“In life, there’s no such thing as a worthless dream.” This line from the Korean drama “Dream High” shows the importance of turning your dreams into your jobs in Korean culture (직업 | ji-geob). Start-up, Hospital Playlist, Itaewon Class, and Record of Youth. These are some famous Kdramas that will inspire you to pursue different occupations, 직업 (ji-geob) or jobs in Korean society. They can effectively discuss the common problems and struggles in each profession. These Kdramas will not just entertain you but also give you a glimpse of what to expect when it comes to pursuing your passion as a career.
When we were young, we all had a dream of what we were going to be in the future. Some will say they want to be a doctor, nurse, engineer, teacher, and more. But, when it comes to deciding what to pursue, many of us are struggling with what to choose, our passion, or our career. Some got lucky because they could pursue both their passion and career at the same time. So, if you’re reading this blog, you are probably interested in pursuing what you want in South Korea.
Well, you are in the right place because, in this blog, you will learn relevant words and phrases related to Jobs in Korean language for free. You will learn some common occupation names in the Korean language but, if you want to learn Korean more, check out Ling App for a fun language learning experience.
How To Ace Your Job Interview?
Before we learn how to name jobs in Korean language, let’s first learn some tips on how to ace your job interview and increase your chance of getting the job.
- Research your potential employer. This will give them the impression that you are really sincere in their company.
- Review the job description and make sure that you really have the qualities and skills they are looking for.
- Introduce yourself effectively. Introducing yourself does not end by stating some basic information that can be found in your resume. If you are familiar with the STAR method, you may use it; this will help them know what kind of person you are in handling situations.
- Dress appropriately. Remember that the first impression lasts, so avoid wearing inappropriate and revealing clothes. Dress formally and make yourself neat.
- Follow up on your interview by sending them an email or calling their official contact number during their business hours.
- Just remember that in the Korean workplace, you must observe punctuality. If there were times that it will be unavoidable, make sure to apologize as a sign of respect and politeness. You should also observe hierarchies that are determined by age and position. In the Korean workplace, everything can be fast-paced, but this does not always equate to productivity. Koreans can be competitive, but they also value building relationships at the same time.
Just remember that in the Korean workplace, you must observe punctuality. If there were times that it would be unavoidable, make sure to apologize as a sign of respect and politeness. You should also observe hierarchies that are determined by age and position. In the Korean workplace, everything can be fast-paced, but this does not always equate to productivity. Koreans can be competitive, but they also value building relationships at the same time. This is very important to know before we learn about naming jobs in the Korean language.
What Are The Highest Paying Korean Jobs?
When we talk about jobs, there are lots of things that come to our minds. The Korean word for “job” is 직업 (jigeop). We all have that one big dream job position that we always hope to get for different reasons. Maybe because it’s the one you love to do, it is the one that your parents told you to do, or like most of us wanted, it is a high-paying job. If you want to learn how to name occupations and jobs in Korean, why don’t we start naming the highest-paying jobs in Korean society?
1. 의사 (Uisa) – Doctor And 외과 의사 (Oegwa Uisa) – Surgeon
Cha Yu-ri: “Are you still scared of operating rooms?”
Jo Kang-hwa: “Yes.”
Cha Yu-ri: “Why? I thought you were getting better. Why haven’t you been treated?
Jo Kang-hwa: “I feel guilty. About getting better. I feel too guilty.”
This scene is from one of the most emotional K-dramas that you’ll ever watch, entitled “Hi, Bye Mama.” In this Kdrama, Cha Yu-ri and Jo Kang-hwa are married with one kid. Unfortunately, Cha Yu-ri had an accident and died. Jo Kang-hwa, a chest surgeon, feels guilty about not being able o save his wife. Although this Kdrama does not only talk about being a doctor and surgeon, you can see what a typical surgeon or doctor can experience. The responsibility of saving lives is one of the reasons why doctors 의사 (Uisa) and surgeons 외과 의사 (Oegwa Uisa) own the first spot in the highest paying jobs in Korean society.
2. 심판 (Simpan) – Judge
“What makes a law just are the judges’ decisions based on the presumption of innocence and the law of evidence.” (Yang Jong-Hoon)
This line is from Yang Jong-Hoon in the Kdrama “Law School.” He is a former judge 심판 (simpan), but after a very controversial case that involves one of his close colleagues and friend, he stoops down and becomes a law school professor instead. If you want to be a judge or lawyer someday, this will be a perfect Kdrama for you because you will realize the importance of being a fair judge in these modern times. This job requires a long time of studying and hard work because someday, you will be the one responsible for giving justice to the people of your country. Although it’s one of the highest-paying jobs in Korean culture, it should be more of a responsibility than a job.
