Must-Know Korean Job Titles and Workplace Phrases for Beginners

If you're planning to work in Korea or just curious about how Koreans speak in professional settings, learning job titles and workplace phrases is essential. Titles play a huge role in Korean office culture and reflect hierarchy, respect, and communication styles.

In Korean companies, people rarely call each other by first names. Instead, they use job titles like “과장님” (manager) or “사장님” (CEO), even in daily conversations. Understanding these can help you avoid awkward mistakes and build stronger relationships at work.

This guide will walk you through the most common Korean job titles, polite ways to address coworkers, essential phrases for office situations, and cultural tips that will help you speak with confidence and professionalism.

Whether you’re a foreigner working in Korea, doing business with Korean partners, or just learning Korean for fun, this post will give you the practical tools to sound natural and respectful in any workplace setting. Let's get started! 💪

🏢 Why Job Titles Are So Important in Korea

In Korea, job titles are not just labels—they are a major part of communication and company culture. Unlike in many Western countries, where people often go by their first names, Koreans rarely call coworkers or bosses without using a title. It’s deeply tied to showing respect and understanding hierarchy.

For example, instead of saying “Mr. Kim,” a Korean employee would say “김 과장님” (Manager Kim) or simply “과장님” (Manager), even when speaking directly to the person. This shows politeness and acknowledges the person’s position.

Using the correct job title avoids awkward or even offensive situations. Calling someone by name only, without a title, may come across as rude or overly familiar—especially if the person is older or of higher rank.

Even among friends who work together, titles are often still used at the office. This helps maintain professional boundaries and ensures that the workplace culture remains respectful and structured.

Hierarchy is important in Korean work settings, and job titles provide clear clues about where people stand. This influences how people speak, what kind of language they use (formal or informal), and who speaks first in meetings or social events.

Foreigners working in Korea may find this overwhelming at first, but mastering a few basic titles and the right context will help you blend in and earn respect quickly.

Titles also often double as ways to get someone’s attention. Instead of saying “Hey!” to a coworker, you’d say “대리님!” or “과장님!” to call them politely, even across the room.

Overall, knowing when and how to use Korean job titles isn't just about language—it's about adapting to Korean workplace culture in a smooth and respectful way. 🇰🇷

📊 Job Titles vs. Name Usage in Korea vs. Western Offices

Situation	In Korea	In Western Offices
Talking to Your Manager	Use “과장님” (Manager-nim)	Use first name or “Mr./Ms.”
Email Greeting	안녕하세요, 부장님	Hi James, / Dear Manager
Calling Attention in Office	“과장님!” across the room	“Hey Sarah!” or wave

🧾 Common Korean Job Titles and Their Meanings

Korean workplaces are structured with clearly defined ranks, and each rank has a specific job title. These titles are used constantly — in conversation, emails, meetings, and even social events with coworkers. For language learners and professionals, it's important to know these titles and how they translate.

Most job titles in Korea end with the suffix “-님” (nim), which adds politeness and respect. For example, “과장” (Manager) becomes “과장님” when addressing the person directly. Even interns are often addressed formally as “인턴님.”

The order of job titles follows a specific hierarchy. Starting from staff-level employees all the way up to CEO, knowing where each title fits helps you understand office dynamics and who’s likely to be in charge of decisions.

It’s also common to combine the person’s last name with their title. For example, “김 과장님” means “Manager Kim.” This form of address feels professional and respectful, and is preferred over calling someone by their name alone.

Foreigners working in Korea are often given the title “외국인 직원” (foreign staff) or just referred to by their department and job function, like “마케팅 매니저님” (Marketing Manager-nim). Regardless, using "-님" is always a safe bet.

Even if your company operates globally, local Korean staff may still use Korean titles in Korean-language communication. Knowing these helps you avoid confusion and better understand the flow of workplace interactions.

If you're not sure which title to use, observe what others say — or politely ask someone how they prefer to be addressed. Most Korean colleagues appreciate the effort and will gladly help you.

