This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Korean
Vocabulary
재택 근무

A2 noun 10 min read

재택 근무

jaetaek geunmu

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 재택 근무 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 재택 근무 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '재택 근무' as a special way to say 'working at home.' While A1 learners usually start with '집에서 일해요' (I work at home), '재택 근무' is a useful word to recognize because it appears in many job titles and basic office conversations. You don't need to master the complex Hanja (Chinese characters) behind it yet. Just remember that '재택' means 'at home' and '근무' means 'work/duty.' You can use it in very simple sentences like '저는 오늘 재택 근무를 해요' (I am working from home today). It is a noun, so you just add '를 해요' to make it a verb. This is a great word to impress your Korean friends with because it sounds more professional than just saying you are at home.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '재택 근무' to describe your daily or weekly routine. You can combine it with frequency words like '일주일에 두 번' (twice a week) or '자주' (often). For example, '저는 일주일에 삼 일 재택 근무를 합니다' (I work from home three days a week). You should also learn to use it with '중' to indicate you are currently busy: '지금 재택 근무 중이에요' (I'm currently working from home). This is particularly useful for explaining why you might be at home during the day but cannot hang out. At this level, you should also begin to understand the difference between '재택 근무' (formal) and '집에서 일하기' (casual).

At the B1 level, you can start discussing the advantages and disadvantages of '재택 근무.' You might use structures like '~기 때문에' (because) or '~(으)면' (if). For instance, '재택 근무를 하면 출퇴근 시간을 아낄 수 있어서 좋아요' (If I work from home, it's good because I can save commuting time). You should also be comfortable using the term in a professional context, such as asking about company policy: '재택 근무 규정이 어떻게 되나요?' (What are the telecommuting regulations?). At this stage, you should recognize related terms like '유연 근무제' (flexible work system) and understand how '재택 근무' fits into the broader category of modern working styles in Korea.

At the B2 level, you should be able to participate in a debate or a detailed discussion about the impact of '재택 근무' on society and the economy. You can use more advanced grammar like '~음에도 불구하고' (despite) or '~에 따르면' (according to). You might say, '통계에 따르면, 재택 근무는 업무 효율성을 높이는 것으로 나타났습니다' (According to statistics, telecommuting has been shown to increase work efficiency). You should also be aware of the sociocultural implications in Korea, such as the decline of 'hoesik' (company dinner) culture and the challenges of 'digital nunchi.' Your vocabulary should expand to include terms like '생산성' (productivity) and '소외감' (feeling of isolation) in the context of remote work.

At the C1 level, you can analyze the legal and structural frameworks surrounding '재택 근무' in Korea. This includes understanding how the Labor Standards Act (근로기준법) applies to remote workers. You should be able to discuss complex topics like 'industrial accident compensation' (산업재해 보상) for home-based work or the 'right to disconnect' (연결되지 않을 권리). You can use high-level academic or professional language: '재택 근무의 정착은 도시 구조와 부동산 시장에도 지대한 영향을 미치고 있습니다' (The stabilization of telecommuting is having a profound impact on urban structures and the real estate market). You should be able to read and summarize news articles or white papers on labor trends with ease.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '재택 근무' and its nuances. You can discuss the philosophical shifts in Korean labor history—from the rapid industrialization of the 70s and 80s to the post-pandemic digital transformation. You can navigate subtle social dynamics, such as how '재택 근무' affects promotion tracks or how it intersects with traditional gender roles in the Korean household. You can use idiomatic expressions and high-level metaphors to describe the psychological state of remote workers. You are capable of drafting official company policy documents regarding '재택 근무' or delivering a keynote speech on the future of work in South Korea, using the term with perfect precision and appropriate register.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

재택 근무 in 30 Seconds

재택 근무 means telecommuting or working from home in a professional context.
It is composed of Hanja: Jae (at), Taek (home), Geunmu (work/duty).
Commonly used with the verb '하다' (to do) or the status marker '중' (in the middle of).
It differs from 'remote work' (원격 근무), which can be done anywhere, as '재택' specifically means 'home'.

The term 재택 근무 (jae-taek geun-mu) is a sophisticated Sino-Korean noun that translates literally to 'at-home work duty.' To understand its depth, one must look at the constituent Hanja characters: 在 (재 - jae) meaning 'to be at' or 'to reside,' 宅 (택 - taek) meaning 'house' or 'residence,' 勤 (근 - geun) meaning 'diligence' or 'work,' and 務 (무 - mu) meaning 'duty' or 'task.' Together, they form a professional designation for the modern phenomenon of telecommuting or working from home. In the Korean corporate landscape, this word carries a formal weight that distinguishes it from the more casual phrase '집에서 일해요' (I work at home). It is the standard term used in employment contracts, official company announcements, and news reports discussing labor trends. Historically, Korean work culture was deeply rooted in physical presence at the office, often involving long hours and social cohesion through face-to-face interaction. However, the global shift toward digitalization and recent public health necessities accelerated the adoption of 재택 근무 across various industries, from IT startups in Pangyo to large conglomerates in Seoul. When you use this term, you are specifically referring to a professional arrangement where your 'office' is your 'residence.' It is not merely a hobby or a side hustle; it implies a structured professional obligation performed remotely.

