The Different Stages "Rounds" of Korean Nightlife: Different Stages and Rounds of Korean Nightlife

It is no secret, we Koreans love to drink. Not just once in a while or even once a week, many of us make a point of going out several times a week to drink, socialize, and enjoy life. Similar to pre-gaming here in the States, we have a few stages that we may go through within a night. You will notice a common theme of food intertwined within the drinking. I've learned many cultures, including Korean culture, have always know that there is no better way to metabolize alcohol than with food. As a loose rule of thumb, the more you've eaten, the more you can drink without getting drunk (sorta).

Il cha (round 1) - Often before a night of partying, we will meet our friends for dinner. There is often light drinking taking place at the restaurant.

I cha (round 2) - Round 2 is where we may end up at a bar for the pre-game. It is often too early to go to the club or lounge, so a few drinks are had somewhere tamer (and often cheaper). Rule of thumb: if the club opens at 10pm, don't be the group there right at opening, it's simply not cool. =P

Ssam cha (round 3) - Now may be the appropriate time to visit your main venue for the night. It is quite possibly close to midnight and you have a good buzz going. Ssam cha can often take place at a night club, lounge, or party. More than likely this is your primary destination of the evening, regardless of whether or not any other rounds have or will take place. Wherever we are, we have probably ordered or been given some sort of anju. What is anju you ask? It is the the equivalence of Korean bar snacks or pupus or tapas. It is not a meal, but something to pick on and keep from getting too drunk too fast.

Ssa cha (round 4) - It is possibly now 2am, the club has closed. The problem is that we are having so much fun now. I do not want this night to end, so don't let it. Let us go to the noraebang (karaoke rooms) where we can sing and continue to party.

Oh cha (round 5) - It is now 4am and we are all more than tipsy. We could go home now, but nahhh. We need food. All this partying has worked up an appetite and the only way I will be able to function at all tomorrow is to get some food in me. Soups are often appropriate, perhaps some soon tofu soup or even some pho. Nearly any type of food is appropriate, the taco truck, Denny's, Korean food, even Jack in the Box.