At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complexities of a business plan. However, it is good to know that '사업' means 'business' and '계획' means 'plan'. You might use this word in a very simple sentence like 'I have a plan.' In Korean, you can say '계획이 있어요.' If you are talking about a business, you just add '사업' in front. For a beginner, think of it as a 'big plan for work.' You might hear it in a simple conversation where someone says they want to start a shop. Even at this stage, remembering that Korean often combines two words to make a new one is a great learning strategy. 'Business' + 'Plan' = 'Business Plan'.
At the A2 level, you can start using '사업계획' in basic sentences about your job or future goals. You should know how to say 'I am making a business plan' (사업계획을 만들어요) or 'This is my business plan' (이것은 제 사업계획이에요). You might encounter this word in simple reading passages about famous people or companies. It's helpful to learn the verb '세우다' (to set up/establish) which is often used with '계획'. So, '사업계획을 세워요' is a very natural A2-level phrase. You can also talk about simple plans for a small business, like a cafe or a bakery, using this word.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use '사업계획' in more formal contexts, such as describing your work responsibilities or discussing economic topics. You should move beyond '만들다' and start using verbs like '작성하다' (to write/draft) or '준비하다' (to prepare). You will likely see '사업계획서' (business plan document) in textbooks or news snippets. At this level, you should be able to explain *why* a business plan is important using simple logic: 'Because I need money from the bank, I need a business plan.' You should also be able to understand the difference between a personal plan (계획) and a formal business plan (사업계획).
At the B2 level, which is the level for this word, you should use '사업계획' with professional collocations. You should be comfortable with terms like '사업계획 수립' (establishing a business plan), '사업계획 검토' (reviewing a business plan), and '사업계획 승인' (approval of a business plan). You should be able to discuss the components of a business plan, such as market research (시장 조사) and financial goals (재무 목표). At this level, you can participate in a meeting where the annual business plan is discussed and express your opinion on whether the plan is 'feasible' (실현 가능하다) or 'risky' (위험하다). You can also use it in writing professional emails or reports.
At the C1 level, you should understand the strategic nuances of '사업계획'. You can discuss how a business plan aligns with a company's long-term vision or how it needs to be adjusted in response to global economic shifts. You should be familiar with related high-level vocabulary like '지속 가능한 사업계획' (sustainable business plan) or '중장기 사업계획' (mid-to-long-term business plan). You can analyze a business plan critically, pointing out flaws in its logic or suggesting improvements in its '추진 전략' (execution strategy). Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native professional in terms of register and particle usage.
At the C2 level, '사업계획' is just one part of a complex vocabulary regarding corporate governance and strategic management. You can lead high-level negotiations or presentations where the '사업계획' is the central document. You understand the legal implications of a '사업계획' in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or public offerings (IPO). You can use the word in academic or philosophical discussions about the nature of planning in a volatile market. You are also aware of the historical context of '사업계획' in the development of the Korean economy, such as the government's 'Five-Year Economic Development Plans' (경제개발 5개년 계획) which shaped the country's business landscape.

사업계획 in 30 Seconds

  • A formal roadmap for a business venture, detailing goals, strategies, and financial projections.
  • Essential for securing investment, bank loans, and guiding internal corporate management in Korea.
  • Commonly paired with verbs like '수립하다' (establish) and '작성하다' (draft/write).
  • Known as '사업계획서' when referring specifically to the physical or digital document.

The term 사업계획 (sa-eop-gye-hoek) is a compound noun in Korean that serves as the cornerstone of professional and entrepreneurial endeavors. It is formed by combining 사업 (business, enterprise, or project) and 계획 (plan, scheme, or design). In its most fundamental sense, it refers to a formal, structured roadmap that outlines the goals of a business venture and the specific strategies required to achieve them. Unlike a casual idea or a vague intention, a 사업계획 implies a level of rigor, research, and systematic thinking that is necessary for securing investment, guiding internal management, or launching a new product line.

