What is a second round in Korea? Myth vs. Reality for First-Timers

Many travelers think the second round means everyone must drink more. In reality, the second round on this Kamin Seoul experience is an optional, approximately one-hour stop at a nearby traditional Korean pub where the group samples makgeolli and bar-style food while the host explains drinking customs and introduces optional games. Alcohol is never required; non-alcoholic beverages are available and guests who don’t drink still join the food, etiquette explanations, and conversation.

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Treat the second round as a social extension of dinner rather than a required party. It’s designed to show another side of local eating-and-drinking culture—shared plates, relaxed seating, and a chance to learn about toasting, pouring, and customary table manners relevant to that evening. If you or others in your group need to skip it for rest, pacing, or health reasons, that is perfectly acceptable and should be communicated to the guide in advance.

The GetYourGuide listing operated by kaminholdings Co., Ltd. states the full experience runs three hours with a live English-speaking guide and a small group limit of ten participants. The itinerary begins and ends in front of Exit 6 at Yeongdeungpo-gu Office Station on Seoul Subway Lines 2 and 5. The first round is listed as approximately two hours at a pre-reserved Korean BBQ restaurant, and the second round is approximately one hour at a nearby pre-reserved traditional pub.

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The provider confirms that Korean BBQ, pajeon, and drinks are included across the two rounds as listed, and that non-alcoholic beverages are available for guests who prefer them. The listing also notes free cancellation up to 24 hours before for a full refund and a reserve-now-pay-later option, and marks the experience as wheelchair accessible—travelers should verify current terms and availability directly on GetYourGuide before booking.

Expect a hosted first round where a group shares grilled dishes and the host may explain items on the table, pacing for communal eating, and local customs. The second round shifts to a pub atmosphere featuring makgeolli, a traditional milky rice wine, paired with classic Korean pub food. The host often explains how to toast, how pouring etiquette generally works, and may introduce light drinking games for those who want to try them.

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For a group with mixed tolerance, the format is friendly: group dining naturally encourages sharing and conversation rather than competitive drinking. The small-group size keeps things manageable; the guide’s role is to explain cultural practices and help everyone join the meal and conversation, not to pressure anyone to drink or participate in games. Guests can pace themselves, choose non-alcoholic options, or skip the second round entirely if needed.

Choose this experience if your group values shared food, cultural learning, and a social evening that doesn’t promise a party atmosphere. It’s well suited to friends who want a guided introduction to Korean BBQ and drinking culture, including toasts, pouring, and optional pub games, while keeping alcohol optional and conversation-focused. The small-group limit of ten helps keep interaction manageable for groups with varied comfort levels.

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It might be less suitable if your group expects a late-night, high-energy party or requires guaranteed menu substitutions for specific diets without prior confirmation. For mixed tolerance groups, discuss pacing and preferences before booking so the host understands who wants to drink, who prefers non-alcoholic options, and who may need to skip portions of the itinerary.

Before booking on GetYourGuide, confirm live availability, the meeting point, and any specific accessibility or dietary questions you have. Ask whether the host can accommodate your group’s needs that evening—such as slower pacing between rounds or a quiet seating area—and remind the provider that non-alcoholic beverages are required for some guests. The listing’s cancellation policy is usually up to 24 hours for a full refund, but check your booking conditions directly.

If alcohol tolerance varies, consider staggering who joins the second round or planning a clear endpoint for your evening. Communicate your group’s preferences when you reserve so the host can plan accordingly. For exact inclusions, current timing, and live booking options, check the GetYourGuide listing maintained by kaminholdings Co., Ltd.