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출근 시간

A2 noun #3,500 most common 11 min read

출근 시간

chulgeun sigan Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 출근 시간 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 출근 시간 in your Level:

At the A1 level, 출근 시간 (chulgeun sigan) is taught as a basic time-related noun. Students learn that it means 'work time' or 'time to go to work.' At this stage, the focus is on simple identification and basic sentence structures. You might learn to say what time you go to work using the pattern: '[Time]에 출근해요.' For example, '9시에 출근해요' (I go to work at 9:00).

A1 learners should focus on the two parts of the word: chulgeun (going to work) and sigan (time). Recognizing these components helps in understanding other words like toegun (leaving work) and sigan (time). The most important thing for an A1 learner is to know that this word describes the *morning* routine. You will use it when talking about your daily schedule or asking others about theirs. Common questions at this level include '출근 시간이 몇 시예요?' (What time is your work start time?). This is a fundamental building block for describing a typical day in Korean.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 출근 시간 in more descriptive contexts, particularly when talking about transportation and the duration of tasks. You will learn to use the verb geollida (to take time) with chulgeun sigan. For example, '출근 시간이 한 시간 걸려요' (The commute takes one hour). This level also introduces the idea of 'rush hour' and how it affects the city.

You will start to use particles more accurately, such as chulgeun sigan-e (during/at the commute time) to describe things that happen while you are on your way to work, like listening to music or reading. You'll also learn to contrast it with toegun sigan. A typical A2 sentence might be: '출근 시간에는 지하철에 사람이 아주 많아요' (During the commute time, there are many people on the subway). This level moves beyond just 'what time' to 'what it's like' during that time.

At the B1 level, learners can discuss the implications of 출근 시간 on their personal lives and well-being. You might talk about the stress of the morning rush or how you try to avoid it. You'll use more complex grammar like ~기 때문에 (because) or ~려고 (in order to). For example, '출근 시간을 피하려고 일찍 일어납니다' (I wake up early in order to avoid the rush hour).

B1 students also start to recognize the cultural expectations around punctuality in Korea. You might discuss the '10-minute rule' or the concept of 'Ji-ok-cheol' (Subway Hell). You can handle more varied collocations like chulgeun sigan-eul jikida (to be on time) or chulgeun sigan-eul jocheolhada (to adjust the start time). This level is about expressing opinions and managing situations related to the morning routine, such as explaining a delay to a boss or planning a meeting.

B2 learners can use 출근 시간 in the context of corporate policy and societal trends. You might discuss 'flexible work hours' (유연근무제) and how it impacts the traditional chulgeun sigan. You'll be able to read news articles about traffic congestion and urban planning that use this term. At this level, you should be comfortable with more formal vocabulary like eommu sijak sigan (work commencement time) and understand when to use it over the more casual chulgeun sigan.

You can also engage in debates about work-life balance (Wo-ra-bel) and how long chulgeun sigan (commute duration) affects productivity. You might use the term in a professional report or a presentation about office efficiency. Your use of particles and honorifics when discussing chulgeun sigan with superiors will be more refined, reflecting an understanding of Korean social hierarchy.

At the C1 level, 출근 시간 is used in nuanced discussions about sociology, economics, and urban geography. You might analyze the correlation between high real estate prices in Seoul and the lengthening chulgeun sigan for workers living in satellite cities like Incheon or Suwon. You'll understand the historical context of how the standard chulgeun sigan has evolved since the industrialization of Korea.

C1 learners can appreciate literary or journalistic uses of the term, where it might be used metaphorically to represent the grind of daily life or the loss of individuality in a crowded society. You can discuss complex topics such as the 'Morning Person' trend and its relationship to the competitive nature of the Korean workforce. Your vocabulary will include high-level Hanja terms related to labor and time management, and you'll be able to switch registers effortlessly depending on whether you're talking to a friend or writing an academic paper.

C2 speakers have a native-like grasp of 출근 시간 and its place in the Korean psyche. You can engage in philosophical discussions about the nature of time and labor in a post-modern society, using the morning commute as a case study. You'll recognize subtle wordplay or puns involving the term in media and advertising. You can navigate the most complex bureaucratic situations regarding labor laws, overtime, and 'clock-in' disputes with complete linguistic precision.

At this level, you are aware of the regional variations in how chulgeun sigan is experienced—from the rural worker to the high-tech employee in Pangyo. You can critique government policies on public transportation or housing with sophisticated arguments. The term is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a thread in the complex tapestry of Korean life that you can manipulate and discuss with total fluency and cultural sensitivity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

출근 시간 in 30 Seconds

Refers to the specific time you must be at work (e.g., 9:00 AM).
Describes the morning rush hour period when traffic and subways are busiest.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'take time' (걸리다) or 'to be late' (늦다).
Central to Korean work culture, often implying a need for early arrival.

The Korean term 출근 시간 (chulgeun sigan) is a compound noun that serves a dual purpose in the daily lives of Korean speakers. At its most literal level, it refers to the specific moment one is expected to begin their professional duties—their 'start time.' However, in broader conversational contexts, it is most frequently used to describe the entire period or duration of the morning commute, similar to the English concept of 'rush hour' but specifically focused on the journey toward the workplace. The term is composed of two Hanja-derived words: Chul-geun (出勤), meaning 'going to work' or 'attending office,' and Si-gan (時間), meaning 'time' or 'interval.'

