MY FIRST JOB EXPERIENCE IN SOUTH KOREA

Here is my first post about the place where I work now! I began working here on July 22, 2024, and I've now been here for one year.  In general, I'm very happy with my current job and my coworkers. They're friendly, and even though we don't share the same language or culture, they try to teach me and learn from me as well.  However, there are some times when our work is very strict and we have done overtime, although we are still working overtime. From 08:00 AM till 6:00 PM (currently), but before it was from 7:30 AM till 6:30 PM, which is actually very hard. But at least we are getting paid on time! Coming to my work, I am in the marketing department; however, I am the only one in my department LOL! So, I guess there's no work pressure, but yeah during the month end my work is reviewd by our manager, lol.  So, I think I am happy with the current work environment because I had a toxic one in my home country! I hope you had a fun time reading this. I will try to post more often about my work life in South Korea. Sharing some tips below that will help you at Korean work places: 1. Hierarchy & Seniority (위계질서) Age and job title determine interactions. Juniors defer to seniors in speech, decision-making, and social settings. Using formal language (존댓말) is essential. 2. Work Hours & Overtime Standard hours are 9 AM to 6 PM, but unpaid overtime is common. Some companies have reduced this due to labor law reforms, but a culture of “face time” (staying until the boss leaves) persists. 3. Group Mentality Team success is more important than individual performance. Decisions are often made collectively or top-down, not independently. Conformity and harmony are preferred over confrontation. 4. Strong Work Ethic Employees are expected to show dedication, endurance, and loyalty. Taking initiative is respected—but only within proper boundaries. Being seen as hardworking is important, sometimes more than actual output. 5. Company Loyalty Employees often stay with the same company for years. There’s strong emphasis on group identity—your workplace is part of your personal identity. 6. Hoesik (회식 – Company Dinners) Socializing after work, often involving food and alcohol. Considered an extension of work, helping build team unity. Not mandatory by law, but often culturally expected, especially by older generations. 7. Communication Style Communication is indirect and polite. Criticism is softened or done privately. Speaking out too directly can be seen as rude or disruptive. 8. Recent Changes & Generational Shifts Younger workers are pushing for better work-life balance, flexibility, and casual office cultures. Some companies now offer remote work, flexible hours, and reduced 회식 pressure. Despite changes, traditional norms remain strong, especially in large conglomerates (재벌). I hope these tricks will help you in future, also stay calm and be confident as these tips will help you to have a great experience. Thank you, and have a great day ahead!