12 Korean Drinking Games You Need to Try for the Ultimate Soju Night

Korean drinking games are the life of any soju-fueled gathering. Whether you’re hanging out with friends or diving into K-culture at a K-pop-themed party, these games are the perfect way to break the ice. They’re easy to learn, and a ton of fun—especially once the drinks start flowing! Here’s a list of the most popular Korean drinking games, with comparisons to Western games you might know, so you can jump right in.

What Are Korean Drinking Games?

Korean drinking games are an essential part of the country’s drinking culture. Whether it’s a casual night out with friends, a work party, or a big celebration, these games serve one primary purpose: to get everyone laughing, interacting, and inevitably, drinking. Most of these games revolve around soju, Korea’s favorite spirit, but can easily be adapted to beer or other beverages. The games vary in diversity, from simple number-based ones like 3-6-9 and Baskin Robbins 31 to popular favorites among K-pop fans, such as Nunchi and 007 Bang.

The key to mastering Korean drinking games is not just understanding the rules but embracing the spirit of fun and playfulness. The better you are at laughing off your losses, the more you’ll enjoy the experience!

Top 12 Fun Korean Drinking Games

1. Bottle Cap Game (병뚜껑 게임)

One of the simplest yet most competitive Korean drinking games, the Bottle Cap game involves twisting the metal cap off a soju bottle and flicking the dangling part. 

Korean Gameplay:

• Keep the cap after opening a bottle of soju.
• Twist the metal band around the cap until it creates a small, loose tail.
• Players take turns flicking the tail, trying to break it off. Whoever breaks the tail first gets to choose someone to drink.

Western Equivalent: “Flip Cup”

Flip Cup involves flicking cups over after chugging, similar to flicking the cap tail here. Both games require accuracy and a little finesse.

Why it’s fun (and the difference):

• The Bottle Cap Game builds suspense with every flick. The more you flick without success, the more the pressure builds. It’s a simple yet skillful challenge—no racing, just slow, steady flicking.
• Unlike Flip Cup, this game doesn’t need any special equipment beyond a soju bottle, making it easy to start at any time.

Pro-tip:

Don’t flick too hard! Focus on control and aim for the sweet spot where the tail bends—gentle but precise.

2. 3-6-9 Game (삼육구 게임)

This counting game is deceptively simple but gets harder as the night progresses (thanks, soju!). 

Korean Gameplay:

• Players count in order from 1, but when they hit a number with 3, 6, or 9, they clap instead of saying the number.
• When a number has double 3s, 6s, or 9s (like 33 or 36), it’s double the claps! The real fun kicks in between 30 and 39, where it’s all claps, no talking, and the pace really heats up!
• If you mess up the clapping sequence or hesitate, you drink.

Western Equivalent: “Buzz”

In Buzz, you replace certain numbers with the word “Buzz,” much like replacing numbers with claps in 3-6-9.

Why it’s fun (and the difference):

• This game adds a rhythm challenge that keeps everyone on their toes. The fast-paced clapping throws people off, especially as the numbers get higher. It’s more interactive than Buzz and creates lots of laughter when someone messes up.
• The more you drink, the harder it is to keep up with the clapping pattern, which ramps up the fun.

Pro-tip:

Stay focused! It’s easy to get distracted by other people’s mistakes or lose track of where the count is, especially after a few rounds.

3. Titanic Drinking Game (타이타닉 게임)

Titanic is one of the most nerve-wracking games you’ll ever play. The game is named after the famous ship due to its sinking-like mechanics. 

Korean Gameplay:

• Fill a large glass halfway with beer, and float a shot glass in it.
• Players take turns pouring soju into the shot glass, trying not to sink it.
• Whoever sinks the shot glass has to drink the entire beer and soju mixture!

Western Equivalent: “Sink the Bismarck”

In Sink the Bismarck, you also float a shot glass in beer and take turns pouring alcohol until it sinks. The principle is the same!

Why it’s fun (and the difference):

• The tension builds as the glass fills up, making each pour more nerve-wracking than the last. Like Sink the Bismarck, this game is all about precision and nerves.
• The combination of soju and beer (known as “so-mek”) adds a uniquely Korean twist.

Pro-tip:

Pour slowly and carefully, but don’t be the person who sinks it! The slower your pour, the higher your chances of survival.

4. Baskin Robbins 31 Game (배스킨라빈스 31)

It is a simple and fun counting game, often played as a party or icebreaker activity. The game’s name references the popular ice cream brand’s slogan, “31 Flavors.” 

