Korean Business Words & Phrases
Korean business culture has its own unique etiquette and vocabulary. Whether you're working for a Korean company, doing international business, or preparing for a job interview, these terms are essential. Mastering business Korean shows professionalism and cultural awareness.
100 words
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컨퍼런스
keompeorensu
Conference
Intermediate계약
gyeyak
Contract
Intermediate협상
hyeopsang
Negotiation
Intermediate급여
geupyeo
Salary
Beginner보너스
boneoseu
Bonus
Beginner승진
seungjin
Promotion
Intermediate사직
sajik
Resign
Intermediate채용
chaeyong
Hire
Beginner면접
myeonjip
Interview
Beginner추천인
chucheonin
Reference
Intermediate수습기간
sueupgigan
Probation
Intermediate정규직
jeonggyujik
Full-time
Beginner아르바이트
areubaiteu
Part-time
Beginner프리랜서
peurillaenseo
Freelance
Intermediate재택근무
jaetaekgeunmu
Remote Work
Beginner사무실
samusilsil
Office
Beginner책상
chaeksang
Desk
Beginner칸막이
kanmaki
Cubicle
Intermediate오픈 오피스
opun opiseu
Open Office
Intermediate회의실
hoeuisil
Conference Room
Beginner휴게실
hyugyesil
Break Room
Beginner명함
myeongham
Business Card
Beginner명찰
myeongchal
Name Tag
Beginner회사 이메일
hoesa imeireul
Company Email
Beginner업무용 휴대폰
eobmuyong hyudaepol
Work Phone
Beginner연차
yeoncha
Annual Leave
Beginner출산휴가
chulsanhyuga
Maternity Leave
Intermediate육아휴직
yugahyujik
Paternity Leave
Intermediate퇴직
toejik
Retirement
Intermediate스톡옵션
seutok-option
Stock Option
Advanced지분
jibun
Equity
Advanced매출
maechul
Revenue
Intermediate이익
iik
Profit
Intermediate손실
sonsil
Loss
Intermediate예산
yesan
Budget
Beginner지출
jichul
Expense
Beginner송장
songjang
Invoice
Intermediate세금
segeum
Tax
Beginner부가가치세
bugagachise
VAT
Advanced급여 관리
geupyeo gwanli
Payroll
Intermediate회계
hoegyae
Accounting
Intermediate감사
gamsa
Audit
Advanced대차대조표
daechadadjojyo
Balance Sheet
Advanced현금 흐름
hyeongeum heureeum
Cash Flow
Advanced투자
tuija
Investment
Intermediate스타트업
seutateup
Startup
Beginner벤처캐피탈
benteo-kaepital
Venture Capital
Advanced엔젤 투자자
enjel tuijaja
Angel Investor
Advanced기업공개
gieop-gongkae
IPO
Advanced합병
hapbyeong
Merger
Advanced인수
insu
Acquisition
Advanced자회사
jahoesa
Subsidiary
Advanced프랜차이즈
peulaenchaijeu
Franchise
Intermediate마케팅
maketing
Marketing
Beginner광고
gwanggo
Advertising
Beginner홍보
hongbo
PR
Intermediate소셜 미디어 마케팅
sosyeol midia maketing
Social Media Marketing
Intermediate검색 엔진 최적화
gemsaek enjin choejeokwha
SEO
Advanced캠페인
kaempeoin
Campaign
Beginner목표 고객
mokpyo gogaek
Target Audience
Intermediate고객
gogaek
Customer
Beginner클라이언트
keullaieonteu
Client
Beginner공급업체
gonggeubuoptae
Supplier
Intermediate판매자
panmaejaer
Vendor
Intermediate파트너십
pateuneoship
Partnership
Intermediate협력
hyeophryeok
Collaboration
Intermediate경쟁사
gyeongjaengsa
Competitor
Intermediate시장 점유율
sijang jeomyuryul
Market Share
Advanced핵심 성과 지표
haeksim seongwa jipyo
KPI
Advanced목표와 핵심 결과
mokpyowa haeksim gyeolgwa
OKR
Advanced분기 보고서
bungi bogoseo
Quarterly Report
Advanced연간 보고서
yeongan bogoseo
Annual Report
Advanced이사회 회의
isahoe hoeuui
Board Meeting
Advanced주주
juju
Shareholders
Advanced최고경영자
choego gyeongnyeongja
CEO
Beginner최고재무책임자
choego jaemuchaekim ja
CFO
Advanced최고운영책임자
choego unnyeong chaekimja
COO
Advanced관리자
gwanlija
Manager
Beginner팀 리더
tim rideo
Team Leader
Beginner부하직원
buha jigwon
Subordinate
Intermediate계층 구조
gyecheung gujo
Hierarchy
Intermediate기업 문화
gieop munhwa
Corporate Culture
Intermediate번아웃
beonaout
Burnout
Intermediate팀 빌딩
tim bilding
Team Building
Beginner워크숍
wokeusyop
Workshop
Beginner교육
gyoyuk
Training
Beginner멘토링
mentoring
Mentoring
Intermediate성과 평가
seongwa pyeongga
Performance Review
Intermediate승진 기준
seungjin gijun
Promotion Criteria
Advanced회사 문화
hoesa munhwa
Company Culture
Intermediate출장
Chuljang
Business Trip
Intermediate재택근무
Jaetaekgeunmu
Work From Home
Intermediate화상 회의
Hwasang Hoeui
Conference Call
Intermediate네트워킹
Neteuweoking
Networking
Intermediate수익률
Suigyul
Profit Margin
Advanced시장 조사
Sijang Josa
Market Research
Advanced공급망
Gonggeupmang
Supply Chain
Advanced브랜드 전략
Beuraendeu Jeonlyak
Brand Strategy
Advanced계약 협상
gyeyak hyeopsang
Contract Negotiation
Advanced퇴직금
toegikgeum
Severance Pay
AdvancedFor many Korean learners, the aspiration often extends beyond casual conversation to engaging with Korea's dynamic professional world. Whether you envision working for a Korean company, conducting business with Korean partners, or simply understanding the country's economic nuances, mastering business-specific vocabulary is indispensable. Without a solid grasp of these terms, navigating the workplace, understanding corporate communications, or even discussing career prospects can become a significant hurdle. Consider the critical importance of knowing terms like 'Contract' (계약) when reviewing legal documents, or 'Salary' (급여) when discussing compensation. These words are fundamental for anyone seeking employment, from preparing for