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Culture

Korean Work Culture — What Nobody Tells You

Rigid hierarchy, unspoken overtime, mandatory 회식... Korean office reality from the inside.

By , in Korea since 2013

What I Discovered Working in Korea

Korean work culture is fascinating and sometimes shocking for a Westerner.

Hierarchy: More Than an Org Chart

It affects how you speak, when you leave, what you eat, and who pours drinks.

야근 (Overtime)

Officially 52h/week max. In practice, leaving before the boss is frowned upon.

회식 (Company Dinner)

A dinner institution. Round 1: restaurant. Round 2: bar/karaoke. Refusing is technically possible but...

Recent Changes (2024-2026)

Korean Gen Z is pushing back on overtime and mandatory dinners.

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