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B1 verb #3,000 most common 7 min read

취업하다

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 취업하다 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 취업하다 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use '취업하다' often, but you might hear it. Think of it as a big version of 'get a job.' For beginners, it is easier to think about '일' (work). When you are A1, you might say '회사에 가요' (I go to the company) or '일을 해요' (I do work). However, learning '취업하다' early helps you understand when people talk about their dreams. If someone asks 'What is your dream?', you can say '좋은 회사에 취업하고 싶어요' (I want to get a job at a good company). At this level, just remember that '취업' means 'job' and '하다' means 'to do/get.' It is a formal word. You use it for big companies, not for small part-time jobs like working at a cafe. If you work at a cafe, you say '알바해요.' If you work at an office, you can say '취업했어요.' It is a very happy word because it means you finished your studies and started your career. Try to remember it as 'Job Success.'
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At the A2 level, you can start using '취업하다' in simple sentences about your life or your friends. You should know that it is a verb that describes the action of getting hired. You will often use it in the past tense: '취업했어요' (I got a job). You can also use it with the particle '에' to say where you got the job. For example, '저는 병원에 취업했어요' (I got a job at a hospital). At this level, you should be able to distinguish between '일하다' (working) and '취업하다' (getting the job). If you are talking about your daily routine, use '일하다.' If you are talking about the big news that you found a job, use '취업하다.' You might also see this word in textbooks when talking about '미래 계획' (future plans). You can say '대학교를 졸업하고 취업할 거예요' (I will get a job after graduating from university). It's a key word for talking about adulthood and responsibilities in Korean culture.
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At the B1 level, you should use '취업하다' fluently to discuss career paths, the job market, and personal achievements. You should understand that '취업' is a noun that can be combined with other verbs, like '취업을 준비하다' (to prepare for employment). This is the level where you start using more complex grammar with this word. For example, '취업하기 위해서' (in order to get a job) or '취업한 후에' (after getting a job). You should also be aware of the social context in Korea, where '취업' is a major topic of conversation. You can use it to talk about the '취업난' (employment crisis) or '취업 박람회' (job fairs). At B1, you are expected to know that '취업하다' is more formal than '직장을 구하다.' You should also be able to use it with different types of employment, such as '해외 취업' (overseas employment) or '정규직 취업' (full-time employment). This word is essential for any conversation about professional life or social issues in Korea.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '취업하다' and its related vocabulary. You can use it to discuss economic trends, such as how the '취업률' (employment rate) affects the '청년' (youth) population. You should be able to use the word in more formal writing, such as a '자기소개서' (self-introduction letter) or an essay about the labor market. At this level, you should also understand the difference between '취업하다' and similar verbs like '입사하다' (to join a company), '채용되다' (to be hired), and '임용되다' (to be appointed - used for teachers and officials). You can use '취업하다' in complex sentence structures, such as '취업하기가 갈수록 어려워지고 있다' (It is becoming increasingly difficult to get a job). You should also be familiar with common collocations like '취업에 성공하다' (to succeed in getting a job) or '취업난을 겪다' (to experience employment difficulties). Your usage should reflect an understanding of the formal and social weight the word carries in Korean society.
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At the C1 level, you use '취업하다' with the precision of a native speaker. You can discuss the philosophical and systemic aspects of employment in Korea. You might analyze how '취업' relates to '자아실현' (self-realization) or '사회적 지위' (social status). You are comfortable using the word in academic or professional settings, such as during a business presentation or a debate on labor laws. You understand the subtle differences in register between '취업하다' and more specialized terms like '복직하다' (to return to work) or '전직하다' (to change careers). You can also use idiomatic expressions related to employment, such as '취업 문턱이 높다' (the threshold for employment is high). Your vocabulary includes a wide range of Hanja-based words related to '취업,' such as '재취업' (re-employment), '취업 규칙' (employment rules), and '취업 비자' (employment visa). You can articulate the challenges of the modern job market using '취업하다' as a base for complex socio-economic discussions.
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At the C2 level, '취업하다' is just one small part of a vast professional vocabulary. You can use it to discuss high-level topics like '취업 취약 계층' (vulnerable groups in employment) or '취업 유발 효과' (employment inducement effect) in the context of economic policy. You can read and critique government reports on '취업 정책' (employment policies) and understand the legal nuances of '취업 제한' (employment restrictions). You are capable of using the word in literary or highly formal contexts, perhaps discussing the historical evolution of '취업' in the Korean peninsula. You understand the deep cultural anxieties associated with the word and can navigate these sensitivities in high-level social interactions. Your mastery allows you to use '취업하다' and its derivatives to express complex ideas about the intersection of labor, capital, and human rights. You can switch between colloquial and highly technical uses of the term effortlessly, depending on the audience and the medium of communication.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

