SEOUL, Jul. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced plans on Sunday to launch a campaign to tackle harmful drinking culture, a prevailing problem among South Korean businesses.

As part of its efforts to combat excessive drinking during business socializing sessions known as ‘hoesik’, the Seoul government is distributing simple guidelines outlining seven useful rules for workers to follow.

The seven rules recommended by Seoul government officials include drinking within your means, not forcing your colleagues to consume alcohol, drinking before 9 p.m., drinking slowly, not sharing a glass, opting for low-alcohol drinks, and lastly, avoiding ‘poktanju’, which is a shot consisting of soju and beer.

“Too many office workers are exposed to the excessive drinking culture such as poktanju or drinking the entire shot at one go, as it is widely considered an additional responsibility,” the Seoul government said.

“It is important that all company members help establish a healthy drinking culture.”

The excessive drinking culture in the South Korean business sector has been one of the biggest social issues facing the country, becoming a major factor behind a rising incidence of colorectal and liver cancer as well as driving under the influence.

According to findings from a survey on traffic safety conducted by the Seoul Municipal Government that was released earlier this month, nearly one in ten men has driven a vehicle at least once while drunk during the last year.

M.H.Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)