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복직하다

B1 verb #8,000 most common 11 min read

복직하다

bokjikhada Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 복직하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 복직하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '복직하다' might be a bit difficult because it is a formal word. However, you can think of it as 'going back to work' after a long break. Imagine you had a baby or were very sick and didn't go to your office for a long time. When you finally go back to your same office and same boss, that is '복직하다.' At this level, you don't need to use it often, but you might see it in simple stories about families. Just remember: '복' means 'back' and '직' means 'job.' So, 'back to job.' You can use it like this: '엄마가 복직해요' (Mom is going back to work). It is more formal than just saying '회사에 가요.'

For A2 learners, you should start to recognize '복직하다' in the context of workplace vocabulary. In Korea, many people take '육아휴직' (childcare leave). When that leave ends, they '복직' (return to work). You might hear this in basic conversations about work-life balance. A key point for A2 is the grammar: '복직하다' is a verb. You can say '언제 복직해요?' (When do you return to work?). It is important to distinguish this from '취직하다' (getting a new job). If you already have a job but took a break, use '복직.' If you are looking for a job for the first time, use '취직.'

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '복직하다' in professional and semi-formal contexts. You should understand that it refers to returning to a position after a formal '휴직' (leave of absence). You will encounter this word in news articles about labor issues or in office announcements. You should also learn the noun form '복직' and how it combines with other words, like '복직 신청' (applying to return to work). At this level, you should also be aware of the honorific form '복직하시다' for your superiors. For example: '부장님께서 다음 달에 복직하십니다.' This shows you understand Korean workplace hierarchy and etiquette.

B2 learners should understand the legal and social nuances of '복직하다.' This includes the concept of '부당 해고' (unfair dismissal) and the legal right to '복직.' You should be able to follow news reports about labor unions demanding the '복직' of workers. Also, you should distinguish '복직하다' from '복귀하다' (to return to a state/position) and '귀임하다' (to return to a post after a mission). For instance, a politician '복귀's to politics, but a teacher '복직's to their school. You should also be comfortable using the causative form '복직시키다' (to reinstate someone) when the subject is an organization or a court.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of '복직하다' within the context of Korean labor law and corporate culture. You should be able to discuss the social implications of '복직,' such as the difficulties women face when returning to work after a career break (경력 단절). You should be familiar with academic or formal terms like '복직령' (reinstatement order) or '복직 예정자' (person expected to return to work). Your usage should reflect an understanding of the subtle emotional weight the word can carry—ranging from the relief of a restored career to the tension of returning to a workplace after a legal battle.

For C2 learners, '복직하다' is a word you can use with full native-like precision. You can use it in complex legal arguments, high-level business negotiations, or literary writing. You understand the historical context of '복직' in Korea, such as the reinstatement of teachers or journalists who were dismissed for political reasons in the past. You can use the word metaphorically or in highly specific administrative contexts without hesitation. You also understand how the word interacts with other high-level Hanja-based vocabulary to describe the intricacies of personnel management and labor relations in the Korean public and private sectors.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

복직하다 in 30 Seconds

복직하다 means to return to your previous job after a formal leave of absence.
It is commonly used for maternity leave, sick leave, or legal reinstatement.
It is a formal workplace term, distinct from daily commuting or starting a new job.
The causative form is 복직시키다, meaning to reinstate someone else.

The Korean verb 복직하다 (bok-jik-ha-da) is a formal and specific term used to describe the act of returning to one's previous job or position after a period of absence. This isn't just about 'going back to work' on a Monday morning; it specifically refers to the end of a formal leave of absence, such as maternity leave, sick leave, or even a period of suspension. The word is composed of two Hanja characters: 복 (復) meaning 'to return' or 'to restore,' and 직 (職) meaning 'duty' or 'office.' When you combine them with the verb-forming suffix 하다, you get a term that carries significant weight in professional and legal contexts.

Professional Context: Used when an employee officially resumes their duties after an approved break. This is common in HR documentation and formal office communication.

Legal/Social Context: Often appears in news reports regarding labor disputes where workers are 'reinstated' after being unfairly dismissed or laid off.

그녀는 1년간의 육아휴직을 마치고 다음 달에 복직하다.

Translation: She will return to her job next month after finishing a one-year childcare leave.

