Tips for Getting Along with Korean Coworkers

WorkLife ·

Korean workplace culture can be quite different. Here are some tips:

  1. Hierarchy matters - Use proper honorifics (선배님, 부장님)
  2. 회식 (Hoesik) - Company dinners are important for bonding
  3. Lunch together - Eating alone is uncommon; join your team
  4. Nunchi (눈치) - Read the room; indirect communication is common
  5. Overtime culture - It's improving but still exists

Do

  • Offer to pour drinks for seniors at dinners
  • Accept business cards with both hands
  • Arrive early to meetings

Don't

  • Call seniors by their first name
  • Leave before your boss (without notice)
  • Refuse dinner invitations repeatedly