Indian Migrant Workers in South Korea Face Challenges of Excessive Working Hours, Lack of Job Satisfaction and Unclear Labor Regulations

Korea's Unspoken Workplace Expectations Raise Questions About Working Abroad

A viral video shared by an Indian woman living in South Korea has sparked a heated discussion on social media about the realities of working in Korea. The video, posted on Instagram by user Swarnim Singh, sheds light on the challenges foreign workers may face in the country, particularly in terms of long working hours and unspoken workplace expectations.

The video highlights the disparity between popular perceptions of Korea, often fueled by success stories and entertainment content, and the harsh realities of working in Korean companies. Singh explains that many people form their understanding of Korea through K-dramas, which do not accurately reflect the workplace reality. According to Singh, it is essential for foreign workers to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of working in Korea to avoid disappointment.

Singh's experience is not unique to Korea, as she describes the "nunchi culture," a set of unspoken workplace expectations that can lead to long working hours and a rigid social hierarchy. She also mentions the concept of "hweshik," or team dinners, which can be mandatory and may be seen as an indicator of an employee's commitment to the team. Singh warns that these expectations are often not clearly explained to new employees, leaving them to navigate the complexities of Korean workplace culture on their own.

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The video has received mixed reactions from users online, with some agreeing with Singh's assessment and calling it a "reality check" for those planning to work abroad. One user shared a personal experience of working in Korea, describing the toxic work environment and hostile attitude from colleagues. Another user pointed out that similar workplace expectations can also exist in India, highlighting the universality of the challenges faced by foreign workers.

Note: The average global standard for working hours is 40 hours per week, according to the International Labour Organization. However, the actual number of working hours can vary significantly depending on the country, industry, and company.