3. 변호사 (Byeon ho sa) – Lawyer
“Becoming a lawyer was the only way a poor kid like me could have justice.” (Kang Sol-A)
A student who does not have a lot of money to go to a fine college, a student who’s always near to failing, and a student who wants to make the lives of the people around her better, this is how we can describe Kang Sol-A as a law student in the Kdrama “Law School.” If you want to be a lawyer (변호사 | Byeon ho sa) someday, you’ll surely enjoy this show because you will learn a lot and relate to her experiences. Being a lawyer nowadays can be hard considering the power of money, but it’s up to you what kind of lawyer you’ll want to be. Just like the previous one, being a lawyer (변호사 | Byeon ho sa) will really pay you a lot, but it’s one of the hardest jobs in Korean society.
4. 은행 관리자 (Eunhaeng Gwanlija) – Bank Manager
“So, Moo Sung, just save all your money in the bank.” (Sung Dong-il)
One of the most memorable characters in the Kdrama “Reply 1988” is Sung Dong-il, a banker but, because of the loan, he had to pay that his friend borrowed from the bank. But, even though he had to pay for this loan, he still managed to feed his family, send his 3 children to school and help the needy by buying random things they sold. This was way back in 1998 so, can you imagine how much a bank manager (은행 관리자 | Eunhaeng Gwanlija) earns now? A bank manager in Korea should have a Bachelor’s Degree to be qualified for this position. You’ll have to deal with money which can be tempting but always remember that maintaining your dignity is still way more important than money.
5. 최고 경영자 (Choego Gyeong-Yeongja) – Chief Executive Officer
You can’t make any decisions if you’re afraid of criticism. And if you can’t make decisions, you can’t be a CEO. What do you want to be? A good person or a CEO? Don’t be greedy. You can’t be both. Choose one. Just one.” (Han Ji Pyeong)
Starting up a company requires a lot of work, hardships, and failure. The Kdrama “Start-up” can give you tips on how to start a start-up. In this Kdrama, you’ll see the different kinds of CEO (최고 경영자 | Choego Gyeong-Yeongja). You’ll learn how to solve and deal with different problems starting from your own company or team to your competitors. As a CEO, you don’t just consider the development of your company, you should also consider the importance of your staff. One of the things that you can learn from this is that the CEO doesn’t always have to be the one who holds the biggest share. If you want to know more information, you can search for it or watch the drama.
Other High-Paying Jobs In Korean
Here are other high-paying jobs that you can also consider. Because it is high-paying, you may have to invest a huge amount of energy, time, and hard work. But hey, this will all be worth it when you reach your success.
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
최고 재무 책임자 | Choego Jaemu Chaegimja) | Chief Financial Officer |
치열 교정 의사 | Chiyeol Gyojeong Uisa | Orthodontist |
교수 | Gyosu | Professor |
조종사 | Jojongsa | Pilot |
마케팅 디렉터 | Maketing Direkteo | Marketing Director |
Learning Korean Job Titles
After learning about the highest-paying jobs in Korean society, let’s learn more about Korean job titles that will widen your vocabulary. These are just common job titles in Korean language that you’ll typically see in their dramas if you are not from South Korea. If you want to learn more vocabulary about jobs in Korean language, you can check out Ling App.
