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A2 noun #3,000 most common 9 min read

출장

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 출장 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 출장 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize '출장' as a basic word for work travel. You don't need to know complex grammar, just that it means 'business trip.' Focus on the simple phrase '출장 가요' (I go on a business trip). Think of it as the opposite of '여행' (vacation). At this stage, you might see it in simple dialogues about where someone is. If you ask 'Where is Minjun?' and someone says '출장 갔어요,' you should understand he is away for work. Learning the Hanja root 'Chul' (to go out) can also help you identify other words like '출구' (exit). Keep your sentences short and focus on the destination using '에' or '으로.'

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '출장' in sentences with various tenses and basic particles. You should know the difference between '출장을 가다' (to go), '출장 중이다' (to be in the middle of), and '출장에서 돌아오다' (to return from). You can start describing the trip using simple adjectives like '긴 출장' (long trip) or '짧은 출장' (short trip). You should also be aware of the noun-modifying form, such as '출장 가는 사람' (the person going on a business trip). Understanding the concept of 'domestic' (국내) versus 'overseas' (해외) business trips is also useful at this level. You might use it to explain why you can't meet a friend: '내일 출장이 있어서 못 만나요' (I can't meet you because I have a business trip tomorrow).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '출장' in more complex professional contexts. You should know common collocations like '출장비' (trip expenses), '출장 보고서' (trip report), and '출장 준비' (trip preparation). You can discuss the reasons for the trip using intermediate grammar like '-기 위해' (in order to) or '-(으)러' (to go for the purpose of). For example: '바이어를 만나러 출장을 갑니다' (I am going on a business trip to meet a buyer). You should also understand the nuance of '다녀오다' versus just '가다' when talking about the completed journey. At this level, you can also start using the word in the context of services, like '출장 수리' (on-site repair).

At the B2 level, you can use '출장' to discuss corporate culture and more abstract concepts. You should be able to talk about the frequency of trips and their impact on work-life balance using advanced connectors like '-음에도 불구하고' (despite) or '-기 마련이다' (it is bound to). You can understand and use more formal terms like '출장 업무' (business trip duties) or '출장 일정' (trip itinerary). You should be able to handle situations where you need to negotiate or explain trip details, such as '출장 일정을 조정해야 할 것 같습니다' (I think we need to adjust the trip schedule). Your understanding of the cultural expectations, such as bringing gifts back for the team, should be reflected in your speaking and writing.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '출장' in academic and high-level professional discourse. You can analyze the economic implications of business travel or discuss company policies regarding '출장 규정' (business trip regulations). You should be able to use the word in sophisticated sentence structures, incorporating passive forms or causative structures if necessary. You can also distinguish between '출장' and highly specific terms like '파견' (dispatch) or '외근' (field work) in formal reports. You might use '출장' in a metaphorical sense or within complex idioms. Your ability to write a formal '출장 결과 보고서' with appropriate honorifics and professional vocabulary is expected at this stage.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '출장.' You can discuss the historical evolution of the word from its Hanja roots to its modern application in the gig economy. You can participate in debates about the future of '출장' in the age of remote work and video conferencing. You understand the subtle emotional connotations the word might carry in literature or film—symbolizing isolation, professional ambition, or a break from domestic life. You can use '출장' fluently in any register, from extremely formal government documents to casual slang or workplace jargon. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, incorporating it into complex rhetorical strategies.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

출장 in 30 Seconds

출장 (Chul-jang) specifically refers to professional travel or a business trip, distinguishing it from leisure travel (여행).
It is commonly used with verbs like 가다 (to go), 오다 (to come), and 다녀오다 (to go and return).
The word is essential in Korean corporate culture, often requiring formal reports and preparation.
Beyond offices, it describes mobile services like on-site repairs (출장 수리) or catering (출장 요리).

The Korean word 출장 (Chul-jang) is a fundamental noun in the Korean professional lexicon, primarily translated as a 'business trip.' While the English term covers a broad range of professional travel, the Korean concept of 출장 is deeply rooted in the Confucian-influenced corporate hierarchy and the 'palli-palli' (hurry-hurry) culture of South Korea. It refers to any instance where an employee leaves their primary place of work to perform duties at another location, whether that be a different city, a different country, or even just a different branch within the same metropolitan area. Understanding 출장 is not just about learning a word; it is about understanding the expectations of Korean work life, where a business trip is often seen as a significant responsibility that requires meticulous preparation and formal reporting.

