Binge drinking fades, culture and volunteering gaining popularityFor


A 28-year-old elementary school teacher surnamed Bae recently enjoyed a rather “culturally advanced” year-end party with her colleagues. They had a quick bite for dinner, watched the musical “Cats” and finished with a cup of coffee.

“No one was forced to join and no alcohol was involved. We were sober, shared laughter and went home,” she said. The teachers chipped in their own money to pay for the musical, which even made everyone happy.

Like Bae, more people are choosing ways to enjoy year-end gatherings culturally. Gone is the stereotypical year-end party marked by binge-drinking that lasts until late at night. Instead, unique ways to create and share good memories are in.

According to a recent survey by Job Korea, 69.9 percent of 1,035 salaried workers said year-end party scenes should change. Only 8.6 percent liked dining and drinking while 60.9 percent did not like the conventional way of partying because it was too hierarchical, top-down and time-consuming.

Instead, 58.9 percent wanted to experience cultural activities such as watching movies or plays, and 30.8 percent wanted to volunteer and perform other “meaningful” works.

Employees at Daemyung Group enjoyed the trendy musical, “Zorro,” and had a little after-party. It also plans to hold a pop orchestra concert in January to boost morale for its workers and clients.

The comprehensive resort company said in a press release that the themes of the concert were selected based on employee survey results and that management is considering expanding such events to become a “culturally advanced” company.

STX Group rented the Seoul Art Center in southern Seoul on Dec. 10 and 11 and let its 10,000 workers and their families enjoy special concerts in four sessions.

“Such a year-end party is good for the company, too, because workers can start fresh the next morning without suffering from a serious hangover,” Kim Yon-soo, a mid-ranking manager for a logistics company, said. His team dropped the drinking routine, and instead watched a blockbuster movie while enjoying popcorn and soda for a year-end party.

Some people go beyond cultural events and look for something meaningful: sharing.

Workers at the Ministry of Health and Welfare plan to hold a blood donation event Thursday and Friday. All colleagues are encouraged to join the event before they have year-end dining events.

“We thought it is necessary since we may be overlooking the health and welfare of the public. All workers agreed and gladly joined in,” Yang Seong-il, the ministry spokesman, said.

About 70 workers including the management of SK Innovation delivered 1,800 coal briquettes to underprivileged people to help them stay warm through winter. Some departments said they will replace year-end parties with volunteering activities.

Chun Hye-in, a patent registry office clerk, spent Saturday with her co-workers at a nursing home on the outskirts of Seoul for their year-end sharing activities.

“It was cold, and sparing time in the weekend wasn’t easy,” she said. “But, it is worth it. This is true holiday spirit!”

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)