Etymological Breakdown: The prefix '재택' (在宅) is often found in other contexts such as '재택 치료' (at-home treatment/recovery), emphasizing the location of the action. The suffix '근무' (勤務) is the standard word for professional duty, used in words like '근무 시간' (working hours) or '야간 근무' (night shift).
Sociocultural Nuance: In Korea, requesting '재택 근무' was once seen as a lack of dedication. However, the 'MZ generation' (Millennials and Gen Z) has championed it as a key component of 'Worabel' (Work-Life Balance). It represents a shift from a collective, office-centric culture to an individualistic, efficiency-focused one.

요즘 많은 IT 기업들이 재택 근무를 정례화하고 있습니다.
— Translation: These days, many IT companies are making telecommuting a regular practice.

Beyond the office, the term appears frequently in real estate discussions—where 'home offices' are now a selling point—and in psychological studies regarding 'burnout' and 'isolation' caused by prolonged remote work. It is a versatile term that bridges the gap between traditional labor law and the modern digital nomad lifestyle. While '원격 근무' (remote work) is a broader category that includes working from cafes or co-working spaces, 재택 근무 specifically anchors the work to the home. This distinction is important for legal and insurance purposes in Korea. For instance, an injury sustained during '재택 근무' might be covered under industrial accident compensation if it occurred within the home-office setup during designated hours. Understanding this word is essential for anyone navigating the Korean professional world or discussing modern lifestyle changes with Korean speakers. It encapsulates the tension between the traditional 'hoesik' (company dinner) culture and the new 'untact' (contactless) economy that is rapidly defining 21st-century South Korea.

Using 재택 근무 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun that often combines with light verbs. The most common construction is 재택 근무를 하다 (to do telecommuting). Because it is a formal noun, it is frequently used in 'Hap-shio-che' (formal polite) or 'Haeyo-che' (polite) styles in business settings. For example, '내일부터 재택 근무를 시작합니다' (I start working from home tomorrow). Another common structure is using the suffix -중 (middle of/during) to indicate the current status: '지금 재택 근무 중이라서 전화를 못 받아요' (I'm working from home right now, so I can't take the call). This '중' construction is vital for setting boundaries between personal life and professional availability.

우리 회사는 주 2회 재택 근무를 허용합니다.
— Translation: Our company allows telecommuting twice a week.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 전환하다 (To switch): 재택 근무로 전환하다 (To switch to working from home).
2. 폐지하다 (To abolish): 재택 근무를 폐지하다 (To abolish telecommuting).
3. 선호하다 (To prefer): 재택 근무를 선호하다 (To prefer working from home).

When discussing the benefits or drawbacks, you might use the particle -의 (possessive) to link it to other nouns: '재택 근무의 장점' (advantages of working from home) or '재택 근무의 단점' (disadvantages of working from home). In a sentence: '재택 근무의 가장 큰 장점은 출퇴근 시간이 없다는 점입니다' (The biggest advantage of working from home is that there is no commute time). Note how '출퇴근' (commuting) is often mentioned in tandem with '재택 근무' as they are conceptual opposites. You will also see it used with '가능' (possible) to check for job flexibility: '이 포지션은 재택 근무가 가능한가요?' (Is telecommuting possible for this position?).

저는 재택 근무를 할 때 집중이 더 잘 돼요.
— Translation: I can concentrate better when I work from home.

If you are in South Korea, specifically in business hubs like Gangnam, Yeouido, or Gasan Digital Complex, 재택 근무 is a word you will hear daily. It dominates office elevator conversations where employees compare their schedules: '너네 회사는 아직 재택 근무 해?' (Does your company still do WFH?). It is a staple of 'Saramin' or 'JobKorea' (Korean LinkedIn equivalents) where job seekers filter for '재택 근무 가능' (WFH possible) roles. In the morning news, anchors often discuss '재택 근무 확산' (the spread of telecommuting) and its impact on the local economy, particularly the struggling 'lunchbox' and restaurant industry near office complexes. You'll also hear it in HR meetings when discussing '유연 근무제' (flexible work systems), of which '재택 근무' is the most popular variant.

내일부터 전사적으로 재택 근무를 실시하겠습니다.
— Translation: We will implement company-wide telecommuting starting tomorrow.

Where to Hear: Media: Listen to podcasts like 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' or read economic dailies like 'Maeil Business Newspaper.' They frequently use this term when discussing the 'New Normal' (뉴노멀) in the Korean labor market.
Where to Hear: Social Life: In cafes during the day, you'll see people with laptops. If they are on a Zoom call, they might tell a friend, '아, 나 지금 재택 근무 중이라 잠깐 들어왔어' (Oh, I'm working from home right now so I just stepped in for a bit).

