Korean Dictionary
How to say "Job Seeker" in Korean
“Job Seeker” in Korean is 취준생 (pronounced "chwijun saeng").
취준생
chwijun saeng
Usage & Context
Someone preparing for or actively seeking employment. Common term for graduates or students in the job hunting process.
Example Sentence
나 취준생이야.
I'm a job seeker.
How to use 취준생 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Job Seeker” is 취준생, romanized as chwijun saeng.
Usage tip
Use slang only with friends or people who already speak casually with you. It can sound rude in formal Korean.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 취준생.
Pronunciation Guide
"Chwi" sounds like "chwee" in "sweet" but with a 'ch' sound at the beginning. "Jun" is pronounced like "joon" in "June." "Saeng" rhymes with "sang" in "sang a song." The word flows smoothly, with a slight emphasis on "chwi" and "saeng."
More Example Sentences
A sibling talking about their brother's stress during job hunting.
요즘 우리 오빠는 취준생이라 예민해.
My older brother is a job seeker these days, so he's sensitive.
Expressing a wish for better social support for young job seekers.
취준생들을 위한 정부 지원 프로그램이 많아졌으면 좋겠어.
I hope there are more government support programs for job seekers.
Observing the common sight of students/graduates studying for exams or interviews.
카페에서 공부하는 사람들 보면 다 취준생 같아.
When I see people studying in cafes, they all look like job seekers.
Cultural Context
"취준생" is a portmanteau of "취업 준비생" (chwieop junbisaeng), meaning "employment preparation student." This term is deeply embedded in contemporary Korean society, reflecting the intense and often prolonged period of job searching after graduation. It's a common identity for many young adults, and the struggles of "취준생" are a frequent theme in K-dramas, webtoons, and news reports, highlighting the pressure, anxiety, and financial burden associated with finding a stable job. There are even specific cafes and study rooms tailored to "취준생" needs, showcasing its prevalence.
Editorial note
We flag slang like 취준생 for register and audience, since Korean slang can shift quickly and may sound rude outside close friendships.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
취준생 생활
Job seeker life
취준생 화이팅!
Job seekers, fighting! (Good luck!)
취준생 스트레스
Job seeker stress
Related Expressions
구직자
gujikja
Job applicant/seeker (more formal)
백수
baeksu
Unemployed person (often self-deprecating)
인턴
inteon
Intern
졸업생
joropssaeng
Graduate
More Slang Words
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