Introduction
Korea's rapid transformation from one of the poorest countries to a global powerhouse, where cars, phones, music, and films are recognized worldwide, is truly a miracle. But this growth came at a steep price: a culture of relentless work, minimal rest, and constant pushing to maintain a competitive edge.
Through countless conversations with Korean friends, I've noticed they never seem to truly rest. After living in Korea for more than three years, I finally took a vacation and retreated to a Buddhist monastery called "Plum Village," founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. This was a place where I had spent every summer for over 12 years before taking a 10-year break.
As a long-time meditation practitioner, I thought I knew how to relax. But being back in the monastery, deep in the forest and far from everything, I realized I hadn't been truly resting in Korea. The collective energy of hardworking Koreans had unconsciously pushed me to do more and achieve more: I simply didn't stop!
At the monastery, I finally had time to reflect: how do Koreans actually rest? A decade ago, a Korean friend mentioned learning about a concept from Europe called "Work-Life Balance" (월라벨). I found this fascinating and slightly amusing since Europeans typically enjoy extensive vacations and prioritize rest. When Europeans travel, it's often for lengthy periods focused on leisure and relaxation, not following rigid itineraries where every tourist spot must be visited and photographed.
Many of my Korean friends, now in their early to mid-30s, tell me they've recently learned to be more gentle with themselves. They're trying not to overschedule their days or feel that unfinished to-do lists mean a wasted day. This shift suggests a growing awareness of rest's importance in Korean society.
The Badge of Honor: Sleep Deprivation
"I'm so tired, I only slept 4 hours."
When someone says this in many countries, people would worry about them. But in Korea, people often say it with a bit of pride – like it's something to brag about in a society that values being busy all the time. After talking with many Korean friends over the years, I've noticed something interesting: Koreans don't just undervalue rest – they actively avoid it, almost like they're afraid of it.
In the Korean mindset, resting is often seen as being lazy. And in a society where everyone is trying to succeed and stay ahead of others, being seen as lazy is considered one of the worst things possible.
Burnout Nation
This relentless pursuit of productivity has positioned Korea as one of the world's leaders in burnout. The daily schedule of the average Korean is meticulously packed from dawn till dusk, leaving little room for spontaneity or relaxation.
I remember a conversation with a young Korean woman who proudly told me about her "long travel" after quitting her job. I initially imagined a soul-searching journey of several months, the kind often portrayed in Western films. The reality? A two-week trip she considered extraordinarily indulgent.
This pattern is especially clear when Koreans "take a break" from work. Many quit their jobs to "rest," but as they don't know how to truly rest, they quickly become restless within a week. Soon, they're signing up for seminars, gaining more certifications, and applying for new jobs right away. They never create enough distance to reflect on what they genuinely want to do next—they simply replace one form of busyness with another.
I've observed this cycle repeatedly among friends who leave demanding corporate positions. Instead of using their time off to decompress and reconnect with themselves, they immediately fill the void with structured activities. This rush to productivity prevents them from addressing the fundamental question: "What do I actually want from my life beyond constant achievement?"
The Emerging Concept of Work-Life Balance
About a decade ago, a Korean friend introduced me to a term gaining traction in Korea: 월라벨 (Work-Life Balance). What struck me wasn't the concept itself, which has been standard practice in many European countries for generations, but how revolutionary it seemed in the Korean context.
In Europe, taking three weeks of summer vacation to travel or simply unwind isn't just accepted; it's expected. In Korea, such a proposition would be almost unthinkable. Many Korean workers don't even use their full vacation allowance in an entire year, let alone in one continuous stretch.
Korea's no longer as isolated as it once was. Thanks to the internet, Koreans now have unprecedented access to information about lifestyles around the world. Through YouTube videos, documentaries, and social media, many Koreans have discovered that there are different approaches to work-life balance.
This exposure to global perspectives has been eye-opening, especially for younger generations. Seeing how people in countries like France or Germany approach work—with their longer vacations, shorter working hours, and emphasis on leisure—has made many young Koreans question their own work-centric culture.
Particularly influential are Koreans who have moved abroad and share their experiences online. When someone sees their friend or favorite content creator living in Europe and enjoying both professional success and personal time, it makes an impact.
This shift is so pronounced that an increasing number of young Koreans are rejecting the traditional corporate career path altogether. Many now prefer what's called "N잡러" (having multiple part-time jobs) instead of committing to a single company. They'd rather have flexibility and freedom than the security and status that comes with traditional employment.
Of course, this creates tension with older generations who built modern Korea through incredible sacrifice and hard work. They often see this new attitude as lazy or entitled, not understanding that it represents a fundamental reevaluation of what makes a life well-lived.
Leisure as a Luxury, Not a Necessity
A guesthouse owner once shared an observation that perfectly encapsulates this cultural difference. European travelers to Korea often approach their journeys with flexibility, sometimes spending afternoons simply reading in their accommodations or casually exploring neighborhoods without a rigid itinerary.
In contrast, Asian travelers, particularly Koreans tend to plan every minute of their trips. Free time is precious and must be filled with activities, sightseeing, and experiences. The idea of "wasted time" looms large in the Korean mindset.
Even more telling is how traveling itself is sometimes viewed in Korea. Rather than being valued as an enriching, educational experience, it can be dismissed as wasted time that could be better spent acquiring certificates, advancing one's career, or studying for exams.
Historical Context: The Price of Rapid Development
To understand this cultural attitude toward rest, we must acknowledge Korea's incredible history. In the 1970s, South Korea emerged on one of the most dramatic economic transformations the world has ever witnessed, rising from the ashes of war to become a global economic powerhouse.