Let’s take a look at a chart of the most common Korean job titles and what they mean in English. 🧑‍💼

📋 Korean Job Titles by Rank

Korean Title	Romanization	English Meaning	Typical Usage
사장님	sajang-nim	CEO / President	Company head, owner
부장님	bujang-nim	Department Head	Manages entire dept.
과장님	gwajang-nim	Manager	Mid-level team leader
대리님	daeri-nim	Assistant Manager	One step below manager
사원	sawon	Staff / Employee	Entry-level employee
인턴	intern	Intern	Temporary worker

🙇‍♀️ How to Address Coworkers Politely in Korean

In Korean offices, using the right way to address your coworkers isn't just about being polite—it's about following cultural rules that maintain harmony and respect. If you’re a foreigner working in Korea, this can be tricky, but learning just a few basic patterns will help you avoid awkward moments. 👍

The most common way to address someone is by using their last name + job title + “님” (nim). For example, you’d say “박 과장님” (Manager Park). If you're not sure of their job title, just use their title alone, like “과장님.”

If someone is close to your age and you’re friendly outside of work, you may hear or use their name with 씨 (ssi), like “지수 씨.” But using 씨 in formal office settings can sound too casual, so it’s safer to stick with titles.

Younger coworkers or interns may be addressed by name + 씨, but avoid using this with higher-ups. It could sound disrespectful. Always wait and see how others address that person first.

When speaking to someone older or higher in rank, use more formal speech and avoid calling them by name only. Even in English conversations, mixing English with Korean titles like “Manager Kim” is common in Korean workplaces.

If you’re in a meeting and need to refer to someone, use their full title. For example, say “김 부장님께서 말씀하셨습니다” (Manager Kim said) instead of just “he said.”

For unfamiliar coworkers or clients, it's always best to use formal address. Over-formality is never offensive in Korean business culture—but under-formality often is.

Let’s look at some sample combinations and rules to help you speak confidently and politely at work. 🧑‍💼

📚 Common Addressing Formats in Korean Offices

Type	Format	Example	When to Use
Formal	Last Name + Title + 님	이 과장님 (Manager Lee)	Standard for all ranks
Neutral	Title + 님 only	부장님 (Department Head)	Safe if unsure of name
Slightly Casual	First Name + 씨	수진 씨 (Sujin-ssi)	Peers or juniors
Too Casual (Avoid)	First Name only	수진 (Sujin)	Only close friends

Addressing people correctly in Korean isn’t hard once you understand the patterns. Start formal, observe how others speak, and adjust accordingly. That’s how you build trust and show professionalism in a Korean office. ✨

🗣️ Essential Korean Phrases for Office Conversations

Knowing job titles is only half the battle—what really helps you survive and thrive in a Korean workplace is learning common, polite office phrases. These expressions are used in meetings, emails, casual conversations, and even elevator small talk!

One of the most essential phrases is “수고하셨습니다” which means “Thank you for your hard work.” It’s often said at the end of the day, after meetings, or when someone finishes a task. You’ll hear it a lot, so get comfortable saying it too!

Another important one is “죄송합니다” (I’m sorry) or the slightly less formal “미안해요.” Apologizing when something goes wrong is expected in Korean work culture—even if it wasn’t your fault.

When making requests, it’s polite to say “~주시겠어요?” (Would you please ~?). For example, “이 서류를 확인해 주시겠어요?” means “Could you please check this document?” Tone matters—a softer, humble approach earns you goodwill.

Koreans also love expressions that show consideration, like “고생 많으셨습니다” (You’ve been through a lot) and “괜찮으세요?” (Are you okay?). These phrases make you sound warm and supportive in a team environment.

When you want to politely give your opinion, say “제 생각에는...” (In my opinion...) or “제가 보기에는...” (From what I see...). These soft openers are important for avoiding conflict and sounding respectful.

During meetings, you can use “발표 시작하겠습니다” (I’ll start my presentation) or “이 안건에 대해 말씀드리겠습니다” (Let me talk about this agenda). These phrases show you understand the flow of formal discussion.

Let’s break down some of the most useful phrases and when to use them in real Korean office life. 💬

💼 Practical Korean Office Phrases

Korean Phrase	Romanization	Meaning	When to Use
수고하셨습니다	su-go-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da	Thank you for your effort	After work, meetings, tasks
죄송합니다	joe-song-ham-ni-da	I’m very sorry	When apologizing formally
확인해 주시겠어요?	hwa-kin-hae ju-si-ges-seo-yo?	Could you please check?	Requesting help with tasks
제 생각에는...	je saeng-gak-e-neun...	In my opinion...	Sharing your view in meetings
발표 시작하겠습니다	bal-pyo si-jak-ha-ges-seum-ni-da	I will begin my presentation	Starting a formal talk

Mastering even a few of these phrases will make your office life smoother and your Korean more natural. Don’t worry about being perfect—your effort to speak respectfully will always be appreciated. 💖

🌏 Cultural Tips for Speaking Korean at Work

Working in a Korean office involves more than just learning vocabulary. To truly connect with your coworkers and avoid awkward situations, you need to understand the cultural values behind how Koreans speak—especially in professional settings.