Understanding the nuance of '복직' is crucial for anyone navigating a Korean workplace. Unlike '출근하다' (to go to work), which is a daily routine, '복직하다' signifies a major transition. It implies that the person's status as an employee was maintained (on paper) even while they were physically away. For example, if a teacher takes a two-year sabbatical to study abroad, their return to the classroom is described as '복직.' It is a formal restoration of their rights, responsibilities, and salary within the organization.

부당 해고를 당했던 노동자들이 마침내 복직하게 되었습니다.

Translation: The workers who were unfairly dismissed have finally been reinstated.

In a broader sense, '복직' represents the continuity of a career path. In modern Korea, where 'Gyeong-dan-nyeo' (women whose careers are interrupted) is a significant social issue, the act of '복직' is often celebrated as a successful navigation of work-life balance. It is a word filled with relief for the employee and administrative finality for the employer. Whether it is after recovering from a long illness or completing military service (though '복귀' is more common for military), '복직' marks the end of a hiatus and the resumption of professional life.

건강이 회복되어 곧 복직할 수 있을 것 같습니다.

Translation: My health has recovered, so I think I will be able to return to work soon.

Usage Frequency: High in corporate and legal settings; medium in daily conversation among office workers.

그는 명예를 회복하고 원래의 직위로 복직했다.

Translation: He restored his honor and was reinstated to his original position.

To wrap up this section, think of '복직하다' as the 'undo' button for a professional pause. It is the formal bridge that connects your past employment history to your present, ensuring that your seniority and tenure remain intact. It is a word of restoration, continuity, and often, triumph over personal or legal obstacles.

Using 복직하다 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as an intransitive verb. While in English we might say 'to reinstate someone,' in Korean, '복직하다' is something the employee *does* (returns to work), while '복직시키다' is what the company *does* (reinstates the employee). This distinction is vital for accurate communication. Let's look at how to conjugate and apply this word in various sentence structures, ranging from simple statements to complex professional reports.

Base Form & Conjugation: Present: 복직합니다 (Formal), 복직해요 (Polite), 복직해 (Informal). Past: 복직했습니다. Future: 복직할 것입니다.

사고 후 6개월 만에 그는 현장으로 복직했습니다.

Translation: Six months after the accident, he returned to the work site.

When constructing sentences, you often use the particle '-으로' or '-에' to indicate the place or position one is returning to. For example, '회사로 복직하다' (return to the company) or '원직에 복직하다' (return to the original post). You will also frequently see it used with time-related expressions like '~만에' (after a lapse of time) or '~후에' (after).

휴직 기간이 끝나면 바로 복직할 계획입니다.

Translation: I plan to return to work immediately after the leave period ends.

In more formal or written Korean, '복직' (the noun) is often paired with other verbs. '복직이 결정되다' (reinstatement is decided) or '복직을 명령하다' (to order reinstatement). In labor law contexts, you'll see '복직 소송' (a lawsuit for reinstatement). This shows that the word is deeply embedded in the administrative framework of Korean society.

Common Subject Markers: The subject is usually an employee (직원), teacher (교사), or worker (노동자). Example: '선생님께서 학교로 복직하셨다.'

정부는 해고된 공무원들을 전원 복직시키기로 했습니다.

Translation: The government decided to reinstate all dismissed civil servants. (Note the causative '-시키다')

Furthermore, '복직하다' can be used in the honorific form '복직하시다' when speaking about someone of higher status, like a boss or a senior colleague. This is essential for maintaining proper etiquette in a Korean office. For instance, '부장님께서는 언제 복직하십니까?' (When is the department manager returning to work?).

그는 오랜 투병 끝에 건강한 모습으로 복직했다.

Translation: After a long struggle with illness, he returned to work in good health.

Finally, consider the emotional tone. While '복직' is a formal term, it can carry a sense of relief or anxiety. In conversation, it is often accompanied by adverbs like '드디어' (finally), '무사히' (safely/successfully), or '어렵게' (with difficulty), which color the sentence with the speaker's perspective on the return.

The word 복직하다 is ubiquitous in specific domains of Korean life. Understanding where you are likely to encounter it will help you grasp its cultural weight. The most common setting is the Korean office, particularly within Human Resources (인사과). If you work in Korea, you will see this word in company-wide emails, on bulletin boards, and in official personnel announcements. It is the standard term for documenting the return of a colleague from any long-term leave.

In the News: News anchors frequently use this word when reporting on labor strikes or court rulings. Phrases like '해고 노동자 복직' (reinstatement of dismissed workers) are common headlines.