취업하다 in 30 Seconds

  • 취업하다 means to successfully find and start a professional job at a company or organization, marking the end of the job-hunting process.
  • It is a formal term typically used for career-oriented roles rather than casual part-time work, which is usually referred to as '알바'.
  • Commonly used with the particle '에' for the workplace (e.g., 삼성에 취업하다) and '로' for the role or field (e.g., 개발자로 취업하다).
  • In Korean culture, it is a significant life milestone often celebrated by family and friends, and a frequent topic in news and media.

The Korean verb 취업하다 (chwi-eop-ha-da) is a fundamental term in the Korean lexicon, particularly within the context of adult life, career development, and social status. At its core, it means 'to find employment' or 'to get a job.' However, the nuance goes deeper than simply working. While '일하다' (il-ha-da) refers to the act of working or performing a task, 취업하다 specifically denotes the successful transition from being a job seeker to being an employee. It represents the culmination of the job-hunting process, including searching, applying, interviewing, and finally being hired by a company, organization, or institution.

Etymological Breakdown
The word is composed of the Hanja characters 就 (취 - chwi) meaning 'to approach' or 'to engage in' and 業 (업 - eop) meaning 'work,' 'business,' or 'profession.' Together with the auxiliary verb '하다' (to do), it literally translates to 'engaging in a profession.'
Social Significance
In South Korean society, '취업' is often viewed as a major life milestone, similar to graduation or marriage. The '취업난' (employment crisis) is a frequently discussed topic in media, making this word central to social discourse.

"드디어 원하던 대기업에 취업하게 되어서 정말 기뻐요."

— (I am so happy because I finally got a job at the large corporation I wanted.)

Understanding this word requires recognizing its formal tone. You wouldn't typically use it for a casual part-time job (which is usually '알바하다'); instead, it implies a more permanent or professional career path. It is the goal of every '취준생' (job seeker). The word encompasses the entire institutional framework of the Korean labor market, from the '공채' (open recruitment) system to the individual contracts signed between an employer and an employee.

"졸업 후에 바로 취업하는 것이 제 목표입니다."

(My goal is to get a job immediately after graduation.)

Usage with Particles
Usually paired with the particle -에 to indicate the place of employment (e.g., 삼성에 취업하다) or -로 to indicate the field (e.g., IT 분야로 취업하다).

Note: The word is versatile and can be used in various tenses and honorific levels, making it essential for any learner aiming for B1 proficiency and beyond.

Using 취업하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the specific contexts where it outshines its synonyms. It is a '하다' verb, meaning it follows standard conjugation patterns for verbs ending in '하다'.

1. Grammatical Structures

The most common way to use this verb is with the destination particle 에 (e). You 'get a job AT' a place.

  • [Place] + 에 취업하다: 삼성에 취업하다 (To get a job at Samsung).
  • [Field] + (으)로 취업하다: 마케팅 분야로 취업하다 (To get a job in the marketing field).
  • [Status] + 로 취업하다: 정규직으로 취업하다 (To get a job as a full-time employee).