The word also appears in government policy briefings. The Ministry of Employment and Labor (고용노동부) often releases manuals on how to manage '재택 근무' effectively, covering topics like productivity tracking and labor laws. In K-Dramas, particularly office-themed ones like 'Misaeng' (though it predates the WFH boom) or 'Start-Up,' characters might discuss the freedom or the isolation of 재택 근무. It has become a symbol of modern autonomy. When you hear it, pay attention to the tone. If an older manager says it, there might be a hint of skepticism. If a young employee says it, there is often a sense of relief or satisfaction. It is not just a work arrangement; it is a cultural touchstone for the changing face of Korea's corporate hierarchy.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 재택 근무 with 원격 근무 (remote work). While they are related, '재택' specifically implies the 'home' (택/宅). If you are working from a beach in Jeju or a cafe in Paris, that is '원격 근무' or '디지털 노마드' (digital nomad), but not strictly '재택 근무' in a formal HR sense. Using '재택' when you are actually traveling might lead to misunderstandings with a Korean boss who expects you to be at your registered home address for insurance reasons. Another common error is using the wrong particle with '하다.' Many learners say '재택 근무를 일해요,' which is redundant because '근무' already means 'work.' The correct form is simply '재택 근무를 해요' or '재택 근무 중이에요.'

❌ 저는 집에서 재택 근무를 일해요.
✅ 저는 재택 근무를 해요.
— Explanation: Don't add '일해요' after '근무'. It's like saying 'I work work duty.'

Mistake: Pronunciation: Learners often mispronounce '재택' as '제택.' Remember the 'ae' (ㅐ) sound is more open. Also, ensure the 'n' in 'geun' (근) and 'm' in 'mu' (무) are distinct. It's 'geun-mu,' not 'geu-mu.'
Mistake: Formal vs. Informal: Using '재택 근무' in a very casual setting with friends might sound a bit stiff. While not 'wrong,' saying '나 오늘 집에서 일해' (I'm working from home today) is more natural in a casual conversation than the full Sino-Korean term.

Lastly, be careful with the word '재택' on its own. While '재택' is the noun for 'being at home,' it is almost always paired with another noun in a professional context. Saying '저는 재택이에요' (I am at home) is a common shorthand among office workers to mean 'I am working from home today,' but in formal writing, you should use the full 재택 근무. Also, don't confuse it with '가사 노동' (housework/domestic labor). '재택 근무' is your professional job performed at home, whereas '가사' is cleaning, cooking, and laundry. Mixing these up can lead to very funny, yet awkward, situations in a business meeting!

To speak Korean fluently, you need to know the alternatives to 재택 근무 and when to use them. The most common synonym is 원격 근무 (Remote Work). While '재택' is 'at home,' '원격' (遠隔) means 'distant' or 'remote.' This is the term used for working from anywhere—a cafe, a library, or a different city. Another related term is 스마트 워크 (Smart Work), a Konglish term often used by the government to describe technology-enabled flexible working environments. If you are talking about a specific system that allows for this, you might use 유연 근무제 (Flexible Work System). This is a broader category that includes '재택 근무,' '시차 출퇴근제' (staggered commuting hours), and '탄력 근무제' (flextime).

재택 근무 vs. 원격 근무: 재택 근무: Location is strictly the home. More common in traditional corporate policies.
원격 근무: Location can be anywhere. Common in tech, freelance, and global companies.
재택 근무 vs. 집에서 일하다: 재택 근무: Formal, Sino-Korean. Used in business, news, and official talk.
집에서 일하다: Casual, native Korean. Used with friends, family, and in informal chats.

For those in the creative or freelance fields, you might hear 프리랜서 (Freelancer). While a freelancer often does '재택 근무,' the terms are not interchangeable. '재택 근무' refers to the *location* and *mode* of work for an employee, whereas '프리랜서' refers to the *employment status*. You could be a full-time employee doing '재택 근무.' Another interesting term is 거점 오피스 (Satellite Office or Hub Office). Some large Korean companies like SK or Hyundai provide small offices in residential areas so employees don't have to commute to the main headquarters but also don't have to work from home. This is seen as a middle ground between office work and 재택 근무. Understanding these nuances allows you to describe your work situation with precision, whether you are filling out a visa application or chatting with a new Korean acquaintance.

저희 회사는 재택 근무 대신 거점 오피스 제도를 운영하고 있어요.
— Translation: Our company operates a satellite office system instead of telecommuting.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word '택' (宅) is the same character used in 'Otaku' (Japanese) or 'O-taek' in Korean, which originally referred to someone's house as a polite way to address them, but later came to mean homebody or enthusiast.

Pronunciation Guide

UK d͡ʑɛ.tʰɛk kɯn.mu

US d͡ʒeɪ.tɛk ɡun.mu

Stress is generally even across syllables in Korean, but '재' and '근' receive slightly more emphasis as they start the words.