Professional Context: In a formal setting, 출장 is used to describe official travel sanctioned by a company. It implies that the individual is representing their organization. For example, if a manager travels from Seoul to Busan to meet a client, that is a '국내 출장' (domestic business trip).

내일은 부산으로 출장을 가야 합니다. (I have to go on a business trip to Busan tomorrow.)

The term is composed of two Hanja characters: Chul (出), meaning to go out, and Jang (場), meaning a place or field. Literally, it means 'going out to the field.' This nuance is important because it distinguishes it from a leisure trip (여행). In Korea, saying you are 'on a trip' (여행 중) suggests vacation, while saying you are 'on a business trip' (출장 중) commands respect and acknowledges your professional burden. It is common to hear colleagues say '출장 잘 다녀오세요' (Have a good business trip) as a standard polite farewell.

Duration and Distance: A 출장 can last for a single day (당일 출장) or extend for months (장기 출장). The distance does not define the word; the purpose does. Even a two-hour trip to a neighboring city for a meeting is technically a business trip if it involves official travel procedures.

이번 출장은 일주일 동안 진행될 예정입니다. (This business trip is scheduled to last for one week.)

In modern usage, the word has expanded slightly to include service-based industries. For instance, '출장 요리' (on-site cooking/catering) or '출장 수리' (on-site repair) uses the term to indicate that the professional is coming to the client's location. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word for anyone interacting with Korean services or corporate environments. Whether you are an office worker, a freelancer, or a technician, the concept of 'leaving your base to work elsewhere' is encapsulated in this single, powerful noun.

Using 출장 correctly requires understanding its most common verb pairings. The most basic and frequent combination is 출장을 가다 (to go on a business trip). This is the standard way to express that you are departing for work-related travel. However, the grammar changes slightly depending on the focus of the sentence. If you are currently away, you use the '중' (middle/during) particle: 출장 중이다 (to be on a business trip currently).

Verb Pairings: Common verbs used with 출장 include 가다 (to go), 오다 (to come), 보내다 (to send), and 다녀오다 (to go and come back). Using '다녀오다' is particularly common because it encompasses the entire journey from departure to return.

부장님은 지금 일본으로 출장 중이십니다. (The manager is currently on a business trip to Japan.)

When talking about the destination, use the particles '에' or '으로' (to/towards). For example, '미국으로 출장을 가다' means 'to go on a business trip to America.' If you want to specify the purpose, you can use '때문에' (because of) or '차' (for the purpose of), though '차' is more formal. For example, '업무 차 출장을 가다' means 'to go on a business trip for work purposes.'

Describing the Trip: Adjectives like '잦은' (frequent), '긴' (long), or '갑작스러운' (sudden) are often used to describe the nature of the trip. '잦은 출장' (frequent business trips) is a common complaint among office workers.

그는 출장이 잦아서 가족과 보낼 시간이 적습니다. (He has frequent business trips, so he has little time to spend with his family.)

Finally, consider the result of the trip. After returning, one must write a '출장 보고서' (business trip report). This is a vital part of the process in Korean companies. You might say, '출장 보고서를 작성해야 해요' (I have to write a business trip report). By mastering these sentence patterns, you can navigate professional conversations about travel with ease and accuracy.

The word 출장 is ubiquitous in any Korean environment involving work, commerce, or government. You will hear it most frequently in office settings, during morning meetings, or when inquiring about a colleague's whereabouts. If you call an office and the person you are looking for is not there, the receptionist will likely say, '출장 가셨습니다' (They have gone on a business trip). This is the standard explanation for a professional absence.

In the Media: In Korean dramas (K-Dramas), '출장' is a common plot device. It is often used to create temporary distance between characters or to set a scene in a romantic, unfamiliar location like Jeju Island or an overseas city like Paris or New York.