"외국계 기업에 취업하고 싶어서 영어를 공부해요."

(I study English because I want to get a job at a foreign company.)

2. Conjugation Patterns

Since it is a B1 level word, you should be comfortable conjugating it into various polite and formal forms:

Present Polite:
취업해요 (chwi-eop-hae-yo)
Past Polite:
취업했어요 (chwi-eop-haet-seo-yo)
Future/Intent:
취업할 거예요 (chwi-eop-hal-geo-ye-yo)
Honorific:
취업하셨어요 (chwi-eop-ha-shyeot-seo-yo)

3. Common Sentence Patterns

Learners often use this verb to describe their future plans or to share news about friends. It frequently appears in the 'Noun + 을/를 위해' (for the sake of) structure.

"성공적인 취업을 위해 자격증을 땄습니다."

(I got a certification for a successful job search/employment.)

Note that while '취업하다' is the verb, the noun form '취업' is often used with other verbs like '취업을 준비하다' (to prepare for employment) or '취업에 성공하다' (to succeed in getting a job).

You will encounter 취업하다 in several distinct environments in Korea. Understanding these contexts helps in grasping the word's weight.

1. University Campuses

Universities are the primary hub for this word. You'll see signs for '취업 지원 센터' (Job Support Center) and '취업 박람회' (Job Fair). Students constantly discuss their '취업 준비' (job prep).

"이번 학기에 취업한 선배들이 학교에 방문했어요."

(The seniors who got jobs this semester visited the school.)

2. News and Media

The Korean news frequently reports on the '취업률' (employment rate). Phrases like '청년 취업' (youth employment) are headlines daily. If you watch K-dramas, you'll often see protagonists struggling to '취업하다' or celebrating their first day after '취업에 성공' (succeeding in employment).

3. Family and Social Gatherings

As mentioned, it's a hot topic among relatives. '어디에 취업했니?' (Where did you get a job?) is a standard question for anyone in their 20s or 30s. It is also a common topic during '회식' (company dinners) when talking about new recruits.

"요즘은 대기업에 취업하기가 하늘의 별 따기예요."

(These days, getting a job at a large corporation is like picking a star from the sky - i.e., extremely difficult.)

4. Professional Networking

On platforms like LinkedIn or Korean equivalents like 'Saramin' or 'JobKorea', the word is used in profile updates and job postings. '취업 공고' (Job opening/announcement) is the term you look for when searching for work.

Even intermediate learners often trip up on the specific usage of 취업하다. Here are the most frequent errors to avoid.

1. Confusing with '일하다' (To Work)

Many learners say "취업하고 있어요" when they mean "I am working right now." This is incorrect. 취업하다 is a one-time event (getting the job). Once you have the job, you use '일하다' or '직장에 다니다' (to attend/go to work).

Wrong:
저는 지금 삼성에서 취업해요. (I am getting a job at Samsung right now - implies the hiring process is happening this second).
Right:
저는 삼성에서 일해요. (I work at Samsung) OR 저는 삼성에 취업했어요. (I got a job at Samsung).

2. Incorrect Particle Usage

Using '에서' (at/in - location of action) instead of '에' (at/to - destination) is a common mistake. While '에서' is used for where you *work*, '에' is used for where you *got hired into*.

"은행에서 취업했어요." (Natural only if you were physically standing in the bank when you got the news.)

Better: "은행에 취업했어요." (I got a job at a bank.)

3. Using it for Part-time Jobs

If you get a job at a convenience store or a cafe for a few months, Koreans rarely use '취업하다'. It sounds too formal. Instead, use '알바를 구하다' (to find a part-time job) or '알바를 시작하다'.

4. Confusing with '입사하다'

'입사하다' (to enter a company) is very similar but specifically focuses on the act of joining a '회사' (company). '취업하다' is broader and can include government jobs, hospitals, or schools.

To truly master 취업하다, you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of employment.