One major concept is “눈치” (nunchi), which means reading the room or sensing unspoken feelings. It’s not directly taught in language books, but it’s one of the most important soft skills in Korean communication. Saying too much, interrupting, or being too assertive can seem inconsiderate if you ignore the mood.

Another value is “겸손” (humility). Koreans usually downplay their own achievements and avoid direct self-praise. So instead of saying “I’m good at this,” it’s more natural to say “열심히 배우고 있습니다” (I’m still learning, but doing my best).

Hierarchy and team harmony also matter a lot. Koreans often avoid direct confrontation and use indirect language to disagree. Instead of “I don’t agree,” you might say “다른 의견도 있을 수 있을 것 같습니다” (There may be another way to see it).

Politeness is the foundation of workplace communication. Honorifics, formal speech endings, and respectful tone are not optional. Even when disagreeing, using formal verbs and soft phrasing shows professionalism and earns trust.

Foreigners are not expected to be perfect, but effort counts. Speaking slowly, choosing formal speech, and mimicking Korean conversational styles will make your interactions smoother and more positive.

I remember one time I tried joking casually with a coworker who was a few years older and in a senior role. What I thought was friendly came off as too casual. Since then, I’ve always started with formality and adjusted as the relationship became more comfortable.

Understanding cultural context is just as important as knowing phrases. Let’s look at some examples of “what to say” vs. “what not to say” in Korean workplaces. 🧠

📌 Cultural Do’s and Don’ts in Korean Offices

Situation	Better Expression	Avoid Saying	Why
Disagreeing in a meeting	“조금 다른 생각이 있습니다”	“No, I disagree”	Too direct, may feel confrontational
Praising your own skills	“더 배우고 있습니다”	“I’m the best at this”	Koreans value humility
Thanking coworkers	“도와주셔서 감사합니다”	Just “Thanks”	Honorifics matter in tone
Joking with seniors	Light humor, with formal speech	Casual jokes/slang	May be seen as disrespectful

Culture and language are tightly linked. By practicing these subtle points, you’ll not only improve your Korean but also build stronger professional relationships. 💡

📧 Korean Email & Meeting Etiquette Expressions

Whether you're writing an email or participating in a business meeting, using proper Korean expressions adds a professional tone and helps build trust. Emails in Korean tend to be more formal and structured than in English, and meetings also follow a polite communication style.

A typical email starts with a polite greeting like “안녕하세요. [Name/Title]님.” Then comes an introductory line such as “바쁘신 와중에 메일 드려 죄송합니다” (Sorry to bother you when you're busy). These set the tone for respectful communication.

In the body of the email, clear but polite language is key. You’ll often see phrases like “확인 부탁드립니다” (Please check) or “검토해 주시면 감사하겠습니다” (I would appreciate it if you could review this).

The closing is also important. Instead of simply saying “Thanks,” a common ending is “좋은 하루 되세요” (Have a great day) or “감사드립니다” (Thank you very much). You may also repeat the person's title with “감사합니다, 과장님.”

In meetings, being formal and structured is the norm. You should begin with “발표를 시작하겠습니다” (I’ll begin my presentation) or “회의를 시작하겠습니다” (Let’s begin the meeting). This signals respect for everyone’s time.

When contributing to the discussion, use soft language like “제 의견을 말씀드리자면...” (If I may share my opinion...) or “이 부분에 대해서는 다시 검토가 필요할 것 같습니다” (This part may need further review). These show professionalism without sounding critical.

To end a presentation or meeting, phrases like “경청해 주셔서 감사합니다” (Thank you for listening) and “이상입니다” (That’s all) are commonly used. These polite expressions help you close strong and leave a good impression.

