Author
H.D. PARK
Table of Contents
Korean drinking games are more than just ways to pass the time — they’re part of the social glue that brings people closer, loosens up the room, and gets everyone laughing.
After the viral APT song by Rose and Bruno Mars took over social media, a lot of people became curious about the fun and quirky drinking games played in Korea. Korea has a long list of creative party games that are loud, fast-paced, and absolutely hilarious. Many of them are super easy to learn, and you don’t even need to speak Korean to enjoy them. Here are some of my favorite Korean drinking games to play with friends — all beginner-friendly and guaranteed to get the party going.
1. APT (아파트) — The Apartment Game That Builds Closeness
This is the actual game behind the song APT by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars. It’s a physical, chant-based game that helps warm up shy groups and brings everyone a little closer, literally.
How to play:
- Everyone stacks one hand in the center like you’re building floors of an apartment.
- As hands stack, chant together: “Apateu~ Apateu~ Apateu~”
- After the chant, everyone asks, “몇 층?” (“What floor?”)
- A random player yells out a number like “15층!” (15th floor).
- Starting from the bottom hand, each person moves their hand to the top one by one, counting upward.
- The player who lands on the final number loses and drinks.
When to play: Early in the night. This game breaks the ice with light touching and laughter, perfect for easing into the mood.
2. Baskin Robbins 31 — Count Strategically or Drink
This suspenseful counting game blends strategy, quick thinking, and just enough pressure to make people sweat (or take a sip). Despite the sweet name, there’s no ice cream involved (unless you want there to be!).
How to play:
- Go around in a circle counting up from 1.
- On your turn, you can say 1, 2, or 3 numbers.
- Whoever ends up saying “31” has to drink.
When to play: This is a great early or mid-party game — easy enough for first-timers and sneaky enough for pros who want to trap the next player. It’s also fun for even just two people — perfect for deciding who buys the next round, or even something like ice cream.
🎮 Try the online version!
I made a simple online version of this game where you can try your luck against me — a digital Korean Local! Play Baskin Robbins 31 here
Tip: If you’re good at math, maybe you can figure out a strategy to never lose to a friend when playing 1 on 1.
3. 3-6-9 (삼육구) — A Classic Korean Drinking Game to Play With Friends
This is one of the most iconic Korean drinking games — deceptively simple but hilariously effective at catching players off guard. It’s all about rhythm and reflexes, and the more drinks you’ve had, the funnier it gets.
How to play:
- Players sit in a circle and count upwards from 1.
- If a number contains 3, 6, or 9, you must clap instead of saying the number out loud.
- For example:
- Say “1”, “2”, then clap instead of “3”
- “4”, “5”, then clap instead of “6”
- For double digits like “13” or “29”, still clap once
- For “33” or “39”, you clap twice
- If someone says the number when they should have clapped, claps the wrong number of times, or hesitates too long — they drink.
When to play: This game is best played midway into the night, when people are relaxed but not completely gone. It’s a great way to raise the energy and create shared laughter, especially as the clapping rhythm speeds up or people fumble in panic. Try clapping fast and keep the tempo high. Someone always messes up — and it’s usually the person who says they won’t.
4. Image Game (이미지 게임) — Get to Know Each Other
Not about guessing — but revealing. This game helps you learn more about your friends, sometimes hilariously so.
How to play:
- Everyone holds up one hand with all five fingers extended.
- Take turns saying things like: “If you’ve been to Japan, fold a finger,” or “If you’re wearing white, fold a finger.”
- If the statement applies to you, you fold a finger.
- Once you fold all five fingers, you drink.
When to play: Early to mid-party, when people are still relatively sober. Great for bonding and laughs. Keep it light and playful. But sometimes you can go deep and personal, depending on the vibe.
5. Game of Death — Enjoy the Suspense
Simple in concept but thrilling in execution, the Game of Death is the kind of drinking game that gets hearts racing and everyone pointing fingers — literally. It’s all about suspense, strategy, and the sheer randomness of where you’ll land.
How to play:
- Everyone sits in a circle.
- Together, chant: “Game of Death!”
— and as you shout “Death!”, everyone points at someone else in the circle. - One person (usually the one who started the round) then shouts out a number — for example, “12!”
- Starting from any person, follow the “chain of pointing” — that is, go from the person being pointed at, to who they’re pointing at, and so on.
- Continue for the full count (in this case, 12).
- Whoever it lands on last is the unlucky one — they drink.
When to play:
This game works best later in the night when everyone’s loosened up and ready for something fun but not too active. What makes the Game of Death so exciting is the randomness — no one knows who’s going to get picked, and the longer the count, the more suspense builds. Let the person who was picked choose the next number — and the cycle continues!
Whether you’re in Korea or just bringing Korean fun to your home, these Korean drinking games to play with friends are guaranteed to make your night more memorable. They’re great for bonding, laughing, and maybe learning a little about each other (or testing your reflexes). So pour your drink, gather your crew, and get ready to chant, clap, and collapse in laughter.
⚠️ Drink Responsibly
These games are meant to bring laughter and connection, not regret. Please remember to drink in moderation, know your limits, and always look out for your friends. If you’re underage or don’t drink, feel free to swap the soju for soda — the fun still works without the alcohol!