1. 입사하다 (Ip-sa-ha-da)
Literally 'to enter the company.' This is more specific than 취업하다. You use this when referring to the specific day you start or the specific company you joined.
Example: "다음 주에 신입 사원으로 입사합니다." (I join the company as a new employee next week.)
2. 구직하다 (Gu-jik-ha-da)
'To seek a job.' This is the process *before* 취업하다. If you are looking for work, you are '구직 중' (in the middle of job seeking).
Example: "그는 몇 달째 구직하고 있어요." (He has been job hunting for several months.)
3. 채용되다 (Chae-yong-doe-da)
'To be hired/employed.' This is the passive form. While '취업하다' focuses on the person getting the job, '채용되다' focuses on the company hiring the person.
Example: "그는 정규직으로 채용되었습니다." (He was hired as a full-time employee.)
4. 직장을 잡다 (Jik-jang-eul jap-da)
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to catch/grab a workplace.' It is a more colloquial way of saying 'to find a job.'
Example: "드디어 좋은 직장을 잡았어요!" (I finally landed a good job!)

Comparison:
- 취업: The general state of getting a job.
- 입사: The physical/administrative act of joining a firm.
- 임용: Used specifically for teachers or public officials.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

-기 위해 (in order to)

-(으)려고 (intending to)

-(으)ㄴ 지 (time since)

-자마자 (as soon as)

-(으)ㄹ 수 있도록 (so that one can)

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Examples by Level

1

저는 회사에 취업하고 싶어요.

I want to get a job at a company.

-고 싶어요 (want to)

2

형은 삼성에 취업했어요.

My older brother got a job at Samsung.

Past tense -했어요

3

취업을 축하합니다!

Congratulations on getting a job!

Noun form '취업' + object particle '을'

4

언제 취업해요?

When do you get a job?

Interrogative present tense

5

좋은 곳에 취업하세요.

Please get a job at a good place.

Honorific imperative -세요

6

저는 아직 취업 안 했어요.

I haven't gotten a job yet.

Negation '안'

7

우리 언니는 취업했어요.

My older sister got a job.

Topic particle '는'

8

취업이 꿈이에요.

Getting a job is my dream.

Noun + 이/가 (subject)

1

대학교 졸업 후에 취업할 거예요.

I will get a job after graduating from university.

-(으)ㄹ 거예요 (future tense)

2

어디에 취업하고 싶으세요?

Where would you like to get a job?

Honorific -으세요

3

제 친구는 은행에 취업했어요.

My friend got a job at a bank.

Place particle '에'

4

취업하기가 정말 힘들어요.

It is really hard to get a job.

-기(가) (making a verb into a subject)

5

성공적으로 취업해서 기뻐요.

I'm happy because I got a job successfully.

-아/어서 (reason/cause)

6

영어를 잘하면 취업하기 쉬워요.

If you are good at English, it's easy to get a job.

-(으)면 (if)

7

그는 일본 회사에 취업했습니다.

He got a job at a Japanese company.

Formal polite -습니다

8

취업 준비를 시작했어요.

I started preparing for employment.

Noun '준비' (preparation)

1

요즘은 전공과 상관없는 분야에 취업하는 사람도 많아요.

These days, there are many people who get jobs in fields unrelated to their majors.

Noun-modifying form -는

2

해외에 취업하려면 비자가 필요해요.

To get a job abroad, you need a visa.

-(으)려면 (if you intend to)

3

그녀는 원하는 기업에 취업하기 위해 열심히 공부했습니다.

She studied hard to get a job at the company she wanted.

-기 위해 (in order to)

4

취업한 지 벌써 1년이 되었네요.

It's already been a year since I got a job.

-(으)ㄴ 지 (time since)

5

부모님은 제가 공무원으로 취업하기를 바라세요.

My parents want me to get a job as a civil servant.

-기를 바라다 (to hope that)

6

취업 준비생들을 위한 특강이 열렸습니다.

A special lecture for job seekers was held.

