Is working in South Korea worth it?

Korean people are known for their intelligence and work ethic. It is no wonder why the country has one of the highest average annual work hours. If you’re planning to find employment in South Korea, you better be prepared to put in a lot of hours and effort. Bonuses are sometimes given, depending on the company.

What is working in Korea like?

Working hours: Traditionally there is a culture of working very long hours in South Korea, although changes to the law have reduced the maximum working hours from 68 per week to 52 (40 normal hours and 12 hours’ overtime). Holidays: The number of public holidays ranges from 10 to 16 depending on the year.

Is South Korea a good country to work?

South Koreans have great respect for the rule of law, according to data from the World Bank. Long Work Weeks: South Koreans work more than the majority of other countries. In 2018, South Korea changed the maximum limit that employees may work from 68 hours to 52 per week.

How bad is Korean work culture?

South Korea’s work culture is notoriously punishing. Its people work some of the longest hours in the OECD, a club mostly of rich countries. Office-goers have scant control over their time and little chance to escape from bad management.

Is South Korea stressful?

Cultural factors other than stigma, such as binge-drinking, may also contribute to mental health issues within South Korean society. Due to Korea’s societal, academic and corporate structure, Koreans are placed under substantial stress from a relatively young age.

Is working in Korea stressful?

Seven out of 10 Korean office workers suffered burnout over a one-year period, according to a recent report. “The more Korean workers feel that their work is important, the more likely they are to manage the stress level and get along at the company,” Lee said.

Why does Seoul smell bad?

Experts say hydrogen sulfide, an odor-causing gas that results naturally from septic conditions during the collection and treatment of wastewater, is only slightly soluble and therefore easily released into the atmosphere. “This summer has been especially brutal,” said Kim So-hye, a mother of two in western Seoul.

Do I need to Know Korean to work in South Korea?

As with working for a traditional company in South Korea, it is best to know Korean in order to work as a freelancer. You do not need to be fluent, but basic knowledge will go a long way, as will continuing to study the language while you are living in the country.

What is the job market like in South Korea?

In Korea, as in many Asian societies, citizens tend to enter a job and stay with that one company until retirement. Nowadays, Koreans are struggling to enter the market at all and are instead turning to international opportunities in nearby China, Japan, and even as far away at the US.

Is South Korea a good place to do business?

Indeed, regulatory efficiency, market openness and the South Korean government’s willingness to embrace foreign investment make doing business in South Korea a wise choice.

What are the challenges of working in Korea?

Working in Korea may be a challenge for foreigners who are unwilling to put in the hours and efforts that many Korean nationals are used to. Korea has one of the highest average work weeks and overtime hours in the world.