📽️ Series Intro: The Executive’s Decoder

This series is specifically designed for advanced Korean learners and global professionals. I am Director Brian. Drawing from 20 years of executive experience, I help you decode the modern "Social Frequency" of Korean business life.

Ep 7. The Art of Leaving: From "Sugo" to "Do you need a hand?"

Decoding the 2026 Korean etiquette for leaving the office and disconnecting.

☕ Brian’s Insight: The New Standard of "Wor-a-bel"

In the past, juniors would wait until their boss packed their bags. But in 2026, those days are gone. With the rise of "Wor-a-bel" (Work-Life Balance) and strict labor laws, the trend has shifted toward leaving as soon as your work is done. However, Korea still values the "Community Spirit" more than Western individualism. Even if you're free to go, how you say goodbye can make you either a "stranger" or a "trusted teammate."

Korean office workers packing bags and greeting each other politely at 6 PM

Modern 퇴근 (Tui-geun) culture: Respecting both boundaries and colleagues.

🎬 The Scenario: The 6 PM Gesture

Expat Alex: (Finishes his work at 6:00 PM) "Bye, everyone! I'm leaving!"

Team Lead: "Oh... okay. Bye." (Looks at the other team members still working on a crisis)

🔍 Alex's Take: "My task is done. I'm following the rules."

💡 Brian's Strategy: "도와드릴 거 없을까요?" (Is there anything I can help with?)

Even if they say "No, go ahead!", this one sentence changes your image from a "cold outsider" to a "thoughtful partner."

🔍 The Executive’s Decoder: The Right Words

When leaving the office, what you say depends on who is still there. Avoid the casual "Sugo-haseyo" (수고하세요) toward seniors. Use these instead:

"먼저 들어가 보겠습니다" (Meon-jeo deul-eo-ga bo-get-seub-nida): "I will head out first." The most polite and humble way to leave.
"수고하십쇼" (Su-go-ha-sip-sho): A more formal, respectful way to acknowledge a senior's hard work.
"도와드릴 거 없을까요?" (Do-wa-deul-il-geo-eobs-eul-kka-yo?): "Anything I can help with?" Use this when the whole team is busy.

🚫 The "Right to Disconnect": No More Weekend Kakaos

A major shift in 2026 is the Respect for Rest. To prevent burnout, most Korean companies now discourage business messages after hours. If you're a senior, sending a "Quick question" on Sunday is now considered a serious breach of etiquette. Full rest is the prerequisite for full performance.

🧠 Advanced Business Vocabulary

눈치(Nunchi)를 보다: To sense or read the room.
예의(禮儀)상: For the sake of politeness/etiquette.
일과 삶의 분리 (Wor-a-bel): Separation of work and life.
지양(止揚)하다: To avoid or refrain from doing something.

💡 Executive’s Survival Tip: The Weekend Rule

The 10-Minute Buffer: Don't rush out at exactly 5:59. Taking 5-10 minutes to tidy up and ask "도와줄 거 없어요?" builds immense social capital.
Protect Your Time: Do not send Kakaos after 7:00 PM unless it's a life-or-death emergency.

Episode 7 / 10

Next Up: Ep 8. Performance Review Decoder: Reading Between the Lines

Read the Next Episode →