) has become the new party favorite in Korea. The game’s catchy chant is part of the song "APT." and has made its way into the drinking game scene.
To play, everyone starts by chanting "apateu" in unison while moving their hands to the beat of the song. When the leader calls out a number, everyone stacks their hands on top of each other. The group then counts, saying “one” as the person with their hand at the bottom pulls it out and moves it to the top. The process repeats until someone reaches the number the leader called. The player who moves their hand to the top for that number loses and has to take a shot. This game is simple, fun, and guaranteed to get the party started, all while following the rhythm of the APT song!
Discover New Drinking Games for Your Party!
Korean drinking games bring a fresh twist to your usual party games, combining rhythm, strategy, and lots of laughs. Whether you’re a seasoned partygoer or new to Korean drinking culture, these games are a great way to bond with friends and spice up any gathering. From classics like Baskin Robbins 31 to newer games like the APT Drinking Game, there's a game for everyone to enjoy. So grab your favorite drink, get your friends together, and let the fun begin!
Want to learn more? Check out our list of drinking games around the globe.