The Entrepreneurial Context
For startup founders in Korea, this word is synonymous with survival. When pitching to venture capitalists in Gangnam or applying for government-backed startup incubators, the quality of your 사업계획 determines your success. It covers market analysis, revenue models, and operational logistics.
The Corporate Context
In established Korean conglomerates (Chaebols), '사업계획' usually refers to the annual or quarterly planning cycle. Employees spend months drafting these documents to align with the 'Vision 2030' or other long-term corporate goals set by the board of directors.
The Strategic Nuance
It is important to distinguish this from a simple '일정' (schedule) or '의도' (intention). A business plan is a comprehensive architecture that includes financial projections, risk management, and competitive positioning.

철저한 사업계획 없이는 투자자를 설득하기 어렵습니다. (Without a thorough business plan, it is difficult to persuade investors.)

In Korean society, where precision and hierarchical approval are highly valued, the '사업계획' acts as the primary communication tool between layers of management. If you are working in a Korean office, you will likely hear the phrase '사업계획을 수립하다' (to establish a business plan) or '사업계획을 검토하다' (to review a business plan) dozens of times per week during the fourth quarter of the year. This is the period known as the 'planning season,' where the entire organization focuses on the roadmap for the upcoming year.

내년도 사업계획안을 이번 주말까지 제출해 주세요. (Please submit the draft for next year's business plan by this weekend.)

Furthermore, the term is frequently appended with '서' (document) to form 사업계획서, which refers specifically to the physical or digital document itself. Understanding this word is essential for anyone looking to navigate the Korean professional landscape, as it represents the transition from a mere idea to a actionable, professional reality. It embodies the values of preparation (준비), strategy (전략), and foresight (선견지명) that are highly regarded in Korean business ethics.

창업을 하려면 가장 먼저 사업계획을 구체화해야 합니다. (If you want to start a business, you must first concretize your business plan.)

Ultimately, '사업계획' is more than just a word; it is a process of validation. It is used when discussing the feasibility of a new cafe, the expansion of a tech giant into global markets, or the allocation of government research funds. It bridges the gap between ambition and execution.

Using 사업계획 correctly involves understanding its typical verb pairings and the grammatical markers that accompany it. Since it is a noun, it often functions as the object of a sentence, followed by verbs that describe the creation, modification, or execution of a plan. The most common verb is 수립하다 (to establish/set up), which sounds much more professional than the simple 만들다 (to make).

회사는 5개년 사업계획을 수립했습니다. (The company established a five-year business plan.)

Another frequent pairing is with 작성하다 (to write/draft). This is used specifically when referring to the act of putting the plan onto paper or into a file. If you are in the middle of the process, you might use 수정하다 (to revise) or 보완하다 (to supplement/improve).

Verb: 수립하다 (To Establish)
Used for high-level strategy and formal goal setting.
Example: '우리는 새로운 시장 진출을 위한 사업계획을 수립 중입니다.' (We are establishing a business plan for entering a new market.)
Verb: 추진하다 (To Push Forward/Execute)
Used when the plan is already made and you are now putting it into action.
Example: '승인된 사업계획에 따라 프로젝트를 추진하겠습니다.' (We will push forward the project according to the approved business plan.)
Verb: 발표하다 (To Present/Announce)
Used in meetings or public forums.
Example: '대표님께서 직접 내년 사업계획을 발표하셨습니다.' (The CEO personally announced next year's business plan.)

When describing the quality of a plan, adjectives like 철저한 (thorough), 치밀한 (meticulous), or 구체적인 (specific) are commonly used. Conversely, a plan that lacks substance might be described as 추상적인 (abstract) or 부실한 (shoddy/inadequate).

그의 사업계획은 매우 구체적이고 실현 가능성이 높습니다. (His business plan is very specific and has a high feasibility.)

In a passive sense, a plan can be 변경되다 (be changed) or 취소되다 (be canceled) due to external factors like market shifts or budget cuts. Using these terms correctly allows you to describe the entire lifecycle of a business initiative, from its inception to its final execution or eventual pivoting.