드라마에서 주인공이 해외 출장을 가는 장면이 자주 나옵니다. (Scenes where the main character goes on an overseas business trip often appear in dramas.)

In public spaces like airports (공항) or train stations (기차역), you will see people dressed in suits carrying laptops and small carry-on bags. These are the '출장객' (business travelers). You might hear announcements regarding corporate travel or see signs for '출장 지원 서비스' (business trip support services). On news broadcasts, you will hear about high-ranking officials or the President going on an '해외 출장' to discuss international relations or trade deals.

Service Industry: You will also see '출장' on the sides of vans and in advertisements for home services. '출장 세차' (mobile car wash), '출장 부페' (mobile buffet/catering), and '출장 열쇠' (mobile locksmith) are all common sights in Korean neighborhoods.

컴퓨터가 고장 나서 출장 수리를 불렀어요. (The computer broke, so I called for an on-site repair service.)

Whether you are navigating the corporate ladders of Gangnam or just trying to get your sink fixed in a residential area, the word '출장' will be your guide to understanding how services and professional duties move across the physical landscape of Korea. It is a word that bridges the gap between the office and the outside world.

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using 출장 is confusing it with the general word for travel, 여행 (yeo-haeng). While in English you might say 'I'm traveling for work,' in Korean, you should almost always use '출장' to specify the professional nature. Using '여행' for a business trip can make it sound like you are going on a vacation, which might lead to misunderstandings with your boss or colleagues.

Confusing 출장 with 여행: Mistake: '회사 업무로 여행을 가요.' (I'm going on a travel for company business.) Correct: '회사 업무로 출장을 가요.' (I'm going on a business trip for company business.)

비즈니스 여행 (Business Travel) 이라는 말보다 출장이라는 단어가 훨씬 자연스럽습니다. (The word 'Chul-jang' is much more natural than 'Business Travel.')

Another common error is with the verb particles. Some learners try to use '하다' (to do) with 출장 because many Korean nouns become verbs with '하다.' However, '출장하다' is quite formal and less common than the phrase '출장을 가다.' In daily conversation, '출장 가다' is the preferred form. Using '출장하다' in a casual chat might make you sound like a textbook from the 1980s.

Misusing 외근 (Oegun): Learners often confuse '출장' with '외근' (out-of-office work). '외근' usually refers to short trips within the same day that don't involve significant travel or staying overnight. If you are just going to a meeting across town and coming back to the office, it's '외근.' If you are going to another city, it's '출장.'

오전에는 외근을 하고 오후에는 사무실로 복귀합니다. (I work outside the office in the morning and return to the office in the afternoon.)

Finally, be careful with the honorifics. When talking about a superior going on a business trip, always use the honorific suffix '-시-'. Instead of '사장님이 출장 갔어요,' say '사장님이 출장 가셨어요.' This small detail shows your respect for the hierarchy, which is crucial in any Korean professional environment.

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding professional travel, it is helpful to compare 출장 with its synonyms and related terms. While 출장 is the general term for a business trip, other words offer more specific nuances depending on the context of the travel and the type of work being performed.

출장 (Chul-jang) vs. 외근 (Oegun): As mentioned before, '출장' usually implies longer distances or overnight stays, whereas '외근' refers to working outside the office for a short period, typically within the same city. If you are a salesperson visiting several clients in Seoul during the day, you are doing '외근.'

외근은 보통 하루 안에 끝나는 외부 업무를 말합니다. (Oegun usually refers to outside work that finishes within a day.)

Another related term is 파견 (pagyeon), which means 'dispatch' or 'secondment.' While a business trip (출장) is usually temporary and short-term, a '파견' involves being sent to work at a different location or company for a much longer period, often months or years. If your company sends you to their London office for two years, that is a '해외 파견' (overseas dispatch), not just a '출장.'

답사 (Dapsa): '답사' means a field trip or an exploration for research purposes. It is often used by students, historians, or planners who go to a site to study it. While it is 'work-related' travel, it has a more investigative or educational tone than the commercial '출장.'

역사 동아리 학생들이 유적지로 답사를 떠났습니다. (The history club students left for a field trip to the historical site.)

