Korean Dictionary
How to say "Work-life balance" in Korean
“Work-life balance” in Korean is 워라밸 (pronounced "Wolabael").
워라밸
Wolabael
Usage & Context
Abbreviation of 'work-life balance' (워크 라이프 밸런스). A growing priority for younger Korean workers who reject the intense overwork culture of previous generations. 워라밸이 좋은 회사 (company with good work-life balance) is a key factor in Korean job hunting. Represents a generational shift in Korean workplace values.
Example Sentence
요즘 직장을 고를 때 워라밸을 제일 중요하게 봐요.
These days when choosing a job, work-life balance is considered most important.
How to use 워라밸 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Work-life balance” is 워라밸, romanized as Wolabael.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
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 워라밸.
Pronunciation Guide
"Wolabael" is pronounced "WOH-rah-bael." "Woh" sounds like "woah." "Rah" is like "raw." "Bael" rhymes with "bell." The stress is fairly even, or slightly on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Discussing generational differences in workplace values.
요즘 젊은 세대는 워라밸을 정말 중요하게 생각해요.
The younger generation these days really values work-life balance.
Recommending a company to someone looking for a job.
이 회사는 워라밸이 좋다고 소문났어요.
This company is rumored to have good work-life balance.
Explaining personal habits to maintain work-life balance.
워라밸을 위해 퇴근 후에는 개인 시간을 꼭 가져요.
For work-life balance, I definitely make sure to have personal time after work.
Cultural Context
"워라밸" (Wolabael) is a widely used buzzword in contemporary South Korea, reflecting a significant shift in societal values, especially among younger generations. Historically, Korea had a strong culture of long working hours and company loyalty. However, with increasing awareness of mental health and personal well-being, "워라밸" has become a crucial factor for job seekers and a topic of frequent discussion in workplaces. Companies that offer good "워라밸" are highly sought after, indicating a move away from the "work-first" mentality towards a more balanced lifestyle.
Editorial note
We review entries like 워라밸 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
워라밸이 좋다
To have good work-life balance
워라밸을 찾다
To seek work-life balance
워라밸을 중요하게 생각하다
To consider work-life balance important
Related Expressions
주 52시간 근무제
Ju osibisigan geunmuje
52-hour work week system (government policy for work-life balance)
칼퇴
Kaltoe
Leaving work exactly on time (literally "knife-like 퇴근")
저녁 있는 삶
Jeonyeok inneun salm
A life with evenings (implying free time after work)
야근
Yageun
Overtime work, working late
More Culture Words
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