법원은 회사가 그를 즉각 복직시켜야 한다고 판결했습니다.

Translation: The court ruled that the company must reinstate him immediately.

Another major area is social media and online communities, especially those focused on parenting (맘카페 - Mom Cafes). For many Korean women, '복직' is a major life milestone after childcare leave. You will find thousands of posts titled '복직 고민' (worries about returning to work) or '복직 후기' (stories of returning to work). These discussions often involve tips on how to handle the first day back, how to balance childcare, and how to deal with the changes in the workplace during their absence.

육아휴직 후 복직하는 것이 두려워요.

Translation: I am afraid of returning to work after my childcare leave.

In television dramas (K-Dramas), '복직' often serves as a plot device. A character might have been unfairly fired due to a corporate conspiracy and spends several episodes fighting for their '복직.' When they finally walk back into the lobby of the company building, it is a moment of catharsis for the audience. This reflects the high value placed on stable employment in Korean society.

Academic/Legal Papers: In studies about the labor market, '복직률' (reinstatement rate) is a key metric used to analyze the effectiveness of family-friendly policies.

회사는 복직한 직원들을 위한 적응 교육을 실시했다.

Translation: The company conducted adaptation training for the employees who returned to work.

Lastly, you'll hear it in casual office gossip (뒷담화) or coffee break conversations. Colleagues might discuss when 'Kim-daeri' (Assistant Manager Kim) is coming back from his sick leave. '김 대리님, 다음 주에 복직하신대요' (I heard Assistant Manager Kim is returning to work next week). In this context, it is a neutral piece of information that affects the team's workload and dynamics.

그는 파업을 중단하고 현장 복직을 선택했다.

Translation: He stopped the strike and chose to return to the work site.

Despite its clear definition, learners often make mistakes with 복직하다 by confusing it with other 'return' or 'employment' words. The most common error is using it when you simply mean 'going to work' in the morning. For that, you should use '출근하다.' '복직하다' is only for returning after a *significant leave* (휴직). If you use '복직하다' to describe your daily commute, Koreans will be very confused and might ask if you were recently on a long-term break!

Mistake: Confusing with 취직하다: 취직하다 means getting a NEW job. 복직하다 means returning to your OLD job. If you quit a company and join a different one, that is not '복직.'

Wrong: 다른 회사로 복직했어요. (I returned to work at a different company.)

Correction: 다른 회사에 취직했어요 or 재취업했어요.

Another mistake involves the difference between 복직하다 and 복귀하다. While they are similar, '복귀하다' is a broader term meaning 'to return to a previous state or position' and can be used for celebrities returning to the screen, athletes returning to the field, or soldiers returning to their unit. '복직하다' is strictly for 'jobs' (직업/직무). You wouldn't say an actor '복직하다' unless they were actually an employee of a broadcasting station who took a leave of absence.

Wrong: 휴가 후에 복직했다. (I returned to work after a vacation.)

Correction: 휴가 후에 복귀했다 or 출근했다.

Learners also struggle with the causative form. As mentioned in the 'How to Use' section, '복직하다' is the subject's action. If you want to say the company 'brought someone back,' you must use 복직시키다. Using '복직하다' with a company as the subject is grammatically incorrect. For example, '회사가 그를 복직했다' is wrong; it must be '회사가 그를 복직시켰다.'

Confusion with 재입사하다: 재입사하다 (re-joining) is used when you officially quit (resigned) and then applied to the same company again later. 복직 is for when you never officially 'quit' but were on 'leave.'

그는 사직서를 냈었기 때문에 복직이 아니라 재입사한 것이다.

Translation: Because he had submitted a resignation letter, it was not a reinstatement (복직) but a re-joining (재입사).

Finally, watch out for the pronunciation. The 'ㄱ' in '복' and 'ㅈ' in '직' can sometimes blend in fast speech, but in formal settings, it's important to pronounce the 'ㄱ' clearly as a stop sound [bok-jik-ha-da]. Pronouncing it loosely might make it sound like '보직' (assignment/post), which is a different word entirely.

To truly master 복직하다, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. Korean has many words for 'returning,' but each fits a specific context. Let's compare '복직하다' with its closest relatives: 복귀하다, 귀임하다, and 재취업하다. Knowing which one to pick will make your Korean sound much more natural and professional.

