Korean Drinking Games Beyond "Apartment"_Rosé Made "Apartment" Famous, But Here Are the Games Koreans Actually Play More

Thanks to Rosé's "APT" song, the world now knows the apartment game. Stacking hands while chanting "Apartment, apartment!" seems like Korea's signature drinking game, but the truth is, Koreans play other games far more often.

3-6-9: The Ultimate Number Game
The classic and champion of Korean drinking games. The rules are simple: Count numbers in order from 1, but clap instead of saying numbers that contain 3, 6, or 9. For 13, 23, 33—one clap. For 36—two claps.
Sounds easy, but after a drink or two, the difficulty skyrockets. "29, clap, 31..." and then someone shouts "30!"—penalty drink confirmed. When played at high speed, it becomes a battle of concentration.
"Level 1 game, but with alcohol? Level 99 difficulty."

Hunminjeongeum Game: Linguistic Magic
This game leverages Korean language characteristics. The first person says a word, then the next person must say a word starting with the last letter of the previous word. "Apple (사과)" → "Snack (과자)" → "Car (자동차)" → "Vehicle (차량)"...
There's a lethal element called 'one-shot words.' Words ending with consonants ㄴ, ㄹ, ㅁ like "gallant (늠름하다)" or "joy (즐거움)" make it extremely difficult for the next person to continue. If you can't answer within 3 seconds after receiving a one-shot word, you drink.
For foreigners learning Korean, the difficulty is insane, but for Koreans, it's a chance to show off brain power and vocabulary.

Subway Game: Master of Seoul's Lines
A game requiring knowledge of Seoul's subway map. One person names a station, and the next must name a station on a different line where you can transfer from that station.
"Gangnam Station" → "Line 2, Jamsil Station" → "Line 8, Munjeong Station" → "Line 3, Irwon Station"...
With over 20 lines tangled in Seoul's subway system, knowing transfer stations precisely is key. People from other regions or foreigners usually lose in the first round. It's a game where Seoul natives' pride is on the line.
"Subway map = Seoul citizens' survival skill and drinking game weapon"

Baskin Robbins 31: Peak Psychological Warfare
Named after the ice cream brand, this game is pure psychological warfare. Count from 1 to 31, with each person able to say up to 3 consecutive numbers. Whoever says 31 loses.
"1, 2, 3" → "4, 5" → "6, 7, 8" → "9"...
Seems simple, but requires meticulous strategy. You must predict how many numbers your opponent will say and calculate to avoid landing on 31. Tension builds as the game progresses, and the face of whoever shouts "30" contorts in agony.
A game where betrayal and strategy run rampant among friends. "Up to 30, we're friends. At 31, you're the enemy."

007 Bang: Speed and Reflexes
"Zero, zero, seven, bang!" A lightning-fast game with just these four words.
First person says "zero" pointing at someone → That person says "zero" pointing at another → That person says "seven" pointing at someone else → That person says "bang!" shooting someone → The two people next to the shot person raise their hands shouting "Hooray!"
Slow reflexes or mistakes mean immediate penalty drinks. As speed increases, chaos intensifies. This game instantly heats up any drinking session.

Bottle Cap Game: Physical Challenge
This isn't a word game but a dexterity game. Unfold the twisted part of a soju bottle cap one section at a time—whoever detaches the end piece drinks the penalty.
You must twist carefully, but tension makes your hand tense up, and then "snap!"—the end piece falls off. The last twist is the most dangerous.
Simple but addictive, and you only need a soju bottle, so you can play anywhere.

The apartment game is beginner-friendly, easy for foreigners to follow. But if you want to truly experience Korean drinking culture, you need to master everything from 3-6-9 to 007 Bang.
The core of Korean drinking games isn't just about 'drinking alcohol'—it's about communication, laughter, and unpredictable moments. If Rosé introduced the apartment game to the world, now it's your turn to spread real K-drinking games to your friends.