Working in Korea as an expat professional can be a rewarding yet challenging experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the Korean workplace culture and language. Korean companies value formal communication, business etiquette, and respectful speech, making it essential for foreigners to learn the right expressions and manners for a smooth professional journey.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most important Korean business phrases, workplace etiquette, and communication tips to help you thrive in Korea’s corporate world.
1. Essential Korean Phrases for the Workplace
✅ Greetings & Daily Office Expressions
✔ “안녕하세요.” (Annyeonghaseyo) – Standard greeting (Hello)
✔ “좋은 아침입니다.” (Joeun achimimnida) – Good morning (formal)
✔ “퇴근하겠습니다.” (Toegeun hagesseumnida) – Announcing when leaving work
✔ “먼저 가보겠습니다.” (Meonjeo gabogesseumnida) – Saying goodbye politely before leaving
✅ Reporting & Task Management Phrases
✔ “보고드리겠습니다.” (Bogo deurigesseumnida) – “I would like to report…” (Formal reporting phrase)
✔ “확인 부탁드립니다.” (Hwagin butak deurimnida) – “Please review and confirm.”
✔ “수정하겠습니다.” (Sujeong hagesseumnida) – “I will make the corrections.”
✔ “도와주셔서 감사합니다.” (Dowajusyeoseo gamsahamnida) – “Thank you for your help.”
✅ Meetings & Collaboration Phrases
✔ “잠시만요, 말씀 중에 죄송합니다.” (Jamsimanyo, malsseum junge joesonghamnida) – “Excuse me, may I say something?”
✔ “제 의견을 말씀드려도 될까요?” (Je uigyeneul malsseum deuryeodo doelkkayo?) – “May I share my opinion?”
✔ “좋은 의견 감사합니다.” (Joeun uigyeon gamsahamnida) – “Thank you for your valuable input.”
✔ “이 부분에 대해 다시 논의하면 좋겠습니다.” (I bubune daehae dasi nonuihamyeon joketseumnida) – “I think we should discuss this further.”
2. Business Etiquette in Korean Work Culture
✅ 1) Use Formal Language & Honorifics
• Korean workplace communication is highly hierarchical, and using the right honorifics and formal speech is essential.
• Avoid using informal speech with colleagues, supervisors, and clients to maintain a professional image.
Example:
❌ “이거 해주세요.” (Do this, please.) → ✅ “이 부분 처리 부탁드립니다.” (Could you kindly handle this?)
❌ “알았어.” (Got it.) → ✅ “알겠습니다.” (Understood.)
✅ 2) Exchanging Business Cards Correctly
• In Korea, business cards (명함, myeongham) are exchanged using both hands as a sign of respect.
• When receiving a business card, briefly examine it before putting it away to show appreciation.
Example:
✔ “김부장님, 반갑습니다.” (Kim Manager, nice to meet you.)
✔ “최이사님, 잘 부탁드립니다.” (Director Choi, I look forward to working with you.)
✅ 3) Email & Business Messaging Etiquette
✔ Keep email subject lines clear and concise.
✔ Begin emails with “안녕하세요, OOO님.” (Hello, [Name]).
✔ End with polite closing phrases such as “감사합니다.” (Thank you.) or “잘 부탁드립니다.” (I appreciate your support.)
✅ 4) Understanding Korean Office Culture & Social Norms
• Company dinners (회식, hoesik) are common and serve as important networking events.
• Drinking etiquette: When drinking with senior colleagues, hold your glass with both hands as a sign of respect.
• You are not obligated to drink, but it’s good to show social engagement.
How to Politely Decline Alcohol:
✔ “죄송합니다, 건강상 이유로 어려울 것 같습니다.” – “I’m sorry, but I can’t drink for health reasons.”
✔ “초대해 주셔서 감사합니다. 다음에 꼭 함께하겠습니다.” – “Thank you for the invitation. I’ll join next time.”
3. Key Communication Strategies for Success in a Korean Workplace
✅ Use respectful language based on hierarchy
• Always address colleagues and managers with their title (e.g., Kim Manager, Choi Director).
✅ Avoid direct criticism—use soft and diplomatic language
✔ “이 부분을 조금 더 수정하면 좋을 것 같습니다.” – “It would be great to make some small adjustments here.”
✔ “제가 이해한 것이 맞는지 확인 부탁드립니다.” – “Could you confirm if I understood this correctly?”
✅ Show enthusiasm & proactive engagement when receiving tasks
✔ “네, 알겠습니다. 바로 진행하겠습니다.” – “Yes, I understand. I’ll proceed immediately.”
✔ “네, 검토 후 다시 보고드리겠습니다.” – “I’ll review and report back soon.”
Final Thoughts – How to Adapt to the Korean Workplace
To thrive in a Korean work environment, mastering the language, etiquette, and business culture is key.
Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Learn basic business Korean expressions
✅ Use polite and formal language in emails & meetings
✅ Follow Korean hierarchy and address colleagues respectfully
✅ Engage in workplace social activities but know how to politely decline
With these essential Korean language tips and business etiquette strategies, you’ll be able to navigate Korea’s professional landscape with confidence and professionalism.