3 Surprising Korean Workplace Customs For Foreigners

12 hours ago

For many foreigners, starting a job in South Korea brings more than a new career it also introduces a workplace culture filled with everyday routines that feel surprisingly different from what they’re used to back home.

From brushing teeth after lunch to using cute emojis in conversations with managers, many office customs that Korean employees barely notice often become memorable culture shocks for international workers. Over time, however, many foreigners say these habits begin to make sense and even become part of their own daily routine.

Here are three Korean workplace habits that consistently surprise foreigners.

A diverse group of office coworkers in a restroom, some brushing their teeth while a surprised woman gestures as she stands near a sink, while a man in a mask walks past looking distressed, and another man at a desk smiles at his phone.

1. Everyone Brushes Their Teeth After Lunch

One of the first things many foreign employees notice happens immediately after lunch.

Instead of returning directly to their desks, coworkers often head to the restroom carrying toothbrushes and toothpaste. Seeing several colleagues brushing their teeth at the same time is a completely ordinary scene in many Korean offices.

The habit has its roots in school life, where many students develop the routine of brushing after lunch. As they enter adulthood, the practice naturally continues into office life.

For employees from Europe, the Middle East, or North America, brushing after meals isn’t unusual in itself—but watching an entire office do it together is something they rarely encounter. Many international workers initially find it unexpected before eventually viewing it as a practical habit for maintaining oral hygiene.

2. Even Managers Use Emojis at Work

Another aspect of Korean office culture that surprises newcomers is the widespread use of emojis and messaging stickers in professional communication.

In many workplaces, employees exchange messages through platforms such as KakaoTalk or business messengers using smiling faces, thumbs-up icons, or friendly stickers—even when communicating with supervisors.

In some countries, conversations with managers remain formal and text-only. In Korea, however, digital communication is often softened with simple visual expressions that make conversations feel warmer without reducing professionalism.

Messages like “Confirmed 😊” or “Thank you for your hard work 👍” are common examples. Many foreign employees admit they were hesitant to use emojis at first but later realized they help create a more approachable workplace atmosphere.

A group of five people brushing their teeth at a modern bathroom sink, with one person looking surprised while holding a toothbrush.

3. Visiting the Doctor for Minor Illnesses Is Common

Foreign workers are also surprised by how quickly many Koreans visit a clinic when they feel unwell.

Rather than waiting several days for symptoms to improve, many employees seek medical care for colds, flu-like symptoms, or minor illnesses. Korea’s relatively accessible healthcare system and affordable outpatient visits make this a practical choice for many people.

In some companies, employees may also be asked to provide a medical certificate or doctor’s note when taking sick leave, making clinic visits a normal part of workplace procedures.

For workers from countries where people typically recover from mild illnesses at home without seeing a doctor, this approach can feel unfamiliar. Over time, however, many foreigners come to appreciate the convenience of Korea’s healthcare system and understand why early medical visits are so common.

Small Habits That Reveal a Bigger Workplace Culture

None of these routines feel particularly unusual to Korean employees. Yet for international workers, they often become some of the most memorable parts of adapting to life in Korea.

Brushing teeth after lunch, communicating with emojis, and seeking medical care early all reflect broader values found in many Korean workplaces: attention to personal hygiene, friendly communication, and proactive health management.

They may seem like small details, but together they offer foreign employees a deeper understanding of everyday life inside a Korean office—and show how ordinary routines can become fascinating cultural experiences when viewed through a different perspective.