a job 'Interview' (면접) to understanding the conditions of your 'Probation' (수습기간) period. Furthermore, they are vital for comprehending career advancement, such as receiving a 'Promotion' (승진), or even managing the sensitive process of 'Resign' (사직). This specialized lexicon empowers learners to confidently participate in professional dialogues, interpret official memos, and articulate their professional needs and ambitions. It ensures that you are not just speaking Korean, but effectively communicating within the context of Korean business, thereby unlocking deeper engagement and broader opportunities within the professional landscape. This fluency in business Korean is a key differentiator, equipping you to thrive in a competitive environment and build meaningful professional relationships.
Start with these business words
These entries give you the fastest route into this category: the Korean term, how it is pronounced, and the kind of real sentence where it appears.
컨퍼런스
keompeorensu
Conference
A large formal gathering of professionals to discuss industry topics. Conferences in Korea often feature keynote speakers and networking sessions. They are important for professional development and industry connections.
계약
gyeyak
Contract
A legally binding agreement between parties outlining terms and conditions. Contracts are essential in Korean business transactions and employment relationships. They are carefully reviewed and signed by authorized representatives.
협상
hyeopsang
Negotiation
A discussion between parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Negotiations in Korea often involve careful consideration of relationships and long-term partnerships. Patience and respect are key elements of successful negotiations.
급여
geupyeo
Salary
Regular payment for employment services. Salary discussions in Korea are often sensitive and follow company protocols. Annual salary reviews are common and tied to performance evaluations.
보너스
boneoseu
Bonus
Additional payment given for good performance or special occasions. In Korea, bonuses are typically given during Chuseok and Lunar New Year. They are an important part of total compensation packages.
승진
seungjin
Promotion
Advancement to a higher position with increased responsibilities and salary. Promotions in Korea are often based on seniority and performance. They are significant career milestones celebrated within organizations.
사직
sajik
Resign
To voluntarily leave a job or position. Resigning in Korea typically requires formal notice and proper procedures. It is important to maintain good relationships even when leaving a company.
채용
chaeyong
Hire
To employ someone for a job or position. Hiring in Korea involves multiple rounds of interviews and assessments. Companies carefully evaluate candidates for cultural fit and skills.
Frequently asked questions
How do I talk about getting a job in Korea?+
When seeking employment in Korea, you'll encounter terms like 'Hire' (채용) for recruitment and 'Interview' (면접) during the selection process. Many positions are 'Full-time' (정규직), often beginning with a 'Probation' (수습기간) period. Understanding these terms is crucial for navigating job applications and initial employment stages successfully.
What Korean words are important for discussing salary and benefits?+
When discussing compensation, 'Salary' (급여) is a core term. Many companies also offer a 'Bonus' (보너스), which can be an important part of your overall package. Understanding these terms is essential for negotiating your pay and understanding your financial benefits in a Korean workplace.
How do Koreans refer to career advancement or leaving a job?+
Career advancement is often referred to as 'Promotion' (승진). If you decide to leave a position, the act of resigning is called 'Resign' (사직). These terms are fundamental for discussing your professional trajectory, whether you're moving up the ladder or transitioning to a new opportunity within the Korean corporate structure.
What Korean terms are used in business meetings and agreements?+
In business settings, you'll frequently encounter 'Conference' (컨퍼런스) for meetings or large gatherings. Discussions leading to agreements involve 'Negotiation' (협상). Once terms are agreed upon, they are formalized in a 'Contract' (계약). These words are vital for understanding and participating in formal business interactions and legal arrangements.
What is the Korean term for a professional reference?+
When applying for jobs, you might be asked for a 'Reference' (추천인). This refers to someone who can vouch for your professional skills and character. Understanding this term is important for job applications, especially in contexts where professional endorsements play a significant role in the hiring process.
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