Korean Gameplay:

• Players take turns counting from 1. On your turn, you can say up to three consecutive numbers (like “1, 2” or “3, 4, 5”).
• The goal is to avoid being the person who says “31.” If you say it, you drink!

Western Equivalent: “21”

In 21 drinking game, players also count in order, but you aim to avoid saying 21. The strategy is similar, with players trying to trap others into losing.

Why it’s fun (and the difference):

• It’s a fast-paced, strategic game. Each player tries to manipulate the count to force the next person to say “31,” just like in 21, but Baskin Robbins 31 has a different pacing that makes it feel more playful.
• As the numbers get closer to 31, the tension builds—who will be stuck with the final number?

Pro-tip:

Be strategic! If you know how many numbers are left, plan your move so you don’t end up with “31.”

5. The High-Low Game (하이로 게임)

This is a quick and hilarious Korean drinking game where guessing the right number might cost you a drink! 

Korean Gameplay:

• One player secretly picks a number between 1 and 50.
• The rest of the players take turns guessing the number.
• After each guess, the first player says whether the actual number is higher or lower.
• The game continues until someone guesses the correct number. Once the right number is guessed, everyone else drinks!

Western Equivalent: “Higher or Lower”

In the Western version, ‘Higher or Lower’ is played with cards, regardless of variations like “Fuck the Dealer” or “Irish Poker.” The dealer flips one card, and players guess if the next card will be higher or lower. If they guess wrong, they drink. If they guess right, the next person plays.

Why it’s fun (and the difference):

• The guessing and tension make it exciting. The longer it takes to guess the right number, the more nervous everyone gets.
• There’s no deck of cards involved—just pure guessing and deduction, which ramps up tension as the numbers close in. Plus, it’s not just the guesser who drinks in this version—everyone but the correct guesser takes a drink

Pro-tip:

Guess middle-range numbers at first (like 25). It gives you a better shot at narrowing down the correct number faster.

6. Chopsticks Voting Game (젓가락 게임)

It’s a simple and fun Korean drinking game perfect for getting the group laughing. Players ask a question, and everyone points their chopsticks at the person who best fits the answer. 

Korean Gameplay:

• Players sit in a circle, each with a pair of chopsticks.
• One person starts by asking a question about someone in the group (for example, “Who is the worst singer here?” or “Who’s most likely to fall asleep first?”).
• Everyone in the group then points their chopsticks at the person they think best fits the answer.
• The person who gets the most chopsticks pointed at them must drink.
• After drinking, that person gets to ask the next question, and the game continues.

Western Equivalent: “Most Likely To” or “Who’s Most Likely”

In the Western game “Most Likely To,” players ask a question like “Who’s most likely to forget their own birthday?” and everyone points to the person they think fits that description. The person with the most votes drinks, just like in the Chopsticks Voting Game.

Why it’s fun (and the difference):

• Chopsticks Voting Game is a perfect icebreaker for group settings, especially when you want to make things fun and personal. It encourages laughter, surprises, and maybe a bit of good-natured embarrassment. The twist of using chopsticks as the voting tool makes it feel more unique and cultural.
• Compared to the Western “Most Likely To” game, this version adds a fun prop (the chopsticks) and a slightly more structured approach to choosing someone to drink. It creates a clear “target” for the next question asker, keeping the game moving fast.

Pro-tip:

Need some spicy questions or a way to randomly decide who’s up next? Try out these two online tools: Do or Drink Online Card Game for simple but hilarious drinking game rules, and Wheel Spinner for Truth or Drink Questions to get spicy questions. Both tools are free and perfect for adding some fun to your next gathering!

7. Tap Drinking Game (탭 게임)

Tap is a fast-paced, rhythm-based Korean drinking game. Players tap their drinks on the table to pass the turn, but with each tap, the direction changes! 

Korean Gameplay:

• Players sit in a circle with their drinks on the table.
• The first player taps their drink once, passing the turn to the person on their right.
• The next player can tap their drink once, twice, or three times:
  • One tap passes the turn to the right.
  • Two taps sends the turn back to the left.
  • Three taps skips the next person and passes the turn to the second person on the right.
• The game continues, and anyone who messes up the tapping sequence (by tapping incorrectly or losing track) must drink.

Western Equivalent: “Simon”

Like the classic game Simon, where players must follow and repeat a sequence, Tap involves paying close attention to the pattern of taps. The difference? Messing up here comes with a drink!

