Tips for Getting Along with Korean Coworkers

WorkLife ·

Korean workplace culture can be quite different from what you're used to, so a few pointers help. Hierarchy matters, so use proper honorifics like 선배님 or 부장님 rather than first names, and company dinners (회식, hoesik) are seen as important for team bonding. Eating lunch alone is uncommon, so it's good to join your team, and nunchi (눈치) — reading the room — matters a lot since communication is often indirect. Overtime culture is improving but still exists in places. As for etiquette, it's good to offer to pour drinks for seniors at dinners, accept business cards with both hands, and arrive early to meetings, while it's best to avoid calling seniors by their first name, leaving before your boss without a word, or repeatedly turning down dinner invitations.