This "Miracle on the Han River" didn't happen by accident. It was built on the backs of generations who worked tirelessly, often in grueling conditions, to pull their country out of poverty. Hard work wasn't just a virtue; it was a necessity for survival and national advancement.
The extraordinary sacrifices made during this period have left an indelible mark on the Korean psyche. The older generations, who remember the hardships of earlier times, often find it difficult to embrace what they might perceive as the "luxury" of rest.
The Cost of Constant Motion
This cultural aversion to rest comes with significant costs. Korea's suicide rates remain among the highest in developed nations. Mental health issues, though increasingly acknowledged, still carry stigma. Physical health problems related to stress and overwork are common.
Perhaps most poignantly, many Koreans I've spoken with express a kind of existential fatigue a sense that they're constantly running on a treadmill with no permission to step off, catch their breath, and ask, "Where am I actually going?"
Signs of Change
Despite Korea's deeply ingrained work culture, significant signs of change are emerging across the country. What began as isolated trends is slowly evolving into a broader cultural shift, particularly among younger generations who are reimagining their relationship with work.
The Rise of "Good Enough" Work Cultures
An increasing number of Korean companies, particularly in the tech and startup sectors, are adopting elements of European work culture. These progressive employers offer benefits that would have seemed unthinkable just a decade ago: shorter workdays on Fridays, remote work options, and more generous vacation policies.
The motivation isn't purely altruistic. In Korea's competitive job market, companies have realized that offering better work-life balance is essential for attracting and retaining talent. Rather than burning through employees who inevitably quit from exhaustion, forward-thinking organizations are creating environments where high performers can sustain their output over many years.
Shifting Values: From Status to Fulfillment
Perhaps the most profound change is occurring in how young Koreans view success itself. Traditional markers of achievement—prestigious jobs at chaebol companies, impressive titles, and high salaries—are being questioned and sometimes rejected entirely.
Many younger Koreans are now prioritizing meaningful work over status. They're seeking positions that align with their values, provide personal fulfillment, and allow space for life outside the office. This represents a significant departure from previous generations who often sacrificed personal happiness for professional advancement.
Cultural Evolution Beyond the Workplace
The shift extends beyond office hours. The notorious Korean after-work drinking culture (hoesik), once considered essential for team building and professional advancement, is gradually losing its grip. Many companies now discourage or even prohibit mandatory drinking sessions, recognizing their negative impact on employee wellbeing.
In their place, healthier bonding activities are emerging. Team hikes, voluntary social events, and daytime gatherings provide alternatives for building relationships without the pressure and health consequences of traditional drinking culture.
A Generational Bridge
While these changes are promising, they aren't universal. Many industries and companies still operate under traditional expectations. The transition is happening unevenly, creating tension between older generations who built their careers on sacrifice and younger Koreans seeking a more balanced approach to life.
Nevertheless, each company that embraces new ways of working helps normalize the idea that productivity doesn't require exhaustion. As these changes prove sustainable and profitable, they're likely to spread throughout Korean society, potentially reshaping how the entire nation views the relationship between work and rest.
Conclusion: Finding Balance in a Restless Culture
Living in Korea while working for myself has been a unique advantage. I get to blend the dynamism of Korean society with a more European approach to work-life balance. I genuinely enjoy what I do, but I also value my downtime and know when to step away from work.
I wish more of my Korean friends could experience this balance. Learning to truly relax isn't being lazy – it's actually productive in a different way. When you rest properly, you gain mental clarity and recharge your energy, which ultimately makes you more effective when you do work.
As Korea continues developing, I believe easing the constant pressure on its people would help the country grow more sustainably. A society that values both hard work and genuine rest creates the conditions for long-term success and wellbeing.
🏠 Looking for Housing in Korea? Renting Made Easy!
20% Off Service Fee with code:
KIMNINJA20
Enkostay Benefits:
✅ No Deposit ✅ Online Booking ✅ Immigration-friendly docs ✅ Flexible Contracts
Perfect for:
👨🏻💻 Digital Nomads 🎓 Students ✈️ Long-Term Travelers 🧳 Working Holiday
🤝 Collaborations & Inquiries
Are you a brand, business, or organization looking to reach the expat or digital nomad community in Korea?
I’m open to meaningful partnerships that align with my mission, bridging Korea 🇰🇷 with the world 🌍.
Whether you’re looking to:
- 📢 Promote a product or service to a Korea-curious audience
- 🤝 Collaborate on culture, tech, or lifestyle content
- 🎤 Invite me to speak, host, or create for your platform
- 🧭 Share helpful resources with people living in or moving to Korea
💡 How I Can Help You
Whether you’re visiting, staying long-term, or relocating. I share honest insights, guides, and tools to help you navigate life in Korea.
🛫 Working Holiday Korea
Real experiences & survival tips from someone who’s been through it all.
💻 Digital Nomad Korea Service
Guidance for remote workers and entrepreneurs building a life in Korea.
🧠 Need Help Understanding Korea?
What I Offer:
- 🧭 Personalized Advice: Get tailored advice specific to your situation
- 🧠 Cultural Insights: Learn about Korean customs and etiquette
- 🧰 Practical Tips: From finding accommodation to understanding public transport
- 🌐 Networking Opportunities: Connect with other expats and locals
- 📕 Exclusive Resources: Gain access to exclusive guides and resources
📬 Weekly Tips in Your Inbox
Join 1,000+ readers learning how to live smarter in Korea — from visas to vibes.
👋 About Kim Ninja
Kim Ninja (Nguyen Huy Kim)
🧭 Cultural Guide · ✍️ Storyteller · 🎨 Curator
📢 Creator helping foreigners understand and thrive in Korea
🗺️ I turn everyday challenges into comics, guides, and stories
The blog published by Kim Ninja (Huy-Kim Nguyen) is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter.
