Times Insider: Understanding Work Culture in South Korea
Times Insider provides a glimpse into the inner workings of our journalism, offering unique insights behind the scenes of how stories are crafted. Having spent a significant part of my childhood in both the United States and Canada, I now find myself fully immersed in life in South Korea. One of the most striking differences I’ve observed between these regions is the contrasting attitudes towards work.
In North America, the prevailing mindset often leans toward seeking employment that aligns with one’s passions or interests. Conversely, in South Korea, there is a tendency to prioritize jobs that come with prestige and enhance one’s reputation. This cultural nuance shapes the way individuals navigate their careers and influences their overall job satisfaction.
As a reporter stationed in the Seoul bureau of The New York Times, I have delved into various aspects of South Korean society, including the nation’s notoriously competitive education system. It’s no surprise that this rigorous atmosphere extends into the workplace, where long hours are the norm and work-life balance often takes a backseat. The data supporting this is abundant, along with countless anecdotes illustrating employees toiling for extended periods. However, when major corporations publicly advocate for increased working hours as a response to economic challenges, it raises eyebrows and prompts deeper investigation.
This issue first came to my attention in the spring. Through various online forums and subsequently local news outlets, I discovered that several prominent South Korean companies were not only suggesting longer working hours but, in some cases, actively encouraging managers to report to the office six days a week. This revelation piqued my interest and led to further exploration.
Rich Barbieri, the deputy business editor in Seoul, approached me with the idea of covering this story. The news could serve as a springboard for a comprehensive investigation into South Korea’s current and historical labor laws. I find these types of articles particularly compelling, as they allow us to weave together the narratives of real individuals and their experiences. This approach, I believe, is crucial in maintaining our humanity as we document the present for future generations.
The first step in my reporting process was to identify companies willing to openly discuss their policies regarding longer working hours for managers. As many business journalists can attest, it is often a daunting task to engage with reticent corporate spokespeople. After numerous attempts, I managed to connect with several companies to confirm the emerging trends. One company that ultimately agreed to provide information on the record revealed that a struggling division had prompted executives and leaders within the organization to increase their efforts—translating to longer work hours.
Another essential aspect of my article was to interview someone who had firsthand experience working in South Korea both before and after 2004, the year that marked the implementation of a five-day workweek. I sought an individual who could articulate the evolution of work culture in South Korea, particularly during a time when extended workweeks were commonplace.