-를 위한 (for the sake of)

7

어렵게 취업한 만큼 최선을 다하겠습니다.

As much as it was hard to get the job, I will do my best.

-(으)ㄴ 만큼 (as much as)

8

그는 대학교 4학년 때 이미 취업이 결정되었습니다.

His employment was already decided when he was a senior in college.

Passive nuance with '결정되다'

1

정부는 청년들이 취업할 수 있도록 다양한 정책을 마련하고 있습니다.

The government is preparing various policies so that young people can get jobs.

-도록 (so that)

2

경기가 안 좋아서 취업하기가 하늘의 별 따기예요.

Because the economy is bad, getting a job is like picking stars from the sky.

Idiomatic expression '하늘의 별 따기'

3

그는 전공을 살려 IT 기업에 취업하는 데 성공했습니다.

He succeeded in getting a job at an IT company by utilizing his major.

-는 데 (in the act of)

4

취업하자마자 첫 월급으로 부모님 선물을 샀어요.

As soon as I got a job, I bought a gift for my parents with my first paycheck.

-자마자 (as soon as)

5

취업 준비 기간이 길어질수록 자신감이 떨어지기 마련입니다.

The longer the job preparation period, the more likely self-confidence is to drop.

-(으)ㄹ수록... -기 마련이다 (the more... the more likely)

6

그는 높은 연봉보다는 복지가 좋은 회사에 취업하기를 원합니다.

He wants to get a job at a company with good welfare rather than a high salary.

-보다는 (rather than)

7

취업난이 심각해지면서 눈높이를 낮춰 취업하는 청년들이 늘고 있습니다.

As the job crisis worsens, the number of young people lowering their expectations to get a job is increasing.

-면서 (while/as)

8

그는 여러 번의 실패 끝에 마침내 공기업에 취업했습니다.

After several failures, he finally got a job at a public enterprise.

Noun + 끝에 (at the end of)

1

취업은 단순히 생계 수단을 넘어 자아를 실현하는 과정이기도 합니다.

Employment is not just a means of livelihood but also a process of self-realization.

-를 넘어 (beyond)

2

급격한 기술 발전으로 인해 취업 시장의 판도가 바뀌고 있습니다.

Due to rapid technological development, the landscape of the job market is changing.

-로 인해 (due to)

3

그는 경력 단절을 극복하고 성공적으로 재취업했습니다.

She overcame a career break and successfully re-entered the workforce.

Prefix 재- (re-)

4

취업 규칙을 위반할 경우 징계 처분을 받을 수 있습니다.

If you violate employment rules, you may be subject to disciplinary action.

-(으)ㄹ 경우 (in case of)

5

지방 인재들의 수도권 취업 쏠림 현상이 심화되고 있습니다.

The phenomenon of local talent flocking to the metropolitan area for jobs is intensifying.

Noun '쏠림 현상' (concentration phenomenon)

6

그는 취업 비자를 발급받기 위해 대사관을 방문했습니다.

He visited the embassy to get an employment visa issued.

Noun '발급' (issuance)

7

기업들은 실무 능력을 갖춘 인재를 취업시키고자 합니다.

Companies want to employ talent equipped with practical skills.

-고자 하다 (intend to)

8

취업난 해소를 위해 정부와 기업이 머리를 맞대야 합니다.

Government and businesses must put their heads together to resolve the employment crisis.

Idiom '머리를 맞대다'

1

4차 산업혁명 시대의 취업 패러다임은 유연성과 창의성을 강조합니다.

The employment paradigm in the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution emphasizes flexibility and creativity.

Complex noun phrase '취업 패러다임'

2

취업 유발 계수가 높은 산업에 대한 투자를 확대해야 경제가 활성화됩니다.

The economy will be revitalized only if investment in industries with high employment inducement coefficients is expanded.

Economic terminology

3

그는 공직자 윤리법에 따라 퇴직 후 일정 기간 취업이 제한되었습니다.

