When It’s Time to Go Home

I’m part of a book club. It was started by my friend, an author and mini-celebrity in her own right. The club started out as a group of random strangers. Over time, the group has settled to a cozy six with the occasional guest.

One day, my friend told us how she heard from a Japanese friend that people would use indirect cues when they felt it was time for a guest to leave. We then wondered if there were such cues here in Korea. One person said, “So, how are you getting home?” It couldn’t have been more accurate.

A lot of people live with their families, so it’s more common for friends to meet outside. If that question was brought up, everyone knew it was time to head home. As if on cue, everyone would pick up their phones to check the bus times or call a taxi, depending on how late it was. Of course, if it had been an evening of drinking, there was a high chance of someone suggesting, “One more drink?” If the group agreed then there would be a discussion whether to stay put and order another round, or go to another place for 2-cha (literally second round).

2-cha is different from 1-cha, usually both in vibe and in choice of drink. It’s usually quieter, sometimes more intimate. The intention is to wind down the evening with one for the road. By this time, with a few more drinks in them, people become more direct. There’s a lot more heart-to-hearts. And when it’s time to go home, this time it’s more, “It’s time to go home.” No more beating around the bush.

An 2-cha. December, 2024