Korean for the workplace
Saying "I don't understand" prevents accidents. Never pretend you do.
Phrases you must know
Safety
- 위험해요 (it's dangerous) / 하지 마세요 (don't) / 조심하세요 (be careful)
- 다쳤어요 (I'm hurt) — the first thing to say if injured.
- 아파요 (it hurts) / 병원에 가야 해요 (I need a hospital)
- 못 하겠어요 (I can't do this) — refusing dangerous work. See refuse-dangerous-work.
Work
- 다시 설명해 주세요 (please explain again) / 천천히 말해 주세요 (please speak slowly)
- 이거 어떻게 해요? (how do I do this?)
- 끝났어요 (it's finished) / 아직이에요 (not yet)
- 도와주세요 (please help)
Rights
- 월급 언제 나와요? (when is payday?)
- 계약서 주세요 (please give me the contract)
- 오늘 몇 시까지예요? (until what time today?)
- 쉬는 시간 언제예요? (when is the break?)
Where to learn
- The Social Integration Programme (KIIP) — structured Korean courses. See kiip-program.
- Migrant workers' support centres — some run workplace-Korean classes.
- Family and community centres — free Korean classes. See korean-class-free.
- Work24 (work24.go.kr) — courses linked to vocational training.
- Translation apps — as a backup when you're stuck. See translation-apps.
Using it on site
- Repeat back important instructions to confirm: "so you want me to do ○○?"
- Write numbers and times down and check them. Spoken only, they get misheard.
- Ask at once when unsure. Most accidents come from misunderstood instructions.
- Ask for important promises in a text message — it becomes evidence later.
Where to go
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labour (counselling with interpretation)
- 1577-0071 Foreign Workforce Support Centre
- Work24 www.work24.go.kr
- Local migrant workers' support centres
- 1345 interpretation support
Questions people ask
I'm looked down on for not speaking Korean. Discrimination is not acceptable. If it repeats, consult 1350 or 1331 (National Human Rights Commission). See discrimination-report.
Safety training is only in Korean. You need training in a language you understand. Ask 1350 or KOSHA on 1544-3088. See safety-training.
I can't read my contract. Ask for translation or interpretation before signing. Never sign what you don't understand. See contract-language.
Can I just use a translation app? Good as support, but always confirm safety instructions with a person.
Take care
Nodding when you haven't understood is the most dangerous thing you can do. With machinery, chemicals or work at height especially, understand fully before starting. If you don't understand, stopping is the right choice.
Related
safety-training · refuse-dangerous-work · contract-language · korean-class-free · translation-apps
Source
Ministry of Employment and Labour, Work24 www.work24.go.kr / As of 2026-08