Surviving the Korean Office: A Foreigner’s Guide to Workplace Etiquette
So, you’ve landed a job in Korea. Congratulations! You are about to embark on a journey filled with high-speed internet, iced americanos, and… a minefield of social rules that nobody explicitly explains to you.
Walking into a Korean office for the first time can feel like entering a secret society. Why is everyone bowing at different angles? Why did the room go silent when the manager walked in? Why is nobody leaving even though it’s 6 PM?
Don’t panic. As a foreigner, you get a “Free Pass” for minor mistakes. But if you really want to impress your boss and make friends with your coworkers, you need to learn the rules of the game.
Here is your crash course on Korean workplace etiquette—from the “Bow” to the “Booze.”
1. The “Greeting” is Sacred (Insa)
In the West, a casual “Hey” or a nod works. In Korea, if you don’t bow, you are basically invisible (or rude).
The Rule: When you arrive and when you leave, you must acknowledge everyone. A slight bow with a loud, confident “Annyeong-haseyo” (Hello) is mandatory.
The Angle: You don’t need to do a full 90-degree waist bend unless you are meeting the CEO. A polite 15-30 degree nod-bow is perfect for daily life.
Pro Tip: If you see your boss in the bathroom, just do a silent nod. Do not shout hello while he is… occupied. That’s just awkward for everyone.
2. Names are Dangerous (Titles Matter)
This is the hardest habit to break. DO NOT call your boss by their first name. If you call your manager “Min-su” instead of “Manager Kim,” you might hear a pin drop. Korea is a hierarchy. You address people by their Title + Name.
Examples: “Kim-Daeri-nim” (Assistant Manager Kim), “Lee-Bujang-nim” (Manager Lee).
The “Nim” Saver: If you forget their title, adding “-nim” to their name or just saying “Seonsaeng-nim” (Teacher/Respected Person) is a safe backup. Just never, ever use “You” (Neo/Dangsin).
3. The Two-Hand Rule
This is the easiest way to look like a pro. When giving or receiving anything—a business card, a document, a pen, or a glass of water—use two hands.
Why? Using one hand looks dismissive. Using two hands shows respect and gratitude.
The Business Card Ritual: When you exchange cards, receive it with two hands, study it for 3 seconds like it’s a treasure map, and place it neatly on the table. Do not shove it into your back pocket immediately. That’s basically like sitting on their face.
4. The Art of Leaving Work (No “Irish Exits”)
It is 6 PM. Your work is done. Can you leave? Technically, yes. Culturally? It’s complicated. In Korea, leaving before your boss can be seen as lacking “Nunchi” (awareness). If you must leave on time, don’t just sneak out. You need to announce your departure apologetically.
The Magic Phrase: “Meon-jeo ga-bo-gess-seumnida” (I am leaving first). This phrase acknowledges that others are still working hard, and it softens the blow of you walking out the door while they are still typing away.
5. “Nunchi” (Reading the Room)
If the office is dead silent, don’t start loudly laughing at a YouTube video. If everyone is ordering Kimchi Stew for lunch, don’t be the one person demanding Pizza. Korean offices operate on group harmony. “Nunchi” is the ability to read the vibe and match it. Having “fast Nunchi” will save you from many embarrassing situations. If your boss looks stressed, maybe wait until tomorrow to ask for vacation days.
6. Hoesik (The Company Dinner)
Ah, the legendary Hoesik. This is where you eat Korean BBQ and drink Soju with your team.
The Good News: In 2025, forced drinking is disappearing. You can politely decline alcohol.
The Etiquette: If you do drink, never pour your own glass. Wait for someone to pour for you, and pour for them in return. When drinking with a senior, turn your head away to the side as a sign of respect.
The Goal: It’s not about the alcohol; it’s about bonding. Show up, eat some pork belly, chat with your coworkers, and you’ll earn major brownie points.
Final Thoughts
Korean workplace etiquette can feel stiff at first, but it comes from a place of mutual respect. If you show that you are trying—using two hands, bowing, and learning the titles—your Korean coworkers will appreciate the effort immensely.
So, straighten that tie, practice your bow, and go crush it!