Recently, Rosé of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars sparked international attention with their hit song “Apt,” inspired by one of Korea’s beloved drinking games. The song’s fun and rhythmic energy has people all over the world curious about Korean drinking culture, where games play a major role in social gatherings.
While some games can be complex with fast-paced rules, today I’m introducing five simple and easy-to-learn drinking games that foreigners can try out. Whether you’re a K-pop fan intrigued by “Apt” or just looking for fun ways to spice up your social night, these games are sure to bring a smile to your face!
Let’s dive into the world of Korean drinking games, starting with the buzz around “Apt” and moving through some classic favorites.
1. Baskin Robbins 31 (배스킨 라빈스 31)
Named after the famous ice cream chain, this game is simple but strategic. The objective is to avoid saying the number 31, which will result in a penalty drink.
How to play:
- Players take turns saying 1, 2, or 3 consecutive numbers, starting from 1.
- Ex) Player1: 1, 2 / Player2: 3, 4, 5 / Player3: 6 / Player4: 7, 8, 9...
- The person who ends up saying “31” has to drink.
This game keeps the tension high as the numbers get closer to 31. It’s a lighthearted way to break the ice in larger groups, with plenty of laughs as players try to outmaneuver one another.
2. Sam-Yuk-Gu (369 게임)
This rhythmic counting game is one of the most well-known in Korea. It’s easy to play but gets tricky as the numbers get higher.
How to play:
- Players take turns counting out loud in sequence. (One! Two! Clap! Four!..)
- However, for every number that contains 3, 6, or 9, the player must clap instead of saying the number. (3, 6, 9, 13, 16, 19, 23... 33(two times)...
- If a player forgets to clap or says the number instead, they must drink.
The game picks up speed as the numbers go higher, making it a fun challenge that everyone can enjoy. It’s simple to understand, but quick reflexes are needed to avoid penalties!
3. Apt (아파트 게임)
Inspired by the drinking game recently popularized by Rosé and Bruno Mars’ song “Apt,” this version adds a unique twist involving teamwork and reflexes.
How to play:
- Players chant “APT아파트” (AH-PAH-TEU x4) while stacking their hands on top of each other.
- One player calls out a number, symbolizing a "floor" in an apartment building.
- Starting from the bottom of the hand stack, players take turns removing their hands, trying to avoid being the one to remove their hand at the called floor number.
- The person who removes their hand at the specific number must drink.
This game is a great way to keep the energy high and adds suspense as everyone waits to see who will be the unlucky one to remove their hand at the wrong time.
4. 007 Bang (007 빵)
This game is all about quick thinking and reflexes, with a dramatic flair that keeps everyone on their toes.
How to play:
- One player starts by pretending to shoot another player with an invisible gun, saying "Zero". Then the person shot, shoots another player saying "Zero". Then the player shot, shoots another player saying "Seven". This last player shoots another person saying "BANG!".
- The target must stay silent to dodge the shot, while the players sitting next to the target must raise their arms and shout “AH!” at the same time.
- If anyone messes up the timing, they have to drink.
- If nobody messes up, then continue the rounds 0-0-7-Bang!
- (A player can shoot himself too)
This game is perfect for creating fast-paced fun, with everyone engaged and laughing as players scramble to avoid the “shots.”
5. Son Byung Ho Game (손병호 게임)
Popularized by Korean actor Son Byung Ho, this game requires players to put up their fingers and share something they’ve never done. It’s great for learning fun facts about each other. It's basically 'Never Have I Ever'.
How to play:
- Each player starts with five(or 10) fingers raised.
- The first player says something they’ve never done (e.g., "I’ve never been to Japan").
- Anyone who has done that must put one finger down.
- The first person to put all five fingers down must drink.
This game is an excellent way to find out quirky facts about people in the group, and it often leads to surprising revelations and lots of laughs.
Final Thoughts
Korean drinking games are more than just about drinking—they’re about bonding, creating shared memories, and bringing out the playful side in everyone. While some of these games can have intricate rules and rhythms, the five introduced here are simple, fun, and easy for foreigners to pick up.
From the counting challenges of Baskin Robbins 31 and Sam-Yuk-Gu, to the high-energy excitement of Apt, 007 Bang, and Son Byung Ho Game, these games guarantee a good time at any social gathering. Whether you're in Korea or just enjoying a Korean-themed night with friends, give these games a try, and you're sure to have a night full of laughter and fun.