Finally, consider 순회 (sunhoe), which means a 'tour' or 'round.' This is used for professionals who travel to multiple locations in a sequence, such as a '순회 강연' (lecture tour) or a '순회 진료' (traveling medical service). Unlike a standard '출장,' which is often point-to-point, '순회' implies a circuit. By understanding these distinctions, you can choose the most precise word for any professional travel scenario.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, this word referred to officials leaving the capital to inspect provinces. Today, it's the standard word for modern salarymen catching a flight.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕʰul.dʑaŋ/

US /tʃul.dʒɑŋ/

The stress is balanced, but the second syllable '장' often sounds slightly longer in natural speech.

Rhymes With

공장 (Gong-jang - Factory) 시장 (Si-jang - Market) 극장 (Geuk-jang - Theater) 입장 (Ip-jang - Entrance/Position) 도장 (Do-jang - Stamp) 매장 (Mae-jang - Shop) 현장 (Hyeon-jang - Site) 광장 (Gwang-jang - Square)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ch' as 'j' (Jul-jang instead of Chul-jang).
Making the 'l' sound too heavy like an English 'L'.
Ignoring the aspiration on the first consonant.
Pronouncing 'jang' like 'jang-le' (with a hard G).
Confusing the vowel 'u' (ㅜ) with 'eo' (ㅓ).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to common Hanja '출'.

Writing 3/5

Spelling is straightforward but requires correct particles.

Speaking 3/5

Distinguishing the 'ch' and 'j' sounds can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Very common in office and drama contexts, easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

회사 (company) 가다 (to go) 일 (work) 여행 (travel) 돈 (money)

Learn Next

보고서 (report) 회의 (meeting) 예약 (reservation) 비행기 (airplane) 영수증 (receipt)

Advanced

파견 (dispatch) 외근 (out-of-office) 수당 (allowance) 정산 (settlement) 여비 (travel expenses)

Grammar to Know

~ 중이다 (In the middle of)

회의 중입니다. / 출장 중입니다.

~(으)로 (Direction)

미국으로 갑니다. / 부산으로 출장 가요.

~ 때문에 (Because of)

일 때문에 바빠요. / 출장 때문에 못 가요.

~ 다녀오다 (Go and come back)

마트에 다녀올게요. / 출장 잘 다녀오세요.

Honorific ~시~

가세요. / 가셨어요. / 출장 가셨어요.

Examples by Level

저는 내일 출장 가요.

I am going on a business trip tomorrow.

Uses simple present tense for future intent.

민수 씨는 출장 중이에요.

Minsu is on a business trip.

Uses '-중이다' to indicate current action.

미국 출장은 재미있어요?

Is the American business trip fun?

Simple question with subject marker.

오늘 아빠는 출장 갔어요.

Dad went on a business trip today.

Past tense '갔어요'.

출장 잘 다녀오세요!

Have a good business trip!

Polite imperative/well-wish.

어디로 출장 가요?

Where are you going for your business trip?

Question word '어디' with direction particle '로'.

중국 출장이에요.

It is a business trip to China.

Noun + '이에요' (to be).

출장 가방이 작아요.

The business trip bag is small.

Noun compounding '출장' + '가방'.

부산으로 2박 3일 출장을 가요.

I'm going on a 3-day, 2-night business trip to Busan.

Duration '2박 3일' usage.

출장 때문에 회의에 못 가요.

I can't go to the meeting because of a business trip.

Reasoning particle '때문에'.

어제 출장에서 돌아왔어요.

I came back from the business trip yesterday.

Source particle '에서' with '돌아오다'.

이번 출장은 혼자 가요.

I am going on this business trip alone.

Adverb '혼자' (alone).

출장 가서 맛있는 거 먹었어요?

Did you eat something delicious on your business trip?

Sequential connective '-가서'.

다음 주에 제주도 출장이 있어요.

I have a business trip to Jeju Island next week.

Existence verb '있어요'.

출장 준비를 다 했어요?

Have you finished all the business trip preparations?

Object '준비' (preparation).

사장님은 지금 해외 출장 중이십니다.

The CEO is currently on an overseas business trip.

