World
The Evolution of Work Culture in South Korea: Balancing Tradition and Modernity
Explore the dynamic evolution of work culture in South Korea, where tradition meets modernity. Discover how historical roots influence contemporary practices and the ongoing balance between work-life harmony and corporate demands.
The Changing Landscape of Work Culture in South Korea
“Back in the day,” reflects Lim Hyung-kyu, a former executive at Samsung Electronics now in his 70s, “my weeks were structured as Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Friday, Friday.” Lim joined Samsung, South Korea’s premier technology company, in 1976 and climbed the corporate ladder to become the chief technology officer. Throughout his extensive 30-plus years at Samsung, working on weekends was not only common but also legally permissible under the nation’s labor regulations. “I didn’t mind it,” Lim stated. “In fact, it was enjoyable for me.”
However, the corporate landscape has transformed dramatically. Currently, South Korean labor laws impose a cap of 52 working hours per week: 40 hours of standard work with an allowance of up to 12 hours of overtime. Weekends are now generally regarded as off-limits, and younger employees are increasingly conscious of their work-life balance, a stark contrast to the attitudes of their parents and grandparents.
In recent months, however, some prominent South Korean corporations have begun to instruct their executives to extend their working hours, with some firms even mandating that employees report to the office six days a week. This trend raises concerns that lower-ranked employees and managers in smaller companies may feel compelled to conform to these expectations.
“This sends a clear signal that, in South Korea, working six days a week is still deemed acceptable,” stated Kim Seol, a representative from the Youth Community Union, a labor organization advocating for workers aged 15 to 39.
The pressure on workers, particularly the younger generation, is palpable in South Korea, which is grappling with a declining and aging population coupled with one of the lowest fertility rates globally. The apprehension surrounding job security, along with soaring costs related to housing, childcare, and education, has deterred working-age Koreans from starting families, further exacerbating a demographic crisis that poses a significant threat to the nation’s economy.