More than 60 percent women in their 20s in Seoul consume alcohol more than once a month. Of those, 1 in 10 were classed as binge drinkers, according to the statistics released by Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Alcohol consumption among women in their 20s increased to 64.8 percent in 2013, a 9.6 percentage point increase from 2008 and the biggest increase among age and gender groups.

Of those, 1 in 10 indulge in binge drinking, defined as drinking more than five glasses of Soju, a popular Korean liquor, more than twice a week.

On the other hand, the number of male binge drinkers ― those who drink at least 7 glasses of Soju more than twice a week ― decreased to 17.5 percent in 2013, a 2.8 percentage point decrease from 2008.

Those surveyed said they drink alcohol to enhance social bonding.