복직하다 vs. 복귀하다: 복직 is specific to jobs/employment. 복귀 is general. You can '복귀' to the music scene, to health, or to a game. Use '복직' only for the workplace.

그 가수는 3년 만에 무대로 복귀했다. (Correct: Music scene)

Note: You cannot use '복직했다' here because being a singer on stage isn't a 'post' (직) in the corporate sense.

복직하다 vs. 귀임하다: 귀임 (歸任) literally means 'returning to one's appointed post.' It is used when someone returns from a business trip or a temporary assignment elsewhere. '복직' implies you were *away* from work entirely, while '귀임' implies you were *working elsewhere* and came back.

출장을 마친 대사가 본국으로 귀임했다.

Translation: The ambassador returned to his home country after finishing the business trip.

복직하다 vs. 재입사하다: As discussed, '복직' is returning after a leave (the contract never ended). '재입사' is being hired again after officially quitting. This is a very important legal distinction in Korea regarding severance pay and seniority.

In some informal contexts, you might hear people say '다시 나가다' (to go out again) or '다시 일하다' (to work again). These are much simpler and less formal. For example, '다음 달부터 다시 나가요' (I'm going back [to work] from next month). While '복직하다' is the correct term for forms and formal talk, '다시 출근하다' is often used in casual conversation with friends.

그는 해고 무효 소송에서 승소하여 복직의 길을 열었다.

Translation: He won the lawsuit for nullification of dismissal, opening the way for reinstatement.

By learning these distinctions, you can avoid the 'uncanny valley' of language learning where you use a word that is technically correct but contextually slightly off. '복직하다' is a powerful word that carries the weight of a career being restored; use it when that weight is appropriate.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 復 (복) is the same one used in 'Gwang-bok-jeol' (Liberation Day), meaning 'restoration' of light/sovereignty.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pok.tɕik.ha.da/

US /boʊk.dʒɪk.hɑ.dɑ/

The primary stress is on the second syllable '직' (jik).

Rhymes With

공직하다 (to hold public office) 정직하다 (to be honest - though an adjective) 퇴직하다 (to retire) 이직하다 (to change jobs) 취직하다 (to get a job) 재직하다 (to be in office) 면직하다 (to be dismissed) 휴직하다 (to take a leave)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '복' as '보' (missing the final k sound).
Pronouncing '직' as '식' (confusing j with s).
Blending 'ㄱ' and 'ㅎ' into a 'ㅋ' sound (bok-kik-ha-da), which is common but should be avoided in very formal speech.
Incorrectly stressing the first syllable.
Muttering the '하다' part too quickly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know the Hanja for 'return' and 'job'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct spelling and understanding of formal verb endings.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but must be clear in formal settings.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and office talk; easy to identify by the 'bok' sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

회사 (Company) 일하다 (To work) 휴직 (Leave) 직업 (Job) 돌아가다 (To go back)

Learn Next

퇴직하다 (To retire) 이직하다 (To change jobs) 승진하다 (To be promoted) 해고하다 (To fire) 발령받다 (To be assigned to a post)

Advanced

부당 해고 (Unfair dismissal) 노동법 (Labor law) 경력 단절 (Career break) 인사 고과 (Personnel evaluation) 단체 협약 (Collective agreement)

Grammar to Know

-(으)ㄴ 후에 (After doing)

복직한 후에 회의에 참석했다.

-기 전에 (Before doing)

복직하기 전에 동료들을 만났다.

-게 되다 (To come to be)

어렵게 복직하게 되었습니다.

-시키다 (Causative)

사장은 그를 복직시켰다.

-(으)려고 (In order to)

복직하려고 서류를 준비해요.

Examples by Level

우리 엄마는 내년에 복직해요.

My mom is returning to work next year.

Present tense of 복직하다.

선생님이 학교로 복직하셨어요.

The teacher returned to the school.

Honorific past tense.

언제 복직할 거예요?

When are you going to return to work?

Future tense question.

아빠는 오늘 복직했어요.

Dad returned to work today.

Simple past tense.

복직해서 기뻐요.

I am happy because I returned to work.

-어서/아서 (reason) construction.

그녀는 곧 복직합니다.

She will return to work soon.

Formal present tense.

복직하고 싶어요.

I want to return to work.

-고 싶다 (want to) construction.

친구의 복직을 축하해요.

Congratulations on your friend's return to work.

Noun form '복직' used with an object marker.

육아휴직이 끝나서 복직했어요.

My childcare leave ended, so I returned to work.

