Language & Culture Guide
Understanding the differences between North and South Korea
Korean Language Differences
Key variations between North and South Korean
Spelling & Writing
Initial Sound Rule (두음법칙)
North녀자, 력사, 련락, 렬차, 로동
South여자, 역사, 연락, 열차, 노동
Interfix 'ㅅ' Usage
North차집, 수자, 예사일
South찻집, 숫자, 예삿일
Common Vocabulary Differences
School meal: 급양 (North) vs 급식 (South)
Sink: 세면 (North) vs 세면대 (South)
Birthday: 돌림날 (North) vs 생일 (South)
Bus: 뻐스 (North) vs 버스 (South)
Computer: 콤퓨터 (North) vs 컴퓨터 (South)
Speech Levels & Politeness
Understanding 존댓말 (formal) vs 반말 (casual) is crucial in South Korea
Forms of Address
North: 동지 (comrade), 동무 (friend/comrade)
South: ~님 (honorific suffix), ~씨 (Mr./Ms.), 선생님 (teacher)
Workplace: Use position titles (부장님, 대리님, 과장님)
Resources
Cultural Differences
Social customs and daily life
Music & Entertainment
NorthRevolutionary songs, collective performances, regime propaganda
SouthK-pop, individual expression, commercial entertainment, dramas
Daily Lifestyle
NorthTraditional clothing maintained, regulated living, limited consumer goods
SouthWestern-style fashion, free consumer culture, individual choice emphasis
Social Etiquette Tips
Resources
Workplace Culture
Navigating Korean office life
Hierarchy is Key
Korean workplaces are highly hierarchical. Respect seniority and position at all times.
Communication Style
Indirect communication is preferred
Soften requests: '혹시 도와주실 수 있으실까요?' vs direct 'Help me'
Read between the lines - Koreans rarely say 'no' directly
Group harmony (눈치) is more important than individual opinion
회식 (Company Dinners)
Team dinners after work are common and important for bonding
Attending shows team spirit, but you can leave early if needed
Pour drinks for seniors with two hands
Turn head when drinking in front of elders
Split the bill (N분의 1) or senior pays - never fight over it
Resume & Interview Tips
- Focus on results, not just duties: '매출 20% 증가' (20% sales increase)
- Keep it to 1 page, PDF format preferred
- Include photo (professional, neutral background)
- Explain gaps as 'settlement education, job training, certification study'
Interview Behavior
- Eye contact, smile, confident posture
- Use standard Seoul Korean (표준어), not North Korean dialect
- Focus on adaptation ability, perseverance, willingness to learn
- When asked about background: emphasize 'building future in Korea' positively
STAR Method for Interviews
SSituation: Describe the background
TTask: Explain your role or goal
AAction: Detail what you specifically did
RResult: Share outcomes and what you learned