Entertainment And Arts
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
가수 | gasu | singer |
댄서 | daenseo | dancer |
모델 | model | model |
배우 | baeu | actor |
감독 | gamdok | director |
사진작가 | sajinjakga | photographer |
동영상 블로거 | dongyeongsang beullogeo | video blogger |
음악가 | eumakg | musician |
화가 | hwaga | painter |
Medical
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
치위생사 | hiwisaengsa | dental assistant |
치과 의사 | chigwa uisa | dentist |
간호사 | gan ho sa | nurse |
약사 | yaksa | pharmacist |
의료계 종사자 | uiryogye jongsaja | healthcare worker |
Animals
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
수의사 | suuisa | veterinarian |
동물 관리인 | dongmul gwalliin | animal caretaker |
Food And Beverage
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
제빵사 | jeppangsa | baker |
요리사 | yo ri sa | chef |
웨이터 | weiteo | waiter |
Education
Korean (Hangul) | Romanization | English Translation |
부기계원 | bugigyewon | bookkeeper |
사서 | saseo | librarian |
유치원 교사 | yuchiwon gyo sa | kindergarten teacher |
학교장 | hakgyojang | school principal |
선생 | seonsaeng | teacher |
상담원 | sangdamwon | counselor |
Office
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
광고 전문가 | gwanggo jeonmunga | advertising specialist |
인사조수 | insajosu | human resources assistant |
매니저 | maenijeo | manager |
마케팅전문가 | maketingjeonmunga | marketing specialist |
회사원 | hoe sa won | company worker |
사무원 | samuwon | office worker |
비서 | biseo | secretary |
보조 | bojo | assistant |
인사조수 | insajosu | Human resources assistant |
Computer
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
그래픽 디자이너 | geuraepik dijaineo | graphic designer |
IT 전문가 | IT jeonmunga | IT specialist |
프로그래머 | peurogeuraemeo | programmer |
Transportation And Tourism
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
버스 운전사 | beoseu unjeonsa | bus driver |
택시 운전사 | taeksi unjeonsa | taxi driver |
트럭 운전사 | teureok unjeonsa | truck driver |
승무원 | seungmuwon | flight attendant |
관광 가이드 | gwangwang gaideu | tour guide |
여행사 직원 | yeohaengsa jigwon | travel agent |
Law Enforcement And Safety
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
경찰관 | gyeongchalgwan | police officer |
군인 | gunin | soldier |
경비원 | gyeongbiwon | security guard |
소방관 | sobanggwan | firefighter |
Journalism
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
작가 | jak ga | writer |
기자 | gi ja | journalist |
보고자 | bogoja | reporter |
편집자 | pyeonjipja | editor |
Beauty And Cosmetics
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
스타일리스트 | seutailliseuteu | stylist |
미용사 | mi yong sa | cosmetologist |
메이크업 아티스트 | meikeueop atiseuteu | makeup artist |
Sales And Real Estate
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
부동산 중개인 | budongsan junggaein | real estate agent |
판매원 | panmaewon | salesperson |
광고 전문가 | gwanggo jeonmunga | advertising specialist |
Architecture, Engineering, And Construction
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
건축가 | geonchukga | architect |
공학자 | gonghakja | engineer |
건설노동자 | geonseollodongja | construction worker |
Repair And Maintenance
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
관리 직원 | gwalli jigwon | maintenance worker |
목수 | moksu | carpenter |
청소부 | cheongsobu | cleaner |
배관공 | baegwangong | plumber |
관리인 | gwalliin | janitor |
자동 기계 | jadong gigye | car mechanic |
개인간호사 | gaeinganhosa | personal caretaker |
Bank And Finance
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
회계사 | hoegyesa | accountant |
금융 상담원 | geumyung sangdamwon | financial advisor |
Fitness
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
운동 강사 | undong gangsa | fitness instructor |
개인 트레이너 | gaein teureineo | personal trainer |
코치 | kochi | coach |
Other Job Titles
Korean (Hangul) |
Romanization | English Translation |
실업가 | sireopga | businesswoman |
기업인 | gieobin | businessman |
출납계원 | chullapgyewon | cashier |
육아종사자 | yugajongsaja | childcare worker |
고객센터 직원 | gogaeksenteo jigwon | customer service representative |
전기기사 | jeongigisa | electrician |
농부 | nongbu | farmer |
의료계 종사자 | uiryogye jongsaja | healthcare worker |
임상병리사 | imsangbyeongnisa | laboratory technologist |
우편집배원 | upyeonjipbaewon | mailman |
우체국 사무원 | ucheguk samuwon | post office clerk |
–학생 | haksaeng | student |
주부 | jubu | housewife |
How To Increase Your Edge In Getting Jobs In Korea?
As the world becomes global, job seekers have to adapt to the fast-changing world. Today, employees who know how to speak more than one language have a higher chance of promotions. For applicants, speaking in more than one language can open doors for international job opportunities, and it will also give you an edge over other applicants. In addition, company owners will most likely hire applicants that can do business and transact services in different parts of the world to widen their connections and market.
Learning a new language like Korean can be tough and daunting at first, but with Ling App, nothing is impossible. You can learn Korean and other languages like Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino. All you need to do is download the app or go to the website, and you’ll have free access to fun and meaningful language lessons. These lessons have audio recordings, translations, images, and quizzes to support your learning.
Learning Korean can be a good start in learning new languages. The culture behind the Korean language is undeniably colorful, which makes it interesting to learn. So, if you are planning to apply for a job in South Korea, why not start Learning Korean now? Widen your horizons. Increase your chances of being hired. Learn languages with Ling App now!