Why it’s fun (and the difference):

• Tap may seem simple at first, but it quickly turns into a fast-paced game of concentration. The taps get confusing as the round goes on, especially after a few drinks. Players need to focus and react quickly to avoid drinking penalties.
• Unlike Simon, which is all about memorizing sequences, Tap focuses on speed and rhythm, with players improvising the next tap based on what just happened, making it a lot more unpredictable.

Pro-tip:

Stay alert! Keep track of the number of taps and where the turn is headed. It’s easy to lose focus, especially as the game gets faster, and that’s when the drinking begins.

8. Nunchi Game (눈치 게임)

A fan favorite from the popular Korean variety show Running Man, this game is loved for its simplicity and suspense. Players stand and call out numbers in sequence, but if two people move at the same time, they’re out!

Korean Gameplay:

• The game begins with all players either sitting or squatting in a circle.
• The first player stands and calls out “one.”
• Other players must use their nunchi (the ability to sense what others are going to do) to decide when to stand and say the next number in sequence (i.e., “two,” “three,” and so on).
• If two players stand and call out the same number at the same time, they are both out.
• The game continues until only one person is left. The last person remaining is the loser and must drink.
• The game can also be used to quickly decide who will face a penalty or go last in subsequent games.

Western Equivalent: “Musical Chairs”

In Musical Chairs, players must read the situation and act quickly to avoid being the last person without a chair. Similarly, in Nunchi, players need to act with perfect timing to avoid being the last person standing or sitting.

Why it’s fun (and the difference):

• Nunchi is a test of patience, timing, and social awareness. It’s all about reading the room and sensing when other players are going to move. The tension builds as players hesitate, trying to avoid standing at the same time as someone else.
• Unlike Musical Chairs, where you scramble to find a seat, Nunchi requires subtlety and strategy. There’s no music—just silence and anticipation, which makes every move exciting and nerve-wracking.

Pro-tip:

Don’t rush! Take your time and try to read when others are going to act. If you’re too eager, you 

9. Babo Game (바보 게임)

This is a fast-paced Korean finger game that will test your quick thinking and reactions. In Korean, Babo means “fool” or “silly,” often used playfully among friends or children without offense. Fittingly, the Babo Game challenges players to avoid mistakes and not be the “Babo” in a fun, fast-paced way!

Korean Gameplay:

• Each player places one finger on the table.
• One player starts counting aloud, and at a certain number, everyone must either lift their finger or keep it down.
• If the number of fingers lifted matches the count, the person who guessed chooses someone to drink.

Western Equivalent: “Odds”

In Odds, two players guess numbers between 1 and 10. If the guesses match, the losing player has to perform a challenge or drink. Like Babo, Odds is a fast-paced game of numbers and luck, with quick reactions being the key to staying in the game.

Why it’s fun (and the difference):

• Babo requires a combination of quick thinking and focus under pressure, especially when drinks are involved. You have to keep track of the number the previous player said while making sure you don’t accidentally match your own fingers to your number.
• While Odds is about guessing numbers, Babo adds the extra challenge of managing both your words and your fingers, leading to hilarious mistakes when players get confused.

Pro-tip:

• Stay calm! Focus on the last player’s hand and don’t rush to pick your number. The more composed you are, the better your chances of avoiding mistakes.

10. Strawberry Game (딸기 게임)

This is a rhythmic Korean drinking game where players clap in sync and chant “딸기” (strawberry) in a pattern that gets faster and trickier with each round. Like the Western Thumper Drinking Game, it tests your reflexes and coordination. 

Korean Gameplay:

• The Strawberry Game begins with a fun intro song, where everyone sings:
  1. (Korean) 딸기가 좋아! 딸기가 좋아! 좋아! 좋아, 좋아, 좋아!
  2. (Pronunciation) Ddalgiga Joh-a! Ddalgiga Joh-a! Joh-a! Joh-a, Joh-a, Joh-a!
  3. (Translation) I like strawberries! I like strawberries! Like! Like, Like, Like!
• After the song, players follow a hand-clapping pattern in sync:
  1. Clap both hands on the table.
  2. Clap hands together.
  3. Raise your right thumb and bend your arm to the right of your head.
  4. Raise your left thumb and bend your arm to the left of your head.
• As players follow the hand motions, they take turns saying “딸기” (strawberry) a certain number of times, based on the previous player’s turn. The pattern keeps going until someone messes up.

Western Equivalent: “Thumper Drinking Game”

In Thumper drinking game, players also follow hand motions and rhythm, calling out specific actions as the game progresses. Like Strawberry, it’s all about quick reflexes, rhythm, and keeping up with the group without making a mistake.

