Workplace Etiquette and Honorific Speech Tips for Foreigners in Korea
What You Need to Know to Be Respected and Not Accidentally Rude
Introduction
Working in Korea?
Knowing how to say “hello” and “thank you” in Korean isn’t enough.
In Korean offices, 예절 (etiquette) and 존댓말 (honorific speech) aren’t just about politeness—they’re cultural foundations that impact how you’re perceived by colleagues and managers.
This post will teach you:
- What respectful behavior looks like at work
- Key expressions in formal Korean
- How to avoid the most common etiquette mistakes as a foreigner
1. Basic Workplace Etiquette Rules
| Behavior | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Arrive 5–10 minutes early | Punctuality = professionalism |
| Greet everyone with a nod + “안녕하세요” | Builds team familiarity and respect |
| Always use two hands when giving/receiving | Shows humility and cultural awareness |
| Use formal titles, not names alone | Avoids sounding overly casual or rude |
Even among junior staff, formality is the default, not friendliness.
2. Common Honorific Expressions (존댓말)
Everyday Phrases
| Korean | English Equivalent | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | Hello (formal) | Anytime, to anyone |
| 감사합니다 / 고맙습니다 | Thank you | Emails, meetings, in-person |
| 수고 많으셨습니다 | Thank you for your effort | After meetings, end of day |
| 괜찮으시면 ○○해도 될까요? | Would it be okay if I… | Requesting something politely |
| 확인 부탁드립니다 | Please check this (formal email) | Ending a work message |
| 실례지만 ○○ 여쭤봐도 될까요? | Excuse me, may I ask something? | Asking higher-ups questions |
3. Understanding Titles in Korean Offices
Never call someone just by name. Use their position + name:
| Person | Correct Way to Address Them |
|---|---|
| Manager Kim | 김부장님 |
| Team Lead Park | 박팀장님 |
| Senior employee Lee | 이과장님 |
| Entry-level peer | ○○씨 (for equals, with care) |
Always include “님” when addressing someone formally.
4. What to Avoid
| Don’t Do This | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Using 반말 (informal speech) accidentally | Can be seen as disrespectful—even if unintentional |
| Skipping greetings when entering/leaving | Seen as cold or arrogant |
| Talking too casually in group chats | Even in KakaoTalk, tone matters |
| Making jokes with managers too soon | Hierarchy is serious—even if they’re “nice” |
5. Helpful Tips for Foreigners
Watch how your Korean coworkers talk to each other—then mirror them
If unsure, always default to the more formal version
Ask teammates to kindly correct you if you make a mistake
Use Korean-language email sign-offs like
“감사합니다. [Your Name] 드림” (Sincerely, [Your Name])
Bonus: Email Sample Ending
“바쁘신 와중에 확인해주셔서 감사합니다.
좋은 하루 되세요.
한로빈 드림”
Translation:
“Thank you for reviewing this despite your busy schedule.
Wishing you a good day.
Sincerely, Robin Han.”
Final Thoughts
Respect in Korea isn’t just what you do—it’s how you say it.
By learning a few key etiquette rules and using honorific expressions correctly, you’ll gain the trust and respect of your coworkers much faster.
And remember: in Korean workplaces, formality creates comfort—not distance.
Next Post:
“How to Write the Education & Experience Sections in a Korean Resume”
Would you like a downloadable etiquette & honorific cheat sheet? Let us know!