Connecting two clauses with -아서/어서.

그는 아파서 쉬다가 어제 복직했다.

He was sick and resting, then returned to work yesterday.

Plain style past tense.

복직한 후에 일이 많아요.

There is a lot of work after returning to the job.

-(으)ㄴ 후에 (after doing) construction.

언니는 복직을 준비하고 있어요.

My older sister is preparing to return to work.

-고 있다 (progressive) construction.

복직하기 전에 여행을 갔어요.

I went on a trip before returning to work.

-기 전에 (before doing) construction.

회사가 그를 복직시켰어요.

The company reinstated him.

Causative form -시키다.

복직하면 월급을 다시 받아요.

If I return to work, I will receive a salary again.

-(으)면 (if/when) conditional.

그녀는 복직 날짜를 기다려요.

She is waiting for her return-to-work date.

Noun '복직' modifying '날짜'.

부장님께서는 건강을 회복하신 후 복직하셨습니다.

The department manager returned to work after recovering his health.

High formal honorifics.

복직을 하려면 어떤 서류가 필요한가요?

What documents are needed to return to work?

-(으)려면 (if you intend to) construction.

그는 부당하게 해고되었다가 겨우 복직했다.

He was unfairly fired but barely managed to be reinstated.

Adverb '겨우' (barely/finally).

회사는 복직한 직원들에게 교육을 제공한다.

The company provides training to employees who have returned to work.

Adnominal clause '복직한 직원'.

육아휴직 후 복직하는 비율이 높아지고 있습니다.

The rate of returning to work after childcare leave is increasing.

-아/어지다 (become/get) construction.

그녀는 복직 대신 퇴사를 결정했다.

She decided to resign instead of returning to work.

'대신' (instead of) usage.

복직 소식을 듣고 모두가 기뻐했습니다.

Everyone was happy to hear the news of the reinstatement.

Noun '소식' (news) with '복직'.

그는 예전 부서로 복직하기를 원합니다.

He wants to be reinstated to his former department.

-기를 원하다 (want to) construction.

노조는 해고 노동자 전원의 즉각 복직을 요구했다.

The labor union demanded the immediate reinstatement of all dismissed workers.

Formal noun usage in a demand.

법원의 판결에 따라 그는 원래 직위로 복직하게 되었다.

Following the court's ruling, he came to be reinstated to his original position.

-게 되다 (to come to/to happen to).

복직 후 업무에 적응하는 데 시간이 좀 걸렸어요.

It took some time to adjust to the work after returning.

-는 데 (in doing/for doing) construction.

회사는 경영 악화를 이유로 그의 복직을 거부했다.

The company refused his reinstatement, citing worsening management.

-(으)로 (reason/cause) marker.

그녀는 복직을 앞두고 아이를 맡길 곳을 찾고 있다.

With her return to work approaching, she is looking for a place to leave her child.

-을 앞두고 (ahead of/approaching).

정치적 이유로 해직되었던 교사들이 대거 복직되었다.

Teachers who were dismissed for political reasons were reinstated in large numbers.

Passive-like usage with -되다.

복직은 단순히 일터로 돌아가는 것 이상의 의미가 있다.

Returning to work means more than just going back to the workplace.

'~ 이상의 의미' (meaning beyond ~).

그는 복직 신청서를 제출하고 결과를 기다리는 중이다.

He submitted the application for reinstatement and is in the middle of waiting for the result.

-는 중이다 (in the middle of).

경력 단절 여성을 위한 복직 지원 프로그램이 확충되어야 한다.

Support programs for the reinstatement of women with career breaks must be expanded.

Passive necessity -어야 한다.

회사는 복직자들의 원활한 복귀를 위해 멘토링 제도를 도입했다.

The company introduced a mentoring system for the smooth return of those reinstated.

Noun '복직자' (person who returns to work).

해고 무효 소송에서 승소함으로써 복직의 정당성을 확보했다.

By winning the lawsuit for nullification of dismissal, the legitimacy of reinstatement was secured.

-(으)ㅁ으로써 (by doing/through).

그는 복직 후에도 한동안 동료들의 따가운 시선을 견뎌야 했다.

Even after returning to work, he had to endure the stinging glares of his colleagues for a while.

Metaphorical expression '따가운 시선'.

복직 절차가 복잡하여 인사팀에 여러 번 문의를 했다.

The reinstatement procedure was complex, so I inquired with the HR team several times.