In accordance with the Public Service Ethics Act, his employment was restricted for a certain period after retirement.

-에 따라 (according to)

4

취업 취약 계층을 위한 맞춤형 일자리 창출이 시급한 과제입니다.

Creating customized jobs for vulnerable groups in employment is an urgent task.

Socio-political terminology

5

고학력 실업자들이 눈높이를 낮추지 못해 발생하는 구조적 취업난이 심각합니다.

The structural employment crisis caused by highly educated unemployed people being unable to lower their expectations is serious.

Attributive clause with '발생하는'

6

그는 다국적 기업의 아시아 지부장으로 취업하며 화려하게 복귀했습니다.

He made a grand comeback by getting a job as the Asia branch manager of a multinational corporation.

Adverbial '화려하게'

7

취업 시장의 정보 비대칭성을 해소하기 위한 플랫폼이 다수 등장했습니다.

Many platforms have emerged to resolve information asymmetry in the job market.

Abstract noun '비대칭성'

8

정규직과 비정규직 간의 취업 격차는 사회적 갈등의 불씨가 되기도 합니다.

The employment gap between regular and non-regular workers sometimes becomes a spark for social conflict.

Metaphor '불씨가 되다'

Synonyms

입사하다 직장을 얻다 출근하다

Antonyms

실직하다 퇴직하다 사직하다

Common Collocations

대기업에 취업하다 (to get a job at a large corporation)
성공적으로 취업하다 (to get a job successfully)
해외에 취업하다 (to get a job abroad)
정규직으로 취업하다 (to get a job as a full-time employee)
조기 취업하다 (to get a job early/before graduation)
취업을 준비하다 (to prepare for employment)
취업에 성공하다 (to succeed in getting a job)
취업을 희망하다 (to hope for employment)
취업이 결정되다 (employment to be decided)
취업을 포기하다 (to give up on finding a job)

Common Phrases

취업 준비생 (job seeker / 'chwi-jun-saeng')
취업 박람회 (job fair)
취업난 (employment crisis)
취업률 (employment rate)
취업 규칙 (employment rules)
취업 사기 (employment scam)
취업 성공 패키지 (employment success package - gov program)
취업 비자 (work visa)
취업 사이트 (job search website)
취업 공고 (job opening announcement)

Often Confused With

취업하다 vs 일하다 (to work - focuses on the activity, not the hiring)

취업하다 vs 출근하다 (to go to work - focuses on the daily commute)

취업하다 vs 입사하다 (to join a company - focuses on the specific firm)

Idioms & Expressions

"하늘의 별 따기 (Picking stars from the sky - extremely difficult to get a job)"
"바늘구멍 통과하기 (Passing through a needle's eye - very competitive employment)"
"철밥통 (Iron rice bowl - a very secure job, usually government)"
"백수 (White hand - an unemployed person)"
"취업 문턱이 높다 (The threshold for employment is high)"
"눈높이를 낮추다 (To lower one's expectations/standards for a job)"
"스펙을 쌓다 (To build up 'specs' - qualifications like TOEIC, internships)"
"금턴 (Gold-tern - a very valuable or hard-to-get internship)"
"캥거루족 (Kangaroo tribe - adults who can't get jobs and live with parents)"
"첫 단추를 잘 끼우다 (To button the first button well - to start one's career well)"

Easily Confused

취업하다 vs 취직하다

Almost identical, but '취직' is slightly more colloquial/common in daily speech.

취업하다 vs 창업하다

To start one's own business (opposite of being hired).

취업하다 vs 전직하다

To change careers/jobs.

취업하다 vs 이직하다

To move to a different company.

취업하다 vs 복직하다

To return to a job after a leave.