예산 부족으로 인해 기존의 사업계획이 전면 수정되었습니다. (The existing business plan was completely revised due to a lack of budget.)

Finally, remember that '사업계획' is almost always treated as a formal noun. While you might use '계획' for meeting a friend, using '사업계획' in a casual context would sound overly stiff and business-like, unless you are joking about 'planning' your personal life as if it were a corporation.

The word 사업계획 is ubiquitous in South Korea's professional and media landscape. You will encounter it most frequently in the following four environments: the office, the news, the startup ecosystem, and academic settings. Understanding these contexts helps you grasp the weight the word carries.

In the Corporate Office
Every November and December, Korean offices are filled with talk of the '연간 사업계획' (Annual Business Plan). You will hear managers asking, '사업계획서 다 썼어요?' (Have you finished writing the business plan?) or '올해 사업계획은 작년보다 더 공격적입니다' (This year's business plan is more aggressive than last year's).
On Business News (KBS, SBS, Bloomberg Korea)
News anchors often report on the future moves of major companies like Samsung or LG. They might say, '삼성전자가 반도체 분야의 대규모 투자 사업계획을 발표했습니다' (Samsung Electronics announced a large-scale investment business plan in the semiconductor sector).
In Startup Pitch Events (IR Sessions)
In the 'Teheran-ro' startup hub of Seoul, founders use this word when talking to investors. '저희 사업계획의 핵심은 사용자 경험의 혁신입니다' (The core of our business plan is the innovation of user experience).

정부는 중소기업을 위한 새로운 지원 사업계획을 검토 중입니다. (The government is reviewing a new support business plan for small and medium-sized enterprises.)

You will also hear this word in banks. When an individual or a company applies for a loan to start a business, the bank clerk will inevitably ask for a '사업계획서'. In this context, the word carries legal and financial weight; it is the basis upon which credit is extended. Similarly, in government offices, any public project—from building a new bridge to launching a cultural festival—is governed by a '사업계획'.

이번 분기 사업계획은 수익성 개선에 초점을 맞추고 있습니다. (This quarter's business plan focuses on improving profitability.)

Lastly, in university business courses, students are frequently tasked with creating a '가상 사업계획' (virtual/mock business plan). This is seen as the ultimate test of their understanding of marketing, finance, and management theory. Thus, from the classroom to the boardroom, '사업계획' is the language of progress and organization.

은행에서 대출을 받으려면 사업계획서가 필수적입니다. (A business plan is essential to get a loan from a bank.)

In summary, whenever there is a transition from 'thinking' to 'doing' in a commercial or public context, '사업계획' is the word that defines that transition. It is the formal declaration of intent in the Korean professional world.

While 사업계획 seems straightforward, English speakers and Korean learners often make specific errors in its usage. These mistakes usually stem from confusing it with similar words or applying it in the wrong social register.

Mistake 1: Confusing '계획' with '사업계획'
Many learners use the simple '계획' (plan) when they should use '사업계획'. While '계획' is correct for 'I have a plan to meet my mom,' it is too weak for 'I have a plan to open a restaurant.' In a professional context, using only '계획' can make you sound unprepared or amateurish.
Mistake 2: Confusing '사업' with '장사'
'사업' refers to a business or enterprise, often implying a larger scale or a formal entity. '장사' refers to 'doing business' in a more informal, street-level sense (like selling fruit or running a small stall). You would never say '장사계획' in a formal meeting; it sounds unrefined. Always use '사업계획'.
Mistake 3: Misusing the word '아이디어' (Idea)
Learners often say '사업계획' when they actually just have a '사업 아이디어' (business idea). A '사업계획' is the document and strategy that *proves* the idea works. Don't tell an investor you have a '사업계획' if you only have a 2-minute pitch and no numbers.

❌ Incorrect: 내일 친구랑 영화 볼 사업계획이 있어요. (I have a business plan to watch a movie with a friend tomorrow.)
✅ Correct: 내일 친구랑 영화 볼 계획이 있어요.