Honorific '-이십니다'.

출장비를 미리 신청해야 합니다.

You must apply for business trip expenses in advance.

Necessity '-해야 합니다'.

출장 가서 찍은 사진을 보여주세요.

Please show me the photos you took on your business trip.

Noun-modifying past tense '-ㄴ'.

잦은 출장으로 몸이 피곤해요.

I am tired due to frequent business trips.

Adjective '잦은' (frequent).

출장 보고서를 내일까지 제출하세요.

Please submit the business trip report by tomorrow.

Command form '-하세요'.

이번 출장은 일정이 아주 빡빡해요.

The schedule for this business trip is very tight.

Slang/Expression '빡빡하다' (tight/busy).

컴퓨터 수리를 위해 출장 서비스를 불렀어요.

I called for an on-site service to repair the computer.

Purpose '-을 위해'.

출장 기간 동안 연락이 안 될 수 있어요.

I might be out of touch during the business trip period.

Possibility '-을 수 있다'.

그분은 출장 업무로 바쁘신 것 같아요.

I think that person is busy with business trip duties.

Conjecture '-ㄴ 것 같다'.

출장 일정이 변경되었으니 확인 바랍니다.

The business trip schedule has changed, so please check.

Passive '변경되다' and formal '바랍니다'.

출장지에서 예상치 못한 문제가 발생했습니다.

An unexpected problem occurred at the business trip destination.

Formal past tense '-했습니다'.

이번 출장은 회사의 운명이 걸린 중요한 일입니다.

This business trip is a crucial matter on which the company's fate depends.

Metaphorical '운명이 걸린'.

출장 가기 전에 모든 서류를 검토해 보세요.

Try reviewing all documents before going on the business trip.

Temporal '-기 전에' and attempt '-어 보다'.

그는 1년의 절반을 출장으로 보냅니다.

He spends half of the year on business trips.

Quantifier '절반' (half).

출장 중에도 실시간으로 업무 보고를 해야 합니다.

Even while on a business trip, you must report work in real-time.

Inclusivity '-도' with '-중'.

출장 규정이 강화되어 영수증을 꼭 챙겨야 해요.

Business trip regulations have been strengthened, so you must keep your receipts.

Causality '-어/아/여서'.

해외 출장 시 비자 발급 여부를 미리 확인하세요.

Check whether a visa is issued in advance when going on an overseas business trip.

Conditional '시' (when/at the time of).

출장은 단순한 여행이 아니라 업무의 연장선입니다.

A business trip is not just travel; it is an extension of work.

Negative 'A가 아니라 B' structure.

이번 출장의 목적은 시장 조사 및 파트너십 체결입니다.

The purpose of this business trip is market research and concluding a partnership.

Formal conjunction '및' (and).

빈번한 출장은 직원의 직무 만족도를 저하시킬 수 있습니다.

Frequent business trips can lower employee job satisfaction.

Causative '저하시키다' (to lower).

출장지에서의 네트워킹은 향후 사업 확장에 큰 도움이 됩니다.

Networking at the business trip destination is a great help for future business expansion.

Future-oriented '향후' (hereafter).

그녀는 출장 중에 얻은 영감을 바탕으로 신제품을 기획했습니다.

She planned a new product based on the inspiration she gained during her business trip.

Basis '-을 바탕으로'.

정부는 중소기업의 해외 출장 경비를 지원하기로 했습니다.

The government has decided to support the overseas business trip expenses of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Decision '-기로 하다'.

비대면 회의의 활성화로 인해 출장의 필요성이 논의되고 있습니다.

Due to the activation of non-face-to-face meetings, the necessity of business trips is being discussed.

Passive '-고 있다' with '논의되다'.

출장 보고서의 누락은 인사 고과에 부정적인 영향을 미칠 수 있습니다.

Omission of a business trip report can have a negative impact on performance appraisals.

Impact expression '영향을 미치다'.

출장이라는 명목 하에 이루어지는 부당한 지시를 경계해야 합니다.

One must be wary of unfair instructions carried out under the guise of a business trip.

Abstract '명목 하에' (under the name/guise of).