Reason -아/어서 with complexity.

명예퇴직 대신 복직을 선택한 것은 그에게 큰 도전이었다.

Choosing reinstatement over voluntary resignation was a big challenge for him.

-는 것 (nominalization) as a subject.

정부는 공공기관의 복직 이행 여부를 철저히 감독하기로 했다.

The government decided to thoroughly supervise whether public institutions are implementing reinstatements.

'- 여부' (whether or not).

오랜 공백 끝에 복직한 만큼 그는 누구보다 열심히 일했다.

As much as he returned after a long hiatus, he worked harder than anyone.

-(으)ㄴ 만큼 (as much as/since).

복직은 노동권의 핵심적인 가치 중 하나로 간주된다.

Reinstatement is considered one of the core values of labor rights.

Formal passive '간주된다'.

회사의 복직 거부는 명백한 단체 협약 위반이라는 주장이 제기되었다.

Claims were raised that the company's refusal to reinstate is a clear violation of the collective agreement.

Complex noun phrases and reported speech.

그는 복직을 통해 실추된 명예를 회복하고자 고군분투했다.

He struggled hard to restore his tarnished honor through reinstatement.

Idiom '고군분투하다' (to struggle alone).

과거 민주화 운동으로 해직된 인사들의 복직은 역사적 정의의 실현이다.

The reinstatement of those dismissed due to past democratization movements is the realization of historical justice.

Abstract philosophical subject.

복직 예정 통보를 받은 그의 심경은 복잡미묘했다.

His feelings upon receiving the notice of scheduled reinstatement were complex and subtle.

Adjective '복잡미묘하다'.

사측은 복직자들에게 불이익을 주지 않겠다는 약속을 이행해야 한다.

The management must fulfill the promise not to disadvantage those who have returned to work.

'사측' (management side) and '이행하다' (fulfill).

복직 이후의 조직 융화 문제는 기업이 해결해야 할 숙제이다.

The issue of organizational harmony after reinstatement is a task that corporations must solve.

Metaphorical use of '숙제' (homework/task).

그의 복직은 단순히 개인의 복귀를 넘어 노동 시장에 큰 파장을 일으켰다.

His reinstatement went beyond a simple individual return and caused a great stir in the labor market.

'~을 넘어' (beyond) and '파장을 일으키다' (cause a stir).

Common Collocations

복직을 신청하다

현장에 복직하다

즉각 복직시키다

복직을 환영하다

성공적으로 복직하다

복직이 결정되다

복직을 거부하다

복직을 앞두다

원직에 복직하다

복직 소송

Common Phrases

복직 예정일

— The scheduled date of return to work.

나의 복직 예정일은 10월 1일이다.

복직 신고

— Formal report of returning to work.

복직 신고를 하러 인사과에 갔다.

복직원

— A written application/form for reinstatement.

복직원을 작성해서 제출하세요.

복직 대기

— Waiting for reinstatement.

그는 현재 복직 대기 상태이다.

복직 기념

— Commemorating the return to work.

복직 기념으로 선물을 받았다.

복직 희망자

— A person who wishes to return to work.

복직 희망자 명단을 확인했다.

복직 명령

— An official order to return to work.

회사로부터 복직 명령을 받았다.

복직 축하

— Congratulations on returning to work.

복직 축하 파티를 열었다.

복직 후 적응

— Adjustment after returning to work.

복직 후 적응이 쉽지 않다.

복직 상담

— Counseling regarding returning to work.

복직 상담을 받으러 갔다.

Often Confused With

복직하다 vs 출근하다

Daily going to work vs. returning from long leave.

복직하다 vs 취직하다

Getting a new job vs. returning to the old one.

복직하다 vs 복귀하다

General return vs. specific job return.

Idioms & Expressions

"금의환향하다"

— To return home in glory (often used when someone returns to a high position after a struggle).

그는 복직하며 금의환향했다.

Literary/Formal

"제자리를 찾다"

— To find one's proper place (used when someone returns to their role).

복직을 하니 이제야 제자리를 찾은 것 같다.

Neutral

"다시 날개를 펴다"

— To spread one's wings again (resume a career).

복직을 통해 그녀는 다시 날개를 폈다.

Metaphorical

"심기일전하다"

— To change one's mind and start afresh.

복직하며 심기일전하여 열심히 일하기로 했다.