Sentence Patterns

[Place]에 취업하다

[Role]로 취업하다

취업에 성공하다

취업을 준비하다

취업하기 위해 [Action]

취업한 지 [Time]

취업이 되다

해외 취업을 하다

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How to Use It

formal vs informal

취업하다 is formal. In very casual speech, people might say '직장 구했어' (I found a workplace).

specific industries

For government jobs, '임용되다' is often used instead of '취업하다'.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '에서' instead of '에' for the company name.
  • Using '취업하고 있어요' to mean 'I am working' (should be '일하고 있어요').
  • Using it for temporary part-time jobs (should be '알바').
  • Forgetting the aspirated 'p' sound in pronunciation (chwi-eo-pa-da).
  • Confusing '취업' (getting a job) with '창업' (starting a business).

Tips

Past Tense Usage

Most of the time, you will use this in the past tense (취업했어요) because you are reporting the success of finding a job.

Noun + 하다

Remember that many Korean verbs are formed by Noun + 하다. Learning the noun '취업' gives you access to many other phrases.

Social Pressure

Be mindful when using this word with Korean friends; the '취업' process is very stressful in Korea.

Honorifics

If talking about a teacher or an elder, use '취업하셨어요' instead of '취업했어요'.

Formal Reports

In formal writing, use '취업률' to discuss the employment rate of a group.

News Keywords

When you hear '청년 취업', the news is likely talking about the job market for young people.

Hanja Roots

Remember '업' (eop) as 'Occupation'. This root appears in '직업' (job) and '사업' (business) too.

Field vs Company

Use '에' for companies and '로' for fields (e.g., IT로 취업하다).

Professionalism

Use this word to sound more professional and serious about your career goals.

Celebration

Getting a job is a big deal! Use '취업' to celebrate milestones with your Korean language partners.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are 'CHWI-ing' (choosing) your 'EOP' (occupation) and then you 'HADA' (do) it.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Traditionally, the first salary after '취업' is used to buy gifts for parents, often red thermal underwear.

The 'Gong-chae' system is a unique Korean way of hiring large groups of people at once, twice a year.

There is a specific lifestyle associated with job seekers, involving 'Gosiwon' (tiny rooms) and 'Study Cafes'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"졸업하면 어디에 취업하고 싶어요? (Where do you want to get a job after graduation?)"

"요즘 취업 준비는 잘 돼가요? (Is your job prep going well these days?)"

"첫 취업했을 때 기분이 어땠어요? (How did you feel when you got your first job?)"

"해외 취업에 대해서 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about working abroad?)"

"요즘은 어떤 분야에 취업하기가 쉬울까요? (In which field would it be easy to get a job these days?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 꿈꾸는 완벽한 취업처는 어떤 곳인가요? (What is my dream workplace?)

취업을 위해 지금까지 어떤 노력을 했나요? (What efforts have I made so far to get a job?)

한국의 취업 문화와 우리 나라의 취업 문화는 어떻게 다른가요? (How is Korean job culture different from my country's?)

취업 성공 후에 가장 먼저 하고 싶은 일은 무엇인가요? (What is the first thing I want to do after successfully getting a job?)

취업난을 해결하기 위해 정부가 무엇을 해야 한다고 생각하나요? (What do you think the government should do to solve the job crisis?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

They are nearly interchangeable. '취업' is slightly more formal and used in official statistics, while '취직' is very common in spoken Korean. Both mean 'getting a job'.

It is not natural. For part-time jobs, use '알바를 구하다' or '알바를 하다'. '취업' implies a more permanent career.

Use '에'. For example: '구글에 취업했어요' (I got a job at Google).

취업 is a noun (employment), and 취업하다 is the verb (to get a job).

The common term is '취업 준비생', often shortened to '취준생'.

It means 'employment difficulty' or 'job crisis', referring to a tough job market.

It's better to say '회사에 취업했어요'. '에서' implies the action happened inside the building, while '에' indicates the target of the hiring.

It means 're-employment', used when someone gets a new job after being unemployed or retired.

Yes, but they might also use '개업하다' (to open a practice) if they start their own office.

You can say '취업을 축하해요!' (Congratulations on your employment!)

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