현대 사회에서 출장은 물리적 거리를 극복하기 위한 전략적 선택입니다.

In modern society, business trips are a strategic choice to overcome physical distance.

Strategic '전략적' usage.

출장의 빈도와 기업의 수익성 사이의 상관관계를 분석한 논문입니다.

This is a thesis analyzing the correlation between the frequency of business trips and corporate profitability.

Correlation '상관관계'.

디지털 노마드 시대에 접어들며 전통적인 출장의 개념이 해체되고 있습니다.

As we enter the era of digital nomads, the traditional concept of business trips is being dismantled.

Deconstruction '해체되다'.

출장지에서의 문화적 충돌을 최소화하기 위한 사전 교육이 필수적입니다.

Prior education to minimize cultural clashes at the business trip destination is essential.

Minimization '최소화'.

그의 소설에서 출장은 일상으로부터의 도피이자 자아를 발견하는 여정으로 묘사됩니다.

In his novel, a business trip is depicted as an escape from daily life and a journey to discover oneself.

Dual role '이자' (both A and B).

기업은 출장 효율성을 극대화하기 위해 스마트 워크 시스템을 도입하고 있습니다.

Companies are introducing smart work systems to maximize business trip efficiency.

Maximization '극대화'.

출장 중 발생한 사고에 대한 산재 보험 적용 범위를 두고 논란이 일고 있습니다.

Controversy is arising over the scope of industrial accident insurance coverage for accidents occurring during business trips.

Controversy '논란이 일다'.

Common Collocations

출장을 가다

출장 중이다

출장 보고서

해외 출장

출장비

출장 서비스

장기 출장

출장지

출장 일정

출장을 보내다

Common Phrases

출장 잘 다녀오세요

— A polite way to say 'Have a good business trip' to someone leaving.

짐 다 챙기셨죠? 출장 잘 다녀오세요!

출장 간 김에

— While being on a business trip (implying doing something extra).

출장 간 김에 맛집도 좀 들러보세요.

당일 출장

— A business trip that is completed within a single day.

대구로 당일 출장을 다녀와서 피곤해요.

출장 요리사

— A private chef who comes to your location to cook.

홈 파티를 위해 출장 요리사를 불렀어요.

출장 세차

— A mobile car wash service that comes to your home or office.

주차장에서 출장 세차를 받았어요.

출장 금지

— A ban or restriction on business trips (often due to policy or pandemic).

감염병 확산으로 전 직원 출장 금지령이 내려졌어요.

출장 업무

— The specific tasks or duties to be performed during a business trip.

출장 업무가 생각보다 빨리 끝났어요.

출장 복귀

— Returning to the office after a business trip.

출장 복귀 후 첫 회의입니다.

출장 수당

— Extra pay or allowance given for going on a business trip.

우리 회사는 출장 수당이 꽤 높아요.

출장 가방

— A bag specifically used for business travel.

출장 가방을 새로 하나 샀어요.

Often Confused With

출장 vs 여행

Leisure travel vs. professional travel. Never use '여행' for a business trip in a formal setting.

출장 vs 외근

Short local work trips vs. longer distance/overnight business trips.

출장 vs 파견

Temporary trip vs. long-term relocation or secondment.

Idioms & Expressions

"출장 가는 날이 장날"

— Used when something unexpected happens on the day of a trip (derived from the proverb '가는 날이 장날').

출장 가려는데 비가 오니 출장 가는 날이 장날이네요.

Casual

"출장으로 몸을 때우다"

— To handle a situation by physically going there yourself instead of other means.

예산이 없어서 직접 출장으로 몸을 때워야 해요.

Slangy/Colloquial

"출장 인생"

— A life defined by constant business travel.

집보다 호텔이 편한 출장 인생입니다.

Casual

"출장 보고서는 소설이다"

— A cynical joke implying trip reports are often exaggerated or fabricated.

내 출장 보고서는 거의 소설 수준이야.

Slangy/Workplace

"출장 가방을 싸다"

— Literally to pack, but can idiomatically mean preparing for a major task.

이제 큰 프로젝트를 위해 출장 가방을 싸야 할 때입니다.

