Working in Korea

  Note: This article was written by a professional with over 3 years of experience working in a Korean company. Do Foreigners Get Severance Pay in Korea? Everything You Need to Know One of the most important financial benefits of working in South Korea is Severance Pay , locally known as "Toejikgeum" (퇴직금) . Many expats wonder if they are eligible for this benefit just like Korean citizens. The answer is a resounding YES . In Korea, labor laws protect all employees regardless of their nationality. If you meet certain criteria, your employer is legally obligated to pay you severance when you leave the company. 1. Who is Eligible? To receive severance pay, you must satisfy two main conditions under the Employee Retirement Benefit Security Act: Duration of Service: You must have worked for the same employer for at least one consecutive year . Working Hours: You must have worked an average of 15 hours or more per week (or 60 hours or more per month). Note: It doesn't matte...

  Note: This article was written by a professional with over 3 years of experience working in a Korean company. Taking Time Off in Korea: Understanding Annual Leave & Office Culture One of the most frequent questions from expats working in South Korea is, "How easy is it to actually use my vacation days?" While Korean labor laws guarantee annual leave, the social dynamics of a Korean office can make taking time off feel a bit different than in Western countries. Here is a realistic look at how annual leave and office culture work in Korea as of 2026. 1. The Reality of "Nunchi" (Social Reading) In many Korean workplaces, the concept of "Nunchi" —the art of gauging others' feelings and the surrounding atmosphere—plays a huge role in taking leave. Even though you are entitled to your days off, it is still common for employees to feel a bit hesitant or "nunchi-boyeonyo" (feeling self-conscious) when asking for a long vacation. This is often d...

  Note: This article was written by a professional with over 3 years of experience working in a Korean company. "For a better working environment, visiting on weekdays is much better than on weekends." Top 5 Coworking Spaces in Seoul: January 2026 Edition Seoul is a heaven for digital nomads and remote workers, offering some of the fastest internet speeds and most sophisticated office infrastructures in the world. Whether you are a freelancer or a business traveler, finding the right environment is key to productivity. Based on facilities, community, and location, here are the top 5 coworking spaces in Seoul as of January 2026. 1. Fastfive (Gangnam Branch) Fastfive is Korea's homegrown powerhouse in the shared office market. The Gangnam branch is particularly popular due to its prime location and networking opportunities. Location: Near Gangnam Station (Subway Line 2 & Shinbundang Line) Features: Trendy interior design, unlimited high-quality coffee and craft beer,...

  Note: This article was written by a professional with over 3 years of experience working in a Korean company. How to Write a Professional Business Email in Korean: A Step-by-Step Guide In the Korean corporate world, emails are more than just a means of communication; they reflect your professionalism and respect for hierarchy. While messaging apps like KakaoTalk are used for quick chats, formal emails remain the standard for official business. Here is how you can write a perfect Korean business email that will impress your colleagues and partners. 1. The Subject Line (제목) A Korean business email subject line should be clear and concise. It often starts with a bracketed tag to categorize the email. Format: [Tag] Purpose of the email_Your Name/Company Example: [Request] Meeting regarding the new project_James/Global Tech 2. The Greeting & Introduction (인사말) Unlike English emails that often start with "Hi," Korean emails have a set opening sequence. The Standard Opening:...