Another common mistake is grammatical: the incorrect use of particles. Because '사업계획' is a long noun, learners sometimes forget to attach the object marker '을/를' in formal writing. In a report, you should write '사업계획을 수립함' rather than just '사업계획 수립함', although the latter is common in bullet points.

❌ Incorrect:사업계획은 너무 재미있어요. (This business plan is very 'fun'.)
✅ Correct:사업계획은 매우 혁신적입니다. (This business plan is very innovative.)

In business, a plan isn't usually 'fun' (재미있다); it is 'innovative' (혁신적이다), 'feasible' (실현 가능하다), or 'profitable' (수익성이 있다). Using casual emotional adjectives to describe a '사업계획' is a stylistic mismatch that should be avoided in professional settings.

Depending on the specific context—whether you are talking about the document itself, the strategy behind it, or a specific type of project—there are several alternatives to 사업계획. Using the right one will make you sound more like a native speaker.

사업계획서 (Business Plan Document)
This is the most common variation. Use this when you are referring to the physical paper or PDF. '사업계획서를 제출했습니다' (I submitted the business plan document).
비즈니스 플랜 (Business Plan - Loanword)
In the modern startup scene (Silicon Valley style), many people use the English loanword written in Hangeul. It sounds a bit more 'trendy' or 'global' than the traditional '사업계획'.
운영 계획 (Operational Plan)
This is narrower. While a '사업계획' includes things like marketing and funding, an '운영 계획' focuses specifically on the day-to-day operations and management of the business.
기획안 (Proposal/Draft Plan)
This is used for smaller-scale projects or internal proposals. If you are suggesting a new marketing campaign, you might call it a '기획안' rather than a full '사업계획'.

내년도 운영 계획을 수립하는 중입니다. (We are in the middle of establishing next year's operational plan.)

When comparing '사업계획' and '전략' (strategy), remember that '전략' is the 'how' (the method), while '사업계획' is the 'what' and 'when' (the whole package). A business plan *contains* strategies. If you want to emphasize the high-level thinking, use 전략 기획 (strategic planning).

In government or non-profit sectors, you might see 시행계획 (implementation plan). This is used when a law or a policy has been passed and the organization is now planning exactly how to carry it out. For a learner, sticking to '사업계획' for all things business-related is safe, but recognizing these nuances will help in advanced reading and listening comprehension.

저희 팀은 현재 새로운 마케팅 전략을 짜고 있습니다. (Our team is currently drafting a new marketing strategy.)

Finally, if you are talking about your own personal career goals, you might use 생애 계획 (life plan) or 경력 계획 (career plan) instead. '사업계획' is strictly for the world of business and commerce.

Examples by Level

1

저는 사업계획이 있어요.

I have a business plan.

Uses the basic '이/가 있어요' (there is/I have) pattern.

2

사업계획은 중요해요.

The business plan is important.

Uses the topic marker '은/는' and the adjective '중요하다'.

3

이것은 사업계획이에요?

Is this a business plan?

A simple question using '이에요?'.

4

사업계획을 만들어요.

I make a business plan.

Uses the object marker '을' and the verb '만들다'.

5

제 사업계획은 좋아요.

My business plan is good.

Uses the possessive '제' (my) and '좋다' (to be good).

6

사업계획을 보세요.

Please look at the business plan.

Uses the polite imperative '-세요'.

7

사업계획이 필요해요.

I need a business plan.

Uses the pattern '이/가 필요하다' (to need).

8

그 사업계획은 짧아요.

That business plan is short.

Uses the demonstrative '그' (that) and '짧다' (to be short).

1

새로운 카페 사업계획을 세웠어요.

I set up a new cafe business plan.

Uses '세우다' (to set up) in the past tense.

2

사업계획을 친구와 같이 써요.

I am writing a business plan with a friend.

Uses '와/과 같이' (together with).

3

이 사업계획은 조금 어려워요.

This business plan is a bit difficult.

Uses the adverb '조금' (a bit).

4

사업계획을 읽어 보고 싶어요.

I want to try reading the business plan.

Uses the '-고 싶다' (want to) and '-어 보다' (try doing) patterns.