Neutral

"출장 길에 오르다"

— A poetic or formal way to say 'to set out on a business trip.'

그는 무거운 마음으로 출장 길에 올랐다.

Literary

"출장 서비스의 달인"

— Someone exceptionally good at providing mobile/on-site services.

그분은 출장 서비스의 달인으로 통합니다.

Casual

"출장비를 축내다"

— To waste or use up business trip funds unnecessarily.

불필요한 지출로 출장비를 축내면 안 됩니다.

Negative/Casual

"출장으로 얼굴을 알리다"

— To build a reputation by frequently visiting clients or branches.

그는 잦은 출장으로 전국에 얼굴을 알렸어요.

Neutral

"출장 끝에 낙이 온다"

— A play on '고진감래,' implying a reward comes after a hard business trip.

힘든 출장 끝에 낙이 온다고, 이번에 승진했어요.

Casual

Easily Confused

출장 vs 귀국

Both involve travel.

Returning to one's home country, whereas '출장 복귀' is returning to the office.

해외 출장을 마치고 내일 귀국합니다.

출장 vs 관광

Both involve visiting places.

Sightseeing vs. working. Using '관광' on a business trip implies laziness.

출장 중에 짬을 내서 관광을 했어요.

출장 vs 이동

Both involve moving.

General movement/transfer vs. a specific business trip mission.

다음 출장지로 이동 중입니다.

출장 vs 연수

Both are work-related travel.

Training/study trip vs. active business tasks.

그는 지금 해외 연수 중이라 출장을 못 가요.

출장 vs 산책

Sounds vaguely similar to some learners.

Walking/strolling for leisure vs. a professional trip.

출장지 호텔 근처에서 산책을 했어요.

Sentence Patterns

[Place]에 출장 가요.

서울에 출장 가요.

[Time] 동안 출장 가요.

3일 동안 출장 가요.

[Reason] 때문에 출장 중이에요.

업무 때문에 출장 중이에요.

출장 가서 [Action] 했어요.

출장 가서 회의 했어요.

출장 일정이 [Adjective].

출장 일정이 연기되었어요.

출장을 통해 [Result].

출장을 통해 계약을 성사시켰어요.

출장 시 [Instruction].

출장 시 영수증을 지참하세요.

출장의 [Abstract Noun].

출장의 당위성을 설명해 보세요.

Word Family

Nouns

출장비 (expenses)

출장지 (destination)

출장객 (traveler)

출장소 (branch office)

Verbs

출장하다 (to go on a business trip - formal)

출장 보내다 (to send someone)

Adjectives

출장 중인 (currently on a trip)

여행 (travel)

업무 (work)

보고서 (report)

숙박 (accommodation)

여비 (travel costs)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in business and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

회사 업무로 여행 가요. → 회사 업무로 출장 가요.
'여행' sounds like a vacation. Use '출장' for work travel.
출장을 해요. → 출장을 가요.
While '출장하다' is a word, '출장을 가다' is the natural idiomatic expression.
사장님이 출장 갔어요. → 사장님이 출장 가셨어요.
Always use honorifics (-시-) for superiors when they go on a trip.
출장비가 비싸요. → 출장비가 많이 들어요.
Expenses aren't 'expensive'; they 'cost a lot'.
서울로 외근을 일주일 가요. → 서울로 출장을 일주일 가요.
If it's a week-long trip to another city, it's '출장', not '외근'.

Tips

Particle Choice

Always use '으로' or '에' for the destination. Example: '제주도로 출장 가요.'

The Gift Rule

If you go on a long trip, bringing back a small regional snack (기념품) is a great way to build rapport.

Report Promptly

Submit your '출장 보고서' within 2-3 days of returning to show efficiency.

Hanja Power

Remember '출' (out) and '장' (place). This helps you learn hundreds of other words.

Aspirate the 'Ch'

Make sure to blow a little air when saying 'Chul'. It shouldn't sound like 'Jul'.

Greeting

When a boss returns, say '출장 잘 다녀오셨습니까?' (Did you have a good business trip?).

Receipts

Always keep every single receipt for '출장비' 정산 (settlement).

