In the West, if you want to meet someone, you use Tinder or Hinge. You swipe left or right on your phone while lying in bed. In Korea, they brought the app into the bar.
It is called “Hunting Pocha” (Hunting Bar). Don’t worry, no animals are harmed. The “prey” is a date. These bars are loud, neon-lit arenas where tables compete to drink, play games, and merge with other tables.
But here is the twist: You don’t walk over to talk. You use a digital tablet attached to your table.
Welcome to Level 1. Let me tell you about the time I accidentally bought a $50 fruit platter for strangers because I didn’t understand the game.
The Level 1 Logs: The Accidental Sugar Mommy
Flashback: 2 years ago. Hongdae, Friday Night.
I went to a loud bar with my girlfriends just to dance and drink. I saw a tablet on the table. I thought it was just for ordering French fries. Suddenly, a message popped up on the screen: “Table 12 wants to play a game with you.”
I clicked “Yes” because I like games. We played a digital coin toss game. I lost. Suddenly, the waiter brought a bottle of expensive Champagne to Table 12. And the bill came to my table.
I had unknowingly accepted a “Betting Game.” I lost the game, and I paid for their drinks. The guys at Table 12 waved at me. I felt like the world’s most confused Sugar Mommy.
Enter “Ssam” (The Wingman)
I met Ssam later, complaining about my empty wallet. “Ssam, that bar scammed me! I lost money playing a video game!”
Ssam laughed so hard he cried. “Alice, that was a Hunting Pocha. The tablet isn’t just a menu. It’s a battlefield.”
He explained the Rules of the Jungle: “The goal is Hap-seok (Joining tables). You play games to break the ice. If you lose, you pay. If you win, you get free drinks. It’s high risk, high reward.”
Level 3 Wisdom: How to Play the Game
If you are single and ready to mingle, Hunting Pocha is fun. But you need to know the interface.
1. The Tablet is Your Weapon
Every table has an iPad-like screen. You can:
- Order Food/Drinks: Standard function.
- Message Other Tables: You can text Table 5: “You guys look cute. Want to join us?”
- Request Songs: Be the DJ.
- Play Games: Bet ice cream or drinks against other tables.
2. The “Green Light” System
Usually, you go with same-gender friends (Girls with Girls, Guys with Guys).
- The Goal: Match numbers. If you are 2 girls, look for a table of 2 guys.
- The Move: Send a message or walk over. If they accept, you move your drinks to their table. This is called Hap-seok.
3. Be Ready for “The Game of Death”
Once you join tables, you WILL play drinking games.
- Baskin Robbins 31: Don’t say the number 31.
- Titanic: Floating a shot glass in a beer glass. Don’t sink it.
- Alice’s Tip: If you don’t know the rules, say “Teach me!” It’s a great flirting tactic.
Alice’s Bottom Line: It’s Not Serious
Don’t go there expecting to find your future husband or wife. (I mean, it happens, but rarely). Go there for the energy, the crazy games, and the free ice cream if you win.
If you get rejected? Don’t worry. Just swipe next on the tablet.
Survival Hangul: Nightlife Edition
- “합석 하실래요? (Hap-seok ha-sil-lae-yo?)”
- Meaning: “Do you want to join tables?” (The golden question).
- “게임 한 판? (Game han-pan?)”
- Meaning: “Want to play one round of a game?”
- “까였어. (Kka-yeot-seo.)”
- Meaning: “I got rejected/dumped.” (Slang. Use it when Table 12 says no).
Read This Next (Before You Make Another Mistake)
Did you survive the night? Here is how to handle the morning after.