Formal

"발판을 마련하다"

— To create a stepping stone (reinstatement as a start).

이번 복직은 그의 재기의 발판을 마련해 주었다.

Neutral

"눈물을 닦다"

— To wipe away tears (overcome hardship through return).

복직 소식에 그는 그간의 눈물을 닦았다.

Emotional

"문턱을 넘다"

— To cross the threshold (return to the office).

다시 회사의 문턱을 넘는 기분이 남다르다.

Neutral

"숨통이 트이다"

— To be able to breathe again (financial/mental relief of returning).

복직을 하니 경제적으로 숨통이 트인다.

Colloquial

"이름을 올리다"

— To put one's name on the list (officially return).

복직자 명단에 이름을 올렸다.

Neutral

"원점으로 돌아가다"

— To return to the starting point (resuming where one left off).

복직은 그에게 원점으로 돌아가는 기회였다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

복직하다 vs 보직 (Assignment)

Similar sound.

Bojik is a specific assignment; Bokjik is returning to work.

그는 새로운 보직을 받았다.

복직하다 vs 퇴직 (Retirement)

Opposite meaning, same suffix.

Toejik is leaving for good; Bokjik is coming back.

아버지는 작년에 퇴직하셨다.

복직하다 vs 이직 (Changing jobs)

Both involve a change in status.

Ijik is moving to a different company.

그는 더 좋은 회사로 이직했다.

복직하다 vs 정직 (Suspension)

Often precedes reinstatement.

Jeongjik is being suspended; Bokjik is the return after it.

그는 3개월 정직 처분을 받았다.

복직하다 vs 재직 (Being in office)

Describes the state of working.

Jaejik is 'currently working'; Bokjik is 'returning to work'.

그는 10년째 재직 중이다.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject]이/가 [Time]에 복직해요.

민수 씨가 내일 복직해요.

[Subject]이/가 [Reason]-아서/어서 복직했다.

건강이 좋아져서 복직했다.

[Subject]께서는 [Position](으)로 복직하셨다.

부장님께서는 팀장으로 복직하셨다.

[Place]은/는 [Person]을/를 복직시켰다.

병원은 간호사들을 복직시켰다.

[Subject]은/는 복직을 앞두고 [Action]-고 있다.

그는 복직을 앞두고 공부를 하고 있다.

복직은 [Abstract Concept]의 일환이다.

복직은 사회 통합의 일환이다.

[Condition]에도 불구하고 복직에 성공했다.

어려운 상황에도 불구하고 복직에 성공했다.

복직을 둘러싼 [Noun]이/가 치열하다.

복직을 둘러싼 법적 공방이 치열하다.

Word Family

Nouns

복직 (Reinstatement/Return to work)

복직자 (Person who returns to work)

복직원 (Application for reinstatement)

복직령 (Order of reinstatement)

Verbs

복직시키다 (To reinstate someone)

복직되다 (To be reinstated)

휴직 (Leave of absence)

사직 (Resignation)

직장 (Workplace)

직무 (Duty)

해직 (Dismissal)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional, legal, and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

회사가 그를 복직했다. → 회사가 그를 복직시켰다.
'복직하다' is intransitive; the person returns. The company 'causes' them to return, so -시키다 is needed.
휴가 후에 복직했어요. → 휴가 후에 출근했어요.
'복직' is for long-term leave (휴직), not short vacations (휴가).
새로운 회사로 복직했어요. → 새로운 회사에 취직했어요.
'복직' means returning to the *same* job. For a new company, use '취직'.
복직을 퇴사했어요. → 복직 대신 퇴사했어요.
You can't 'resign a reinstatement'. You resign 'instead of' returning.
가수가 무대로 복직했다. → 가수가 무대로 복귀했다.
Singers don't have an 'office post' in the corporate sense; use '복귀' for general returns.

Tips

Causative Form

Remember to use -시키다 when an organization is the subject and they are 'bringing back' an employee. '회사가 복직시켰다' is the correct way to say 'The company reinstated him'.

Parental Leave

In Korea, '육아휴직 후 복직' is a very common phrase. It is a legal right, and many social programs support this transition.

Hanja Power

Learning '직' (Job) helps you learn other words like '취직' (getting a job), '퇴직' (retiring), and '이직' (changing jobs).

Office Talk

When a colleague returns, say '복직을 축하드려요!' (Congratulations on your return!) to be polite.