Trip vs. Work

Don't say '비즈니스 여행'. Say '출장'. It sounds much more native.

Home Services

If you need a locksmith to come to you, look for '출장 열쇠'.

Jung (중)

Adding '중' is the easiest way to explain your current busy status.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'CHUL' as 'CHoo-CHoo train' going out, and 'JANG' as the 'Job' location. You take the train to your job location.

Visual Association

Imagine a businessperson (Jang) walking out of a door (Chul) with a suitcase.

Word Web

Office Suitcase Airplane Report Meeting Hotel Expenses Client

Challenge

Try to say '내일 출장 가요' five times fast without mixing up the 'ch' and 'j' sounds.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja) roots: 出 (Chul) + 場 (Jang).

Original meaning: 出 means 'to go out' or 'exit,' and 場 means 'place,' 'field,' or 'site.' Together, it means 'going out to the field.'

Sino-Korean (Chinese character-based Korean vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Avoid complaining too much about a business trip in front of superiors, as it may look like you are avoiding responsibility.

In the West, business trips are often seen as a perk or a neutral duty. In Korea, they are often viewed as high-pressure missions where you represent your entire department's reputation.

The K-Drama 'Misaeng' features many realistic scenes about the stress of business trips. The movie 'Office' uses a business trip as a plot point for mystery. Popular variety show 'The Game Caterer' (출장 십오야) uses the word '출장' to mean they go to different companies to play games.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

In the Office

출장 일정 확인해 주세요.
출장 보고서 다 썼어요?
누가 출장 가요?
출장비 신청했어요?

At the Airport

출장 때문에 왔어요.
출장 가방이 무거워요.
해외 출장이에요.
비즈니스 티켓이에요.

With Friends

나 내일부터 출장이야.
출장 가서 뭐 사올까?
출장 너무 힘들다.
출장지에서 연락할게.

Customer Service

출장 수리 가능한가요?
출장비가 얼마예요?
방문 출장 부탁드려요.
출장 요리 예약할게요.

On the Phone

지금 출장 중입니다.
출장 가서 부재중이에요.
출장 복귀하면 전화할게요.
급한 건은 출장지로 연락하세요.

Conversation Starters

"이번 출장은 어디로 가세요? (Where are you going for this business trip?)"

"출장 준비는 잘 되어가나요? (Is the business trip preparation going well?)"

"출장 가서 맛있는 거 많이 드셨어요? (Did you eat a lot of delicious food on your business trip?)"

"해외 출장 자주 다니시는 편인가요? (Do you go on overseas business trips often?)"

"출장 보고서 작성하는 거 너무 귀찮지 않아요? (Isn't writing business trip reports so annoying?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 가고 싶은 꿈의 출장지는 어디인가요? (Where is your dream business trip destination?)

출장을 갈 때 꼭 챙겨야 하는 물건 세 가지는 무엇인가요? (What are three things you must pack for a business trip?)

출장의 장점과 단점에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the pros and cons of business trips.)

지난 출장에서 겪은 가장 기억에 남는 일은 무엇인가요? (What was the most memorable thing from your last business trip?)

만약 출장 요리사가 된다면 어떤 음식을 만들고 싶나요? (If you became a traveling chef, what food would you want to make?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for a school trip, you should use '수학여행' (educational trip) or '현장 학습' (field learning).

No, anyone traveling for work purposes, including technicians, doctors, or government officials, uses '출장'.

'출장 가다' focuses on the act of leaving, while '출장 다녀오다' emphasizes the entire round trip (going and returning).

You can say '현재 출장 중입니다' or '출장 관계로 답변이 늦을 수 있습니다' (Due to a business trip, a reply may be delayed).

If the meeting is in the same city, '외근' is more common. If it's in another city, '출장' is used.

It is the money provided by the company to cover transportation, food, and lodging during a business trip.

Yes, '출장하다' exists, but it is very formal. '출장 가다' is much more common.

It's a small branch office or a local office set up temporarily or for specific regional tasks.

Not really a direct slang word, but office workers might jokingly call it '합법적 외출' (legal outing).

It's not legally required, but it's a very common cultural practice in Korea to bring small local snacks for your team.