Korean Dictionary
How to say "Promotion" in Korean
“Promotion” in Korean is 승진 (pronounced "seungjin").
승진
seungjin
Usage & Context
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.
Example Sentence
그는 최근에 부장으로 승진했습니다.
He was recently promoted to department head.
How to use 승진 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Promotion” is 승진, romanized as seungjin.
Usage tip
Business Korean usually needs polite or formal endings, especially in emails, meetings, and customer situations.
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 승진.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '승' (seung), sounds like 'sung' in 'sunglasses' but with a slightly softer 's'. The second syllable, '진' (jin), sounds exactly like 'jean' (as in denim jeans). Put them together: 'sung-jean'.
More Example Sentences
Congratulating a colleague on their promotion.
김 대리님, 이번에 과장으로 승진하셨다면서요? 축하드립니다!
Assistant Manager Kim, I heard you were promoted to Section Chief this time? Congratulations!
Talking about personal career aspirations.
저는 내년까지 승진하는 게 목표예요.
My goal is to get a promotion by next year.
Reporting on company personnel changes.
이번 인사 발령으로 총 10명이 승진 대상에 올랐습니다.
A total of 10 people were selected for promotion in this personnel announcement.
Cultural Context
Promotions ('승진') are significant milestones in Korean corporate culture, often celebrated with company dinners (회식, hoesik) and gifts. While performance is increasingly important, seniority (연공서열, yeongongseoyeol) traditionally plays a large role. Common promotion steps include 대리 (daeri, Assistant Manager), 과장 (gwajang, Section Chief), and 부장 (bujang, Department Head).
Editorial note
We review business terms like 승진 for formality, so the example fits emails, meetings, or workplace conversations instead of casual speech.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
승진 축하드립니다!
Congratulations on your promotion!
승진 시험
promotion exam
승진 기회
promotion opportunity
Related Expressions
진급
jinggeup
promotion (often used in military/schools)
강등
gangdeung
demotion
승진하다
seungjin-hada
to be promoted
연봉 인상
yeonbong insang
salary increase
More Business Words
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