Rhymes With

주택 (juthaek - housing) 세택 (sethaek - tax) 선무 (seonmu - mission) 실무 (silmu - practical work) 업무 (eopmu - task) 채무 (chaemu - debt) 내택 (naethaek - inner house) 고택 (gotaek - old house)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '재' as '제' (too closed).
Adding an extra vowel after '택' (taek-eu).
Failing to pronounce the 'n' in 'geun-mu' clearly.
Confusing the 'u' in 'mu' with 'eu'.
Making the 't' in 'taek' too soft (it should be aspirated).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The Hanja characters make it look complex, but it's a very common word in modern texts.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the correct spelling of '재택' and '근무'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the 'ae' and 'eu' sounds are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Very frequently heard in media and daily life, making it easy to pick up.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

집 (Home) 일 (Work) 회사 (Company) 사무실 (Office) 하다 (To do)

Learn Next

유연 근무제 (Flexible work system) 출퇴근 (Commute) 업무 (Task/Business) 비대면 (Non-face-to-face) 효율성 (Efficiency)

Advanced

거점 오피스 (Satellite office) 디지털 노마드 (Digital nomad) 산업재해 (Industrial accident) 근로기준법 (Labor Standards Act) 워라밸 (Work-life balance)

Grammar to Know

-(으)면서 (While doing)

재택 근무를 하면서 음악을 들어요.

-기 때문에 (Because of)

재택 근무를 하기 때문에 교통비를 아껴요.

-(으)ㄹ 수 있다 (Can)

집에서도 재택 근무를 할 수 있어요.

-아/어지다 (Become)

재택 근무가 점점 당연해지고 있어요.

-고 있다 (Progressive)

지금 재택 근무를 하고 있어요.

Examples by Level

저는 오늘 재택 근무를 해요.

I am working from home today.

재택 근무 (noun) + 를 (object particle) + 해요 (to do).

재택 근무는 좋아요.

Working from home is good.

재택 근무 (noun) + 는 (topic particle) + 좋아요 (is good).

집에서 재택 근무를 합니다.

I work from home at home.

집 (home) + 에서 (at) + 재택 근무를 합니다 (formal do).

내일은 재택 근무예요?

Is it working from home tomorrow?

내일 (tomorrow) + 은 (topic particle) + 재택 근무예요 (is WFH?).

엄마는 재택 근무 중이에요.

Mom is in the middle of working from home.

중 (middle/during) + 이에요 (is).

재택 근무가 힘들어요?

Is working from home hard?

가 (subject particle) + 힘들어요 (is hard).

우리는 재택 근무를 좋아해요.

We like working from home.

우리는 (we) + 를 (object particle) + 좋아해요 (like).

재택 근무를 안 해요.

I don't work from home.

안 (not) + 해요 (do).

저는 일주일에 두 번 재택 근무를 해요.

I work from home twice a week.

일주일에 (in a week) + 두 번 (twice).

재택 근무를 하면 잠을 더 잘 수 있어요.

If I work from home, I can sleep more.

-(으)면 (if) + 더 잘 수 있어요 (can sleep more).

커피숍에서 재택 근무를 해도 돼요?

Can I work from home at a coffee shop?

-아/어도 돼요? (Is it okay to...?). Note: Technically 'remote work'.

재택 근무 때문에 회의를 온라인으로 해요.

Because of working from home, we have meetings online.

때문에 (because of) + 온라인으로 (online/via online).

제 친구는 매일 재택 근무를 합니다.

My friend works from home every day.

매일 (every day) + 합니다 (formal do).

재택 근무를 하고 싶어요.

I want to work from home.

-고 싶어요 (want to).

재택 근무 중에는 전화를 못 받아요.

I can't answer the phone while working from home.

중에는 (during/while) + 못 (cannot).

우리 회사는 재택 근무가 없어요.

Our company doesn't have telecommuting.

가 (subject particle) + 없어요 (don't have/doesn't exist).

재택 근무의 장점은 출퇴근 시간이 없다는 것이에요.

The advantage of telecommuting is that there is no commute time.

의 (possessive) + 장점 (advantage) + -는 것 (nominalizer).

재택 근무를 하면 가끔 외로울 때가 있어요.

When I work from home, I sometimes feel lonely.

-(으)ㄹ 때가 있다 (there are times when...).

요즘은 재택 근무를 선호하는 사람들이 많아졌어요.

These days, there are more people who prefer telecommuting.

-는 (adjective form of verb) + 선호하는 (preferring).

재택 근무를 하려면 인터넷이 빨라야 해요.

To work from home, the internet must be fast.

-(으)려면 (in order to) + -아야 해요 (must be).

회사에서 재택 근무를 권장하고 있습니다.

The company is encouraging telecommuting.

권장하고 있다 (is encouraging - progressive).

재택 근무를 하니까 점심을 집에서 먹게 돼요.

Since I work from home, I end up eating lunch at home.

-(으)니까 (because/since) + -게 되다 (end up doing).

재택 근무가 업무 효율성에 어떤 영향을 줄까요?

What kind of effect does telecommuting have on work efficiency?

에 (on) + 영향 (influence/effect) + -ㄹ까요? (questioning/speculating).

재택 근무를 위해 방 하나를 사무실로 꾸몄어요.

I decorated one room as an office for telecommuting.