Why it’s fun (and the difference):

• Strawberry Game is all about rhythm and coordination. The game gets increasingly difficult as the hand motions and the number of “딸기” (strawberry) calls escalate. What starts as a simple pattern quickly becomes a hilarious challenge as players struggle to keep up.
• While Thumper uses symbols or animal movements, Strawberry adds a layer of vocal repetition, making it more challenging to follow both the clapping pattern and verbal cues.

Pro-tip:

Stay in rhythm! Focus on the clapping pattern first, and then add in the “딸기” (strawberry) calls. Getting the hand motions right is the key to staying in the game.

11. Bunny Game (버니 게임)

Bunny Bunny is a lively, coordination-based game that requires at least four players. Everyone raises both hands like bunny ears, mimicking a rabbit eating. It’s fast, playful, and guaranteed to get confusing (and hilarious) as the night goes on. 

Korean Gameplay:

• One player starts by chanting “Bunny Bunny” while doing the bunny hand gesture.
• They then “pass the bunny” to another player by pointing at them and chanting “Bunny Bunny.”
• The player selected must immediately start chanting “Bunny Bunny” and pass the bunny to a different player.
• Meanwhile, the players sitting to the left and right of the selected player chant “Dang-geun, Dang-geun” (which means “carrot” in Korean) while mimicking chopping motions with their hands.
• The game continues as players pass the bunny, and anyone who messes up by being too slow, failing to chant, or gesturing incorrectly must drink.

Western Equivalent: “Zoomy Zoomy Drinking Game”

In the Zoomy Zoomy Drinking Game, players chant “Zoomy Zoomy” in a rhythm and pass the chant to each other in a circle. Like Bunny Bunny, it relies on quick reflexes, rhythm, and coordination, and both games get harder (and funnier) as players start messing up.

Why it’s fun (and the difference):

• Bunny Bunny is full of energy and cute hand gestures that add a playful twist, making it hilarious to watch and participate in. The combination of bunny ears and carrot chopping motions keeps players on their toes.
• While Zoomy Zoomy focuses more on chanting and rhythm, Bunny Bunny adds a layer of physical coordination with the bunny and carrot gestures, making it more interactive and visually entertaining.

Pro-tip:

Don’t overthink it! Focus on keeping the rhythm and reacting quickly when the bunny is passed to you. It’s easy to get confused when everyone’s chanting and gesturing at the same time.

12. 007 Bang (콩콩칠 빵)

The 007 Bang Game is popular not only in casual settings but also in K-pop culture, particularly through groups like EXO. The game, often seen in K-pop variety shows, highlights the fun and competitive sides of idols, making it a fan favorite. 

Korean Gameplay:

• One player starts by pointing at another and saying “gong” (meaning “zero”). The next player points at someone else and also says “gong.”
• The third player points and says “chil” (meaning “seven”), and the last player points and says “Bang!”
• When “Bang!” is said, the players sitting to the left and right of the target must raise their hands immediately.
• If someone fails to raise their hands in time or the wrong person does, they must drink.
• The player targeted with “Bang!” begins the next round. Players can point at themselves for “gong” or “chil,” adding unexpected twists to the game.

Western Equivalent: Snap Drinking Game

Much like the Snap Drinking Game, where players snap in rhythm and call out numbers, 007 Bang involves sequences and quick reactions. In Snap, players clap instead of snapping when they hit a number containing 7 or a multiple of 7, similar to how players raise their hands in 007 Bang when “Bang!” is called. Both games are fast-paced and rely on reflexes to keep the rhythm going.

Why it’s fun (and the difference):

• 007 Bang is a fast, rhythmic game that tests players’ focus and reactions. As the sequence gets faster, it becomes increasingly difficult to avoid mistakes, which leads to a lot of laughs.
• While Snap is based on numbers, 007 Bang adds the physical element of pointing and targeting, with the twist that you can even point at yourself. This unpredictability makes the game more dynamic and challenging.

Pro-tip:

Pay close attention! As the game speeds up, it’s easy to get lost in the rhythm. Always be ready to raise your hands if “Bang!” lands near you, and don’t forget—if you’re the one being pointed at, you’re starting the next round!

A Fun-Fueled Night with Korean Drinking Games

Korean drinking games are all about fun, laughter, and bonding. Whether you’re trying to keep up with the clapping in the 3-6-9 Game, avoiding sinking the shot glass in Titanic, or just chanting “strawberry” with your friends, these games are guaranteed to make your next party unforgettable. So grab a bottle of soju, rally your friends, and let the games begin—MASYEORA! MASYEORA! (Drink! Drink!)