5

내일 사업계획을 발표할 거예요.

I will present the business plan tomorrow.

Uses the future tense '-(으)ㄹ 거예요'.

6

사업계획에 돈 이야기가 많아요.

There is a lot of talk about money in the business plan.

Uses the location marker '에' and '많다' (to be many).

7

사업계획을 다시 확인하세요.

Please check the business plan again.

Uses the adverb '다시' (again).

8

그는 멋진 사업계획을 가지고 있어요.

He has a cool business plan.

Uses the adjective '멋지다' (cool/wonderful).

1

투자자를 만나기 위해 사업계획서를 작성했습니다.

I drafted a business plan to meet investors.

Uses '-(기) 위해' (in order to) and the formal '작성하다'.

2

사업계획이 구체적이지 않으면 성공하기 힘들어요.

If the business plan isn't specific, it's hard to succeed.

Uses the conditional '-(으)면' and the negative '-지 않다'.

3

팀장님께 사업계획에 대해 질문했어요.

I asked the team leader a question about the business plan.

Uses '-에 대해' (about).

4

올해 사업계획은 작년과 많이 다릅니다.

This year's business plan is very different from last year's.

Uses the comparison '와/과 다르다' (different from).

5

사업계획을 수정하는 데 시간이 오래 걸렸어요.

It took a long time to revise the business plan.

Uses the '-(느)ㄴ 데' (in the act of) and '걸리다' (to take time).

6

우리는 새로운 사업계획을 추진하기로 결정했습니다.

We decided to push forward with a new business plan.

Uses '-기로 결정하다' (to decide to do).

7

사업계획을 꼼꼼히 검토해 주세요.

Please review the business plan meticulously.

Uses the adverb '꼼꼼히' (meticulously).

8

이 사업계획은 시장 조사가 잘 되어 있어요.

This business plan has good market research.

Uses the passive-like state '-어 있다'.

1

회사의 장기적인 비전을 담은 사업계획을 수립했습니다.

We established a business plan that contains the company's long-term vision.

Uses '담다' (to contain) as a modifier and '수립하다'.

2

급변하는 시장 상황에 맞춰 사업계획을 변경해야 합니다.

We must change the business plan in accordance with the rapidly changing market situation.

Uses '-에 맞춰' (in accordance with) and '-해야 하다' (must).

3

사업계획의 타당성을 검증하기 위해 전문가의 조언을 구했습니다.

We sought expert advice to verify the feasibility of the business plan.

Uses '타당성' (feasibility) and '구하다' (to seek).

4

이번 사업계획은 해외 시장 진출에 초점을 맞추고 있습니다.

This business plan focuses on entering overseas markets.

Uses '초점을 맞추다' (to focus/aim at).

5

철저한 사업계획 덕분에 무사히 투자를 유치할 수 있었습니다.

Thanks to a thorough business plan, we were able to attract investment safely.

Uses '덕분에' (thanks to) and '유치하다' (to attract/induce).

6

사업계획 단계에서 예상치 못한 문제들이 발견되었습니다.

Unexpected problems were discovered during the business planning stage.

Uses '단계' (stage) and the passive '발견되다'.

7

경쟁사의 사업계획을 분석하여 차별화된 전략을 세웠습니다.

We established a differentiated strategy by analyzing the competitor's business plan.

Uses '-하여' (by doing) and '차별화되다' (to be differentiated).

8

사업계획이 승인되면 즉시 프로젝트를 시작할 예정입니다.

Once the business plan is approved, we plan to start the project immediately.

Uses '-(으)ㄹ 예정이다' (to be scheduled to).

1

거시 경제의 불확실성을 고려하여 보수적인 사업계획을 수립했습니다.

We established a conservative business plan considering macroeconomic uncertainties.

Uses '거시 경제' (macroeconomy) and '보수적인' (conservative).

2

사업계획의 핵심 성과 지표(KPI)를 설정하는 것이 무엇보다 중요합니다.

Setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the business plan is more important than anything else.