를 위해 (for/for the sake of) + 로 (as/into).

재택 근무의 확산으로 인해 사무실 수요가 줄어들고 있습니다.

Due to the spread of telecommuting, office demand is decreasing.

-(으)로 인해 (due to/because of) + 줄어들고 있다 (is decreasing).

재택 근무와 사무실 출근을 병행하는 하이브리드 모델이 인기입니다.

The hybrid model, which combines telecommuting and office work, is popular.

병행하는 (doing simultaneously) + 인기 (popular).

재택 근무 중에도 팀원들과의 소통은 필수적입니다.

Communication with team members is essential even during telecommuting.

-아/어도 (even if/even during) + 필수적 (essential).

재택 근무는 일과 삶의 균형을 맞추는 데 도움이 됩니다.

Telecommuting helps in balancing work and life.

-는 데 (in doing something/for) + 도움이 되다 (to be helpful).

일부 관리자들은 재택 근무 시 생산성 저하를 우려합니다.

Some managers worry about a decrease in productivity during telecommuting.

시 (at the time of) + 저하 (decline/decrease) + 우려하다 (to worry).

재택 근무가 가능해지면서 거주지 선택의 폭이 넓어졌어요.

As telecommuting became possible, the range of choices for residence expanded.

-아/어지면서 (as something becomes/happens) + 폭 (range).

재택 근무를 정착시키기 위해서는 명확한 가이드라인이 필요합니다.

Clear guidelines are needed to establish telecommuting.

정착시키다 (to establish/settle) + 기 위해서 (in order to).

재택 근무를 통해 기업은 운영 비용을 절감할 수 있습니다.

Through telecommuting, companies can reduce operating costs.

를 통해 (through/via) + 절감하다 (to cut down/reduce).

재택 근무의 장기화는 근로자의 고립감을 심화시킬 우려가 있습니다.

The prolonged period of telecommuting risks deepening the isolation of workers.

장기화 (prolongation) + 심화시키다 (to deepen/intensify).

정부는 재택 근무 도입 기업에 대해 다양한 세제 혜택을 제공합니다.

The government provides various tax benefits to companies that introduce telecommuting.

에 대해 (about/regarding) + 세제 혜택 (tax benefits).

재택 근무 체제 하에서 성과 중심의 평가 방식이 더욱 중요해졌습니다.

Under the telecommuting system, performance-based evaluation methods have become more important.

체제 하에서 (under the system) + 성과 중심 (results-oriented).

재택 근무는 전통적인 대면 중심의 기업 문화를 근본적으로 변화시키고 있습니다.

Telecommuting is fundamentally changing the traditional face-to-face centered corporate culture.

근본적으로 (fundamentally) + 변화시키다 (to change).

재택 근무 시 발생할 수 있는 보안 사고를 예방하기 위해 보안 교육이 필수입니다.

Security education is essential to prevent security accidents that may occur during telecommuting.

발생할 수 있는 (that can occur) + 예방하다 (to prevent).

재택 근무의 보편화는 도심 공동화 현상을 가속화할 가능성이 큽니다.

The generalization of telecommuting is highly likely to accelerate the phenomenon of urban hollowing.

보편화 (generalization) + 가속화하다 (to accelerate).

재택 근무와 관련된 노사 간의 갈등을 해결하기 위한 법적 장치가 마련되어야 합니다.

Legal mechanisms must be established to resolve conflicts between labor and management related to telecommuting.

노사 간 (between labor and management) + 마련되어야 하다 (must be prepared).

재택 근무는 디지털 격차에 따른 고용 불평등 문제를 야기할 수 있습니다.

Telecommuting can cause employment inequality issues due to the digital divide.

에 따른 (according to/due to) + 야기하다 (to cause/bring about).

재택 근무의 정착은 노동의 개념을 '장소'에서 '가치'로 전이시키는 패러다임의 전환입니다.

The establishment of telecommuting is a paradigm shift that transfers the concept of labor from 'place' to 'value.'

전이시키다 (to transfer/transpose) + 패러다임의 전환 (paradigm shift).

비대면 기술의 비약적 발전은 재택 근무를 단순한 대안을 넘어 주류 근로 형태로 격상시켰습니다.

The rapid development of non-face-to-face technology has elevated telecommuting beyond a simple alternative to a mainstream form of labor.

비약적 (rapid/leap-like) + 격상시키다 (to elevate/upgrade).

재택 근무 환경에서의 자기 주도적 역량은 현대 인재가 갖추어야 할 핵심 자질로 부상했습니다.

Self-directed competence in a telecommuting environment has emerged as a key quality that modern talent must possess.

자기 주도적 (self-directed) + 부상하다 (to emerge/rise).

재택 근무의 확산은 주거 공간의 기능적 재정의를 요구하며 건축 트렌드에도 영향을 미칩니다.

The spread of telecommuting demands a functional redefinition of living spaces and influences architectural trends.

재정의 (redefinition) + 요구하며 (demanding and...).

