Learning a new language can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor, especially when it comes to conducting business in a foreign country. For professionals interacting with Korean companies or working in Korea, understanding some key business terms and phrases can be incredibly helpful. Here we’ll look at some essential vocabulary to help you navigate the Korean business landscape.

회사 (Hoesa) — Company
This is the basic term used to refer to a company or corporation in Korea.
우리 회사는 서울에 위치하고 있습니다.
(Our company is located in Seoul.)

직원 (Jikwon) — Employee
A person who works for a company.
우리 직원들은 매우 열심히 일합니다.
(Our employees work very hard.)

사장 (Sajang) — President/CEO
The title for the head of the company, similar to President or CEO in English.
사장님께서는 오늘 회의에 참석하실 예정입니다.
(The president is expected to attend the meeting today.)

부사장 (Busajang) — Vice President
The person who is a rank below the president of the company.
박 부사장님은 해외 사업을 담당하고 계십니다.
(Vice President Park is in charge of overseas business.)

관리자 (Gwanrija) — Manager
The individual who manages or oversees a particular team or department.
이번 프로젝트는 김 관리자님이 주도하고 계십니다.
(Manager Kim is leading this project.)

회의 (Hoeui) — Meeting
A formal gathering or assembly for discussion on business matters.
오후 2시에 회의가 예정되어 있습니다.
(There is a meeting scheduled at 2 PM.)

계약 (Gyeyak) — Contract
A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.
우리는 새로운 거래처와 계약을 체결했습니다.
(We have signed a contract with a new client.)

제안 (Jeyan) — Proposal
A formal offer or plan put forward for consideration or discussion by others.
내일 회의에서 제안해야 할 사항들을 준비해 두세요.
(Prepare the items to propose for the meeting tomorrow.)

예산 (Yesan) — Budget
The amount of money allocated for a specific purpose or the financial plan itself.
이번 프로젝트의 예산을 재검토해야 할 필요가 있습니다.
(We need to review the budget for this project again.)

마감 (Magam) — Deadline
The final date or time by which something must be completed.
이번 달 마감일은 다음 주 금요일입니다.
(The deadline for this month is next Friday.)

수출 (Soochul) — Export
The act of sending goods or services to another country for sale.
우리 회사는 주로 아시아 국가들에게 제품을 수출합니다.
(Our company mainly exports products to Asian countries.)

수입 (Sooip) — Import
The act of bringing goods or services into a country from abroad for sale.
우리나라는 많은 원자재를 해외에서 수입합니다.
(Our country imports a lot of raw materials from overseas.)

협상 (Hyeobsang) — Negotiation
The process by which parties come to an agreement on a particular matter.
오늘 오후에 중요한 협상이 있으니, 잘 준비해 주세요.
(We have an important negotiation this afternoon, please prepare well.)

출장 (Chuljang) — Business Trip
A journey undertaken for business purposes.
김 이사님은 내일 출장을 위해 미국으로 출발하십니다.
(Director Kim will depart for the United States for a business trip tomorrow.)

By familiarizing yourself with these Korean business language essentials, you’ll not only enhance your vocabulary but also gain confidence in professional situations. Remember that practice makes perfect, so try to incorporate these terms into your conversations and business interactions whenever possible. 화이팅 (Fighting) – a word of encouragement, meaning ‘good luck’ or ‘you can do it’ in Korean business contexts!