Uses '무엇보다' (more than anything).

3

기존 사업계획의 허점을 보완하기 위해 전면적인 재검토가 필요합니다.

A full-scale review is necessary to compensate for the loopholes in the existing business plan.

Uses '허점' (loophole) and '전면적인' (full-scale).

4

이번 사업계획은 ESG 경영을 실천하기 위한 구체적인 방안을 포함하고 있습니다.

This business plan includes specific measures to practice ESG management.

Uses '방안' (measure/plan) and '포함하다' (to include).

5

사업계획의 실행력을 높이기 위해 부서 간의 긴밀한 협력이 요구됩니다.

Close cooperation between departments is required to increase the execution power of the business plan.

Uses '실행력' (execution power) and '요구되다' (to be required).

6

혁신적인 사업계획이 기업의 경쟁력을 좌우하는 시대가 되었습니다.

We have entered an era where innovative business plans determine a company's competitiveness.

Uses '좌우하다' (to influence/determine).

7

사업계획 수립 과정에서 이해관계자들의 의견을 적극적으로 수렴했습니다.

We actively collected the opinions of stakeholders during the business plan establishment process.

Uses '이해관계자' (stakeholder) and '수렴하다' (to collect/converge).

8

리스크 관리 전략이 결여된 사업계획은 사상누각에 불과합니다.

A business plan lacking a risk management strategy is nothing more than a house built on sand.

Uses the idiom '사상누각' (house of cards/sand) and '~에 불과하다' (nothing more than).

1

본 사업계획은 급변하는 글로벌 밸류체인 내에서의 선도적 지위 확보를 목적으로 합니다.

This business plan aims to secure a leading position within the rapidly changing global value chain.

Highly formal '본' (this) and '확보' (securing).

2

사업계획의 실효성을 제고하기 위해 다각적인 시뮬레이션을 실시하였습니다.

We conducted multifaceted simulations to enhance the effectiveness of the business plan.

Uses '실효성' (effectiveness) and '제고하다' (to enhance).

3

정부의 규제 변화가 향후 사업계획의 수익성에 미칠 영향을 면밀히 분석해야 합니다.

We must closely analyze the impact that changes in government regulations will have on the future profitability of the business plan.

Uses '미칠 영향' (impact to be exerted) and '면밀히' (closely).

4

사업계획의 유연성을 확보함으로써 시장의 변동성에 기민하게 대응하고자 합니다.

We intend to respond promptly to market volatility by securing the flexibility of the business plan.

Uses '기민하게' (promptly/nimbly) and '-(으)려 고자 하다' (intend to).

5

지속 가능한 성장을 도모하기 위해 사회적 가치 창출을 사업계획의 근간으로 삼았습니다.

To promote sustainable growth, we made social value creation the foundation of our business plan.

Uses '도모하다' (to promote/aim for) and '근간으로 삼다' (to make something the basis).

6

사업계획의 정합성을 검토한 결과, 자원 배분의 최적화가 시급한 것으로 나타났습니다.

As a result of reviewing the consistency of the business plan, it was found that optimization of resource allocation is urgent.

Uses '정합성' (consistency/coherence) and '시급하다' (to be urgent).

7

본 사업계획은 기술적 우위를 바탕으로 시장 점유율을 획기적으로 확대하는 데 주력하고 있습니다.

This business plan focuses on dramatically expanding market share based on technological superiority.

Uses '획기적으로' (dramatically/epoch-makingly) and '주력하다' (to focus effort on).

8

사업계획의 성패는 결국 조직 구성원들의 자발적인 참여와 공감대 형성에 달려 있습니다.

The success or failure of the business plan ultimately depends on the voluntary participation and formation of consensus among organization members.

Uses '성패' (success or failure) and '~에 달려 있다' (depends on).

Common Collocations

사업계획을 수립하다
사업계획서를 작성하다
사업계획을 검토하다
사업계획을 승인하다
사업계획을 발표하다
사업계획을 수정하다
사업계획이 구체적이다
사업계획의 타당성
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