재택 근무가 초래하는 사회적 자본의 약화 가능성에 대한 심도 있는 성찰이 필요한 시점입니다.

It is a time when deep reflection on the possibility of weakening social capital caused by telecommuting is necessary.

초래하다 (to bring about/cause) + 심도 있는 성찰 (in-depth reflection).

재택 근무의 유연성은 양날의 검과 같아서, 자칫 업무와 휴식의 경계를 모호하게 만들 수 있습니다.

The flexibility of telecommuting is like a double-edged sword, which can inadvertently blur the boundary between work and rest.

양날의 검 (double-edged sword) + 모호하게 만들다 (to make ambiguous).

재택 근무 시스템의 공정성 확보는 조직 내 위계 구조의 해체와 수평적 문화 조성을 촉진합니다.

Ensuring the fairness of the telecommuting system promotes the dismantling of hierarchical structures and the creation of a horizontal culture within the organization.

해체 (dismantling) + 조성 (creation/composition) + 촉진하다 (to promote/accelerate).

재택 근무는 지식 기반 경제에서 인적 자원의 효율적 배치를 극대화하는 기제로 작용합니다.

Telecommuting acts as a mechanism to maximize the efficient allocation of human resources in a knowledge-based economy.

기제로 작용하다 (to act as a mechanism) + 극대화하다 (to maximize).

Common Collocations

재택 근무를 실시하다

재택 근무로 전환하다

재택 근무를 선호하다

재택 근무가 가능하다

재택 근무를 폐지하다

재택 근무 중이다

재택 근무의 장점

재택 근무 수당

재택 근무 일수

재택 근무 환경

Common Phrases

재택 근무 중

— Currently working from home. Used as a status on messengers.

상태 메시지: 재택 근무 중

풀 재택

— Working from home 5 days a week (Full WFH).

저희 회사는 풀 재택이에요.

부분 재택

— Partial WFH (Hybrid model).

저희는 부분 재택이라 주 2회만 출근해요.

재택 알바

— A part-time job that can be done from home.

대학생 때 재택 알바를 많이 했어요.

재택 치료

— Recovering from an illness at home (often used during COVID-19).

확진 판정을 받고 재택 치료를 했어요.

재택 부업

— A side hustle done at home.

재택 부업으로 수입을 늘리고 있어요.

재택 확정

— Confirmed to work from home (often after a request).

드디어 내일 재택 확정됐어요!

재택 복귀

— Returning to WFH after a period of office work.

다음 주부터 다시 재택 복귀입니다.

재택 종료

— The end of a WFH period/policy.

재택 종료 소식에 다들 슬퍼해요.

상시 재택

— Permanent/Always WFH.

상시 재택 근무제를 운영 중입니다.

Often Confused With

재택 근무 vs 원격 근무

Remote work. Often used interchangeably, but '재택' is specifically at home.

재택 근무 vs 가사 노동

Housework. '재택 근무' is professional work; '가사 노동' is cleaning/cooking.

재택 근무 vs 자택 근무

An alternative spelling/pronunciation. '재택' is the standard professional term.

Idioms & Expressions

"방구석 근무"

— Slang for working in one's room (often slightly self-deprecating).

오늘도 방구석 근무 중입니다.

Slang

"재택은 꿀이다"

— WFH is like honey (meaning it's very sweet/easy/great).

역시 재택은 꿀이에요.

Slang

"눈치 재택"

— Working from home while feeling pressure from the boss (digital nunchi).

눈치 재택 하느라 더 힘들어요.

Colloquial

"침대에서 책상까지 5초"

— Commute is only 5 seconds (describing the ease of WFH).

재택은 침대에서 책상까지 5초면 충분하죠.

Colloquial

"화면빨 근무"

— Working where only the part seen on camera looks professional.

위에는 셔츠, 밑에는 잠옷 입고 화면빨 근무 해요.

Slang

"디지털 노마드의 삶"

— Living the life of a digital nomad (often associated with WFH).

재택 근무 덕분에 디지털 노마드의 삶을 살고 있어요.

Neutral

"집 나가면 고생"

— Leaving the house is a struggle (used to justify WFH).

집 나가면 고생인데 재택 하니까 너무 편해요.

Proverbial/Colloquial

"출퇴근 전쟁에서 해방"

— Liberated from the 'commuter war' (hellish commute).

재택 근무로 출퇴근 전쟁에서 해방되었습니다.

Informal

"유령 직원"

— Ghost employee (someone who works from home and is never seen).

재택만 하니까 거의 유령 직원 수준이에요.

Slang

"랜선 회식"

— Online company dinner (drinking together over Zoom while WFH).

재택 근무 기간이라 랜선 회식을 했어요.

Slang

Easily Confused

재택 근무 vs 야근

Both involve working outside standard office hours/places.

야근 is overtime (night work); 재택 근무 is the location (home). You can do 야근 while doing 재택 근무.

오늘은 재택 근무인데 야근까지 해야 해요.

재택 근무 vs 외근

Both mean working outside the office.

외근 is going out to meet clients or visit sites; 재택 근무 is staying at home.