Let’s look at key expressions used in professional emails and meetings so you can use them right away. ✍️

📌 Useful Korean Expressions for Email & Meetings

Situation	Korean Phrase	Romanization	Meaning
Email Opening	안녕하세요. [직함]님	annyeonghaseyo, [jikham]-nim	Hello, [Title]
Making a Request	확인 부탁드립니다	hwakin butak deurimnida	Please confirm/check
Email Closing	좋은 하루 되세요	joeun haru doeseyo	Have a great day
Start Meeting	회의를 시작하겠습니다	hoeireul sijak hagetseumnida	Let's begin the meeting
End Presentation	경청해 주셔서 감사합니다	gyeongcheonghae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida	Thank you for listening

These formal phrases help you sound professional, respectful, and culturally aware. With practice, you'll be writing and speaking like a pro in the Korean workplace! 🧑‍💻

❓ FAQ – 20 Korean Work Language Questions

Q1. What does “님” mean in Korean job titles?

A1. “님” is an honorific suffix used to show respect. It’s added to job titles or names to sound polite, such as “부장님” (department head) or “김 과장님” (Manager Kim).

Q2. Can I just call someone by their name in a Korean office?

A2. No, it’s usually seen as too casual. Use their job title or name + title + “님.” Only close peers of similar rank might use “씨.”

Q3. How do I introduce myself in a Korean office?

A3. You can say, “안녕하세요. 저는 [Your Name]입니다. 잘 부탁드립니다,” which means “Hello, I’m [Your Name]. Please take care of me.”

Q4. What should I say after a meeting ends?

A4. You can say “수고하셨습니다” (Thank you for your effort) or “고생 많으셨습니다” (You worked hard). Both are polite ways to end the meeting.

Q5. How do Koreans say “Excuse me” at work?

A5. Use “실례합니다” (sillyehamnida) for formal situations, or “저기요” if you’re trying to get attention politely.

Q6. Is English ever used in Korean emails?

A6. Sometimes, especially in global companies. But formal greetings and closings are almost always in Korean when emailing Korean coworkers.

Q7. What if I don’t know someone’s title?

A7. Use “님” after their full name or just observe how others address them. If unsure, use their department + 님 (e.g., “인사팀님”).

Q8. How do I politely ask someone to do something?

A8. Use “~주시겠어요?” or “부탁드립니다” at the end of your request. Example: “서류를 확인 부탁드립니다.”

Q9. Are emojis okay in work emails?

A9. Generally no. In very casual or startup environments, they might be okay between coworkers, but not in formal emails.

Q10. What’s a safe phrase for starting an email?

A10. “안녕하세요. 바쁘신 와중에 메일 드려 죄송합니다.” It shows humility and respect for their time.

Q11. How do I end a presentation politely?

A11. Say “이상입니다. 경청해 주셔서 감사합니다.” This means “That’s all. Thank you for listening.”

Q12. Should I bow in office settings?

A12. Yes, a small bow is polite when greeting someone, thanking them, or saying goodbye—especially to seniors.

Q13. Can I mix English and Korean at work?

A13. In international teams, yes. But always use Korean for greetings, titles, and when addressing senior staff.

Q14. How can I soften my tone in Korean?

A14. Use indirect phrases like “~것 같습니다” or “제 생각에는…” to make suggestions or opinions sound polite.

Q15. Is it okay to say “No” directly?

A15. Direct “No” (아니요) can sound harsh. Instead, say “조금 어려울 것 같습니다” (That may be difficult) or “다시 검토해 보겠습니다.”

Q16. What’s a good phrase for team support?

A16. “함께 노력하겠습니다” (Let’s work hard together) or “같이 잘 해봅시다” (Let’s do our best together) are encouraging and polite.

Q17. What should I say when I arrive at work?

A17. “안녕하세요” is always appropriate. You might also hear “좋은 아침입니다” (Good morning), though it’s less common.

Q18. Is “감사합니다” always safe?

A18. Yes! It’s the standard polite way to say thank you. For extra formality, use “진심으로 감사드립니다.”

Q19. What if I make a mistake speaking Korean?

A19. Don’t worry—most Koreans appreciate your effort. Just smile, say “죄송합니다,” and try again. Politeness covers a lot!

Q20. What’s one phrase I should memorize first?

A20. “수고하셨습니다” is a great one. You’ll use it often, and it shows warmth and respect. 😊