Vacation vs. Leave

Never use '복직' for a 1-week vacation. It sounds like you were gone for months or years.

Formal Documents

On official forms, always use '복직' rather than '다시 일함'.

Honorifics

Always use '복직하시다' for people older than you or higher in rank.

News Keywords

In news about strikes, '복직' is a keyword that indicates the workers' demands.

Mnemonic

Bok = Back. Jik = Job. Bok-Jik = Back to Job. Simple and effective!

Networking

Asking about someone's '복직' date is a good way to show interest in their career path.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Bok' as 'Back' and 'Jik' as 'Job'. Bok-Jik = Back to Job.

Visual Association

Imagine a revolving door at an office. You went out (leave), and now you are revolving back in (복직).

Word Web

회사 (Company) 휴직 (Leave) 월급 (Salary) 동료 (Colleagues) 복귀 (Return) 직위 (Position) 인사과 (HR) 업무 (Task)

Challenge

Try to write a sentence using both '휴직하다' (to take a leave) and '복직하다' (to return). For example: '1년 동안 휴직한 후에 드디어 복직했습니다.'

Word Origin

Derived from Hanja (Sino-Korean characters).

Original meaning: 復 (복) meaning 'to return, restore, or repeat' + 職 (직) meaning 'duty, job, or office'.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing '복직' with colleagues; for some, it might follow a traumatic event like a long illness or a legal battle.

In English-speaking corporate cultures, we often just say 'returning from leave' or 'reinstatement.' 'Reinstatement' sounds more legal, while 'returning to work' is more casual. '복직하다' covers both nuances.

The movie 'Cart' (2014) focuses on workers fighting for their reinstatement (복직). K-Drama 'Misaeng' touches upon the temporary status of workers and the desire for permanent 'reinstatement' or status. Labor leader Chun Tae-il's legacy is often linked to the fight for workers' rights, including the right to keep one's job.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

After Maternity/Paternity Leave

육아휴직 후 복직
복직을 축하합니다
아이를 맡기고 복직하다
단축 근무 후 복직

Labor Disputes

해고 노동자 복직
복직 투쟁
전원 복직
복직 판결

Health Recovery

병가 후 복직
건강한 모습으로 복직
완쾌하여 복직하다
복직 상담

Sabbatical/Study Leave

연수 후 복직
학교로 복직하다
복직 신고
원직 복직

Administrative Changes

인사 발령과 복직
복직 발령
복직 대기 발령
복직 절차

Conversation Starters

"휴직 기간이 끝나가는데, 언제 복직하세요? (Your leave is ending; when are you returning?)"

"복직하신 것을 진심으로 환영합니다! (We sincerely welcome your return to work!)"

"복직 후에 업무 적응은 잘 되고 계신가요? (Is your adjustment to work going well after returning?)"

"이번에 복직하시는 분이 누구라고 하셨죠? (Who did you say is returning to work this time?)"

"복직 신청서는 어디에 제출해야 하나요? (Where should I submit the reinstatement application?)"

Journal Prompts

복직을 앞둔 심경을 서술해 보세요. (Describe your feelings ahead of returning to work.)

성공적인 복직을 위해 무엇을 준비해야 할까요? (What should be prepared for a successful return to work?)

복직 첫날의 풍경을 일기로 써 보세요. (Write a diary entry about the scene on your first day back at work.)

회사가 복직자들을 위해 어떤 지원을 해야 한다고 생각하나요? (What support do you think companies should provide for returnees?)

복직 후 가장 크게 달라진 점은 무엇인가요? (What is the biggest change after returning to work?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '복직하다' is for returning after a formal leave of absence (휴직). For a vacation, use '출근하다' or '복귀하다'.

'복직' is returning when you were still technically employed (on leave). '재입사' is being rehired after you officially quit (resigned).

Yes, it is a formal word. In casual talk, people might say '다시 일하러 가요' or '다시 출근해요'.

Use '복직시키다'. Example: '회사가 그를 복직시켰다' (The company reinstated him).

No, for students returning to school after a break, use '복학하다' (return to school).

It uses 復 (return) and 職 (job/duty).

Yes, especially in office dramas where a character fights to get their job back after a scandal or unfair firing.

Yes, '복직' is the noun. You can say '복직을 원해요' (I want reinstatement).

For military, '복귀' is more common for returning to base, and '제대 후 복직' is used for returning to a job after finishing service.

It means 'a person who has returned to their job' (the returnee).