오전에는 재택 근무를 하고 오후에는 외근을 나가요.

재택 근무 vs 부업

Many side hustles are done at home.

부업 is a side job; 재택 근무 is a mode of your main job.

재택 근무 시간에 부업을 하면 안 됩니다.

재택 근무 vs 휴가

Both involve being away from the office.

휴가 is a vacation (no work); 재택 근무 is still work.

재택 근무는 휴가가 아니에요. 일해야 해요.

재택 근무 vs 출근

People sometimes say '집으로 출근' (commuting to home).

출근 is the act of starting work at the office; 재택 근무 replaces the need to '출근' in the traditional sense.

오늘은 사무실로 출근하지 않고 재택 근무를 해요.

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Time] 재택 근무를 해요.

저는 오늘 재택 근무를 해요.

[Place]에서 재택 근무를 합니다.

제 방에서 재택 근무를 합니다.

재택 근무를 하면 [Advantage]어서 좋아요.

재택 근무를 하면 시간을 아낄 수 있어서 좋아요.

재택 근무의 가장 큰 [Noun]은/는 [Fact]입니다.

재택 근무의 가장 큰 단점은 소통이 어렵다는 점입니다.

[Company]은/는 재택 근무를 [Action]하고 있다.

우리 회사는 재택 근무를 권장하고 있다.

재택 근무의 [Noun]화는 [Social Change]을/를 초래한다.

재택 근무의 보편화는 주거 패턴의 변화를 초래한다.

[Condition]에 따라 재택 근무 효율이 달라진다.

개인의 성향에 따라 재택 근무 효율이 달라진다.

재택 근무는 [Philosophy] 패러다임의 일환이다.

재택 근무는 탈중심적 노동 패러다임의 일환이다.

Word Family

Nouns

재택 (Being at home)

근무 (Work/Duty)

근무지 (Workplace)

근무자 (Worker)

Verbs

근무하다 (To work)

재택하다 (To be at home - rare as standalone verb)

Adjectives

근무 중인 (Working)

재택 가능한 (WFH possible)

출퇴근 (Commuting)

사무실 (Office)

유연근무 (Flexible work)

화상회의 (Video conference)

원격 (Remote)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in urban areas and office-related contexts.

Common Mistakes

재택 근무를 일해요 (Jae-taek geun-mu-reul il-hae-yo) → 재택 근무를 해요 (Jae-taek geun-mu-reul hae-yo)
Adding '일해요' (work) after '근무' (work duty) is redundant. It's like saying 'I work my work duty.'
제택 근무 (Je-taek geun-mu) → 재택 근무 (Jae-taek geun-mu)
The first syllable uses 'ㅐ' (ae), not 'ㅔ' (e). '재' (在) means 'to be at'.
재택 근무를 가요 (Jae-taek geun-mu-reul ga-yo) → 집에서 근무해요 (Jib-eseo geun-mu-hae-yo)
You don't 'go' to WFH. You 'do' it or 'stay' in that state. Use '하다'.
재택 근무는 휴가예요 (Jae-taek geun-mu-neun hyu-ga-ye-yo) → 재택 근무는 업무의 연장이에요 (Jae-taek geun-mu-neun eop-mu-ui yeon-jang-i-e-yo)
Never treat WFH as a vacation in a Korean office context. It is an 'extension of work'.
원격 근무 (when specifically at home) → 재택 근무
While 'remote work' is technically correct, '재택 근무' is the more precise and expected term when the location is your home.

Tips

Use '중' for Boundaries

When you are working from home, friends might think you are free. Using '재택 근무 중이에요' (I'm in the middle of WFH) clearly signals that you are in professional mode and cannot be disturbed.

Learn '유연 근무'

If you like WFH, you should also learn '유연 근무제' (flexible work system). This is the umbrella term that many modern Korean companies use in their job descriptions.

The Cafe Distinction

If you are working from a cafe, Koreans will usually call it '카공' (cafe studying/working) or '원격 근무'. '재택' is strictly for the home. If you tell your boss you are '재택' but they hear cafe noises, it might be an issue!

Verb Pairing

Always pair it with '하다' or '중이다'. Avoid using it with '일하다' directly (e.g., don't say '재택 근무 일해요') because '근무' already implies 'work'.

The 'K' sound

In '재택', the 'k' (ㄱ) is an unreleased stop. Don't add a vowel sound after it. It's 'jae-taek', not 'jae-taek-eu'.

Email Status

When sending an email while WFH, it's polite to mention it if it might affect your response time: '현재 재택 근무 중이라 유선 연결이 어려울 수 있습니다' (I'm currently WFH so phone calls might be difficult).

Job Interviews

Asking about '재택 근무' is common now, but always frame it in terms of '업무 효율성' (work efficiency) to show you are focused on productivity, not just staying home.

Casual Shorthand

With colleagues you are close to, just say '나 오늘 재택이야' (I'm WFH today). It's the most natural way to communicate your status.

Home Office

The term '홈 오피스' is also used in Korea to describe the physical space, while '재택 근무' describes the act of working.

