How do office workers in Korea usually handle lunch with coworkers?
I recently started working in Korea and I am still getting used to office culture. I would like to know how coworkers usually handle lunch invitations and whether there are any unspoken rules I should know.
1 Answer
There is no single rule across Korean workplaces, so watch how your team handles lunch during your first few days. In many offices, coworkers ask each other what they want to eat and go together, but joining every time is not normally required. If you want to join, a simple “Yes, thank you” is enough. If you need to decline, say early that you brought lunch, have an appointment, or need some quiet time; a brief and friendly explanation usually avoids awkwardness.
Do not assume that the most senior person will pay. Sometimes a manager treats the group, while other teams split the bill or take turns. Follow the team’s lead, keep a card or mobile payment method ready, and offer to pay your share. Mention allergies, religious restrictions, vegetarian needs, or a limited budget before the restaurant is chosen. Lunch habits differ by company and team, so asking a trusted coworker how your team usually handles invitations and payment is the safest approach.