What should foreigners pay attention to when working in Korea?

It is not easy for a foreigner to work in a foreign country. There may be times when you are embarrassed. If you are a foreigner working in Korea, here are some important things to pay attention to.

Language

Korean is the official language of the workplace, so it's important to learn some basic Korean phrases to communicate with your coworkers and superiors.

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1. Private Language Institutes : Private language institutes are another popular option for foreigners who want to learn Korean in Korea. These institutes typically offer more intensive language courses and are geared towards students who want to learn the language quickly.
2. Cultural Centers: Many cultural centers in Korea offer Korean language classes for foreigners. These centers may be run by the Korean government or by private organizations and are often geared towards promoting Korean culture and language to international visitors.

Work Culture

Korea has a hierarchical work culture, where seniority is highly respected. It's important to be respectful to your superiors and follow the established chain of command.

Work culture in detail

Korean corporate culture is known for its strong emphasis on hierarchy, teamwork, and respect for authority. Some of the key characteristics of Korean corporate culture include:

• Hierarchical structure: Korean companies typically have a very clear and rigid hierarchical structure, with a strong emphasis on rank and seniority. Employees are expected to respect and defer to those in positions of authority, and promotions are often based on seniority rather than merit.
• Teamwork: Korean companies place a strong emphasis on teamwork, with employees expected to work closely with their colleagues to achieve common goals. This often involves long hours and a willingness to put the needs of the team above individual needs.
• Confucian values: Korean corporate culture is heavily influenced by Confucian values, which emphasize respect for authority, filial piety, and loyalty. These values are reflected in the emphasis on hierarchy and seniority, as well as in the importance placed on maintaining harmonious relationships within the workplace.
• Work-life balance: While Korean companies are known for their long working hours, there is also an increasing awareness of the importance of work-life balance. Some companies are beginning to offer more flexible working arrangements and other benefits to help employees maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
• Formality: Korean corporate culture is generally quite formal, with strict codes of conduct and dress. Business meetings and other interactions often involve formal greetings and exchanges of business cards, and employees are expected to maintain a certain level of decorum at all times.

Overall, Korean corporate culture can be challenging for those who are not accustomed to the emphasis on hierarchy and teamwork, but it also offers opportunities for those who are willing to adapt to its unique characteristics.

Business Etiquette

Koreans place a high value on politeness and courtesy, so it's important to be mindful of your manners and show respect in all business interactions.

Work Visa

Make sure you have the appropriate work visa before starting any employment in Korea. Working on a tourist visa or without the proper documentation can lead to legal issues.

The type of visa required will depend on the nature of the work and the duration of the stay. The most common types of employment visas for foreigners in Korea are as follows

• E-1 Visa: This visa is for foreign professors who have been hired by Korean universities or research institutes.
• E-2 Visa: This visa is for foreign language teachers who have been hired by Korean schools or language institutes.
• E-3 Visa: This visa is for foreign technicians who have been hired by Korean companies for a specific technical job.
• E-4 Visa: This visa is for foreign entertainers who have been hired by Korean entertainment agencies or companies.
• E-5 Visa: This visa is for foreign specialists who have been hired by Korean companies for a specific field of expertise.

To obtain an employment visa, foreigners must first receive an offer of employment from a Korean employer. The employer must then submit an application to the Korean immigration authorities on behalf of the foreign worker. The application must include various documents, such as the employment contract, proof of the employer's business registration, and the foreign worker's passport and visa application form.

Once the application has been processed and approved, the foreign worker can obtain their employment visa and travel to Korea to begin work. It is important to note that employment visas are usually issued for a specific period of time, and must be renewed if the worker wishes to continue working in Korea beyond the expiration date.

Cultural norms

Korea has a unique culture with specific social norms, such as removing your shoes before entering someone's home. It's important to familiarize yourself with these cultural norms to avoid any misunderstandings or unintended disrespect.

Korean drinking culture

Korean drinking culture is an important aspect of social life in Korea, particularly in the business world. Here are some key things that foreigners should know about Korean drinking culture:

• Drinking is often a social activity: Koreans often drink in a group setting, and it is considered impolite to drink alone. Drinking is seen as a way to build camaraderie and strengthen social bonds.
• Respect for elders: In Korean culture, there is a strong emphasis on showing respect to elders. This extends to drinking culture, where younger people are expected to pour drinks for their elders and show deference to those in positions of authority.
• Drinking games: Koreans often play drinking games as a way to liven up the atmosphere and build camaraderie. Popular games include "jan-chi-gi" (a game that involves throwing a stick at a target), "baskin-robbins" (a game that involves counting up from one to 31), and "aegi-chilba" (a game that involves clapping and counting).
• Pouring etiquette: When pouring drinks, it is customary to hold the bottle or jug with two hands as a sign of respect. It is also polite to pour drinks for others before pouring for oneself.
• Limits and etiquette: While drinking is an important social activity in Korea, it is important to know one's limits and to drink responsibly. It is also considered impolite to become visibly drunk or disorderly in public.

Overall, Korean drinking culture can be a fun and enjoyable way to socialize and build relationships, but it is important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding drinking in Korea.

Working hours

Korean companies often have long working hours and a strong work ethic, so be prepared to work hard and possibly work overtime.

By being mindful of these factors, you can have a more successful and enjoyable work experience in Korea.

Summary of Korean Labor Standards Act

The Republic of Korea has several basic labor standards laws that are designed to protect the rights of workers. Some of the key provisions of these laws include:

• Minimum wage: Employers must pay their employees at least the minimum wage, which is set by the government and adjusted annually.
• Maximum working hours: The maximum working hours for employees is 52 hours per week, which includes regular working hours and overtime. Employers must provide at least one day off per week.
• Overtime pay: Employers must pay their employees at least 1.5 times their regular hourly wage for any overtime worked.
• Paid leave: Employees are entitled to paid leave, including annual leave, sick leave, and special leave for events such as weddings and funerals.
• Occupational health and safety: Employers must provide a safe working environment and take steps to prevent workplace accidents and injuries.
• Non-discrimination: Employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on factors such as gender, age, religion, or disability.
• Protection of union activities: Employees have the right to join and form labor unions, and employers are prohibited from interfering with union activities.

These basic labor standards laws apply to all employees in the Republic of Korea, regardless of their nationality or employment status. Employers who violate these laws can face penalties and legal action, and employees have the right to file complaints and seek redress for any violations of their rights.