Labor Rights

In Korea, '재택 근무' is still subject to the 52-hour maximum work week law. Even at home, you have the right to log off!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jae' as 'Just' and 'Taek' as 'Take'. You 'Just Take' your work to your 'Home' (Taek). 'Geun-mu' sounds like 'Good Mood'—you're in a good mood working from home!

Visual Association

Visualize a house (택) with a Wi-Fi symbol coming out of it and a person inside wearing a suit on top and pajama pants on the bottom.

Word Web

집 (Home) 일 (Work) 컴퓨터 (Computer) 인터넷 (Internet) 파자마 (Pajamas) 줌 (Zoom) 편안함 (Comfort) 커피 (Coffee)

Challenge

Try to use '재택 근무' in a sentence describing your dream job. For example: '제 꿈의 직업은 매일 재택 근무를 하는 것입니다.'

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean characters (Hanja). '재' (在) means to exist/stay, '택' (宅) means house, '근' (勤) means diligence, and '무' (務) means duty. It is a compound word formed to describe modern labor practices.

Original meaning: Staying at one's residence while performing professional duties.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

Be mindful that '재택 근무' is a privilege. Many essential workers in Korea (delivery, manufacturing, healthcare) cannot work from home, so avoid complaining about it to people in those sectors.

In English-speaking countries, terms like 'WFH' or 'Remote Work' are used interchangeably. In Korea, '재택 근무' is more specific to the home location.

The movie 'Exit' (though about an emergency) reflects the dense urban environment that makes '재택 근무' a relief from commuting. K-Drama 'Start-Up' shows the modern tech culture where remote work is common. Webtoons like 'Misaeng' highlight the office life that '재택 근무' seeks to change.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Search

재택 근무 가능 여부
주 몇 회 재택인가요?
재택 근무 장비 지원
상시 재택 근무

Office Communication

저 오늘 재택입니다.
재택 근무 중이라 답변이 늦었습니다.
내일 재택 근무 신청할게요.
재택 근무 보고서

News/Economy

재택 근무 확산
재택 근무의 경제적 효과
기업들의 재택 근무 폐지
재택 근무와 생산성

Social Talk

재택 하니까 어때?
재택 하면 안 심심해?
나는 재택이 체질이야.
재택 하니까 살쪘어.

Legal/HR

재택 근무 가이드라인
재택 근무 시 근태 관리
재택 근무 보안 서약서
재택 근무 근로 계약

Conversation Starters

"혹시 회사에서 재택 근무를 자주 하시나요?"

"재택 근무와 사무실 출근 중에서 어떤 것을 더 선호하세요?"

"재택 근무를 할 때 가장 큰 장점이 뭐라고 생각하세요?"

"재택 근무 중일 때 집중력을 유지하는 본인만의 방법이 있나요?"

"회사가 갑자기 재택 근무를 폐지한다고 하면 어떻게 하실 거예요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 재택 근무를 하면서 느낀 장점과 단점을 세 가지씩 적어보세요.

내가 생각하는 가장 이상적인 재택 근무 환경에 대해 묘사해 보세요.

재택 근무가 나의 '워라밸'(Work-Life Balance)에 어떤 영향을 미치고 있나요?

만약 평생 재택 근무만 해야 한다면, 어떤 점이 가장 걱정될까요?

재택 근무가 한국의 기업 문화를 어떻게 바꾸고 있다고 생각하는지 서술하세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

재택 근무 (Jae-taek Geun-mu) specifically means working from your home (Taek). 원격 근무 (Won-gyeok Geun-mu) is a broader term for 'remote work' which can be done from anywhere, including cafes, libraries, or even while traveling. In a strict corporate policy, your company might allow 재택 근무 but not necessarily 원격 근무 from other locations.

It is a formal, Sino-Korean word. You can use it in business meetings, on your resume, or when talking to your boss. In casual settings with close friends, you might simply say '집에서 일해' (I work at home).

No, it is a noun. To use it as an action, you must add the verb '하다' (to do), making it '재택 근무를 하다'. You can also use '재택 근무 중이다' to mean 'I am in the middle of working from home.'

You can say '오늘은 재택 근무 하는 날이에요' (Today is the day I do WFH) or more simply '오늘 재택이에요' (I am WFH today).

'풀 재택' (Full WFH) is a common slang/Konglish term meaning you work from home five days a week, with no office attendance required.

It is '재택' (ㅐ). '제택' is a common spelling mistake. Remember that '재' (在) means 'to be at'.

In formal writing, yes: '재택 근무를 해요'. In casual speech, it is often dropped: '나 오늘 재택 근무 해'.

Yes, '재택' means 'being at home'. You might hear '재택 치료' (home treatment for an illness) or '재택 알바' (home-based part-time job).

You can ask: '재택 근무가 가능한가요?' (Is telecommuting possible?) or '재택 근무 제도가 있나요?' (Is there a telecommuting system?).

The most direct opposite in a daily context is '사무실 출근' (going to the office) or '현장 근무' (on-site work).