The Specific Appointment: When an employer asks, 'What is your 출근 시간?', they are asking for the exact time you must be at your desk. In Korea's traditionally hierarchical and punctual corporate culture, being exactly on time often means being 'late'; many employees aim to arrive 10 to 20 minutes before their official 출근 시간 to prepare for the day.
The Commute Period: In a more general sense, people use 출근 시간 to refer to the chaotic morning window (usually 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM) when subways are packed and roads are congested. You might hear someone say, 'The 출근 시간 was particularly brutal today,' referring to the traffic intensity rather than their specific start time.

내일 출근 시간은 오전 8시입니다. (The work start time for tomorrow is 8:00 AM.)

Understanding this word is crucial for anyone living or working in Korea because it dictates the rhythm of the city. In Seoul, the 출근 시간 is often synonymous with 'Ji-ok-cheol' (Subway Hell), a portmanteau of 'Ji-ok' (Hell) and 'Ji-ha-cheol' (Subway). During this time, specialized staff known as 'pushers' used to exist to help cram people into the train cars, illustrating just how significant this 'time' is in the national consciousness. It is not just a slot on a calendar; it is a shared social experience of collective movement toward productivity.

출근 시간에는 지하철이 정말 복잡해요. (The subway is really crowded during the commuting time.)

The word also appears frequently in news reports and traffic broadcasts. Radio hosts will often warn listeners about accidents that are lengthening the 출근 시간. In recent years, with the rise of flexible work arrangements (유연근무제), the definition of 출근 시간 has become more individualized. Instead of a uniform 9:00 AM start, many tech companies in Pangyo or Gangnam allow employees to choose their own 출근 시간, leading to phrases like 'Adjustable 출근 시간.'

Social Context: If you meet a friend for dinner, they might complain about their long 출근 시간. Here, they are referring to the duration of their commute. If they say 'My 출근 시간 is 2 hours,' it means the journey takes that long, not that they start work at 2:00.

보통 출근 시간에 뭐 하세요? (What do you usually do during your commute time?)

저는 출근 시간을 피해서 일찍 집에서 나와요. (I leave home early to avoid the rush hour/commute time.)

In summary, '출근 시간' is a versatile pillar of Korean vocabulary that bridges the gap between administrative punctuality and the lived reality of the morning rush. Whether you are discussing your contract or complaining about the 2호선 (Line 2) subway, this is the term you will need.

Using 출근 시간 correctly requires an understanding of how it interacts with different verbs and particles. Because it can mean both a 'point in time' and a 'duration,' the surrounding grammar often dictates the meaning. For English speakers, the most common hurdle is deciding whether to treat it as a subject or an adverbial phrase of time.

As a Point in Time (The 'When'): When referring to the specific hour you start work, you often use the particle -은/는 or -이/가. For example, '출근 시간은 9시입니다' (The start time is 9:00). If you want to say you are late for that time, you use -에: '출근 시간에 늦었어요' (I was late for the work start time).

갑자기 눈이 와서 출근 시간이 늦어질 것 같아요. (It started snowing suddenly, so I think the commute time will be delayed/I'll be late.)

When describing the experience of the morning rush, 출근 시간 acts as a temporal setting. You will frequently see it paired with the particle -에는 (during/at the time of). '출근 시간에는 차가 많이 막혀요' (During the commute time, cars are very blocked/traffic is heavy). Here, the word sets the stage for the action that follows.

Common Verb Pairings

지키다 (To keep/obey): 출근 시간을 지키다 (To be on time for work).
피하다 (To avoid): 출근 시간을 피하다 (To avoid the rush hour).
단축하다 (To shorten): 출근 시간을 단축하다 (To shorten the commute time).
조정하다 (To adjust): 출근 시간을 조정하다 (To adjust the work start time).

회사가 유연근무제를 도입해서 출근 시간을 자유롭게 정할 수 있어요. (The company introduced a flexible work system, so we can freely set our start times.)

In formal business settings, you might encounter the term in written notices. '출근 시간을 엄수해 주시기 바랍니다' (Please strictly adhere to the work start time). The verb 엄수하다 (to strictly observe/abide by) is a high-level collocation often found in employee handbooks or disciplinary warnings. Conversely, in a friendly setting, you might ask, '출근 시간 얼마나 걸려요?' (How long does your commute take?), where the focus is on the duration.

매일 아침 출근 시간마다 팟캐스트를 들어요. (Every morning during my commute, I listen to podcasts.)

Negative Contexts: When things go wrong, 출근 시간 is central to the excuse. '출근 시간에 사고가 나서 늦었습니다' (I was late because an accident occurred during the commute time). It shifts the blame slightly from the individual to the external circumstances of the morning rush.

우리 회사는 출근 시간이 따로 없어요. (Our company doesn't have a specific work start time.)

Finally, consider the nuances of 'early' and 'late.' 출근 시간이 빠르다 (The start time is early) refers to the schedule (e.g., starting at 7 AM). 출근 시간이 길다 (The commute time is long) refers to the duration. Mastering these subtle differences in adjectives will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

If you are in Korea, you will encounter 출근 시간 almost everywhere from the moment you wake up until you arrive at your destination. It is a keyword in the soundtrack of urban life. The most common place to hear it is on public transportation. Subway announcements often mention it when discussing service intervals or safety measures. You'll hear: 'During the 출근 시간, please be mindful of other passengers.'

In the Office: The word is a staple of 'water cooler' talk. Coworkers will often bond over the shared trauma of the morning rush. '오늘 출근 시간에 비가 와서 정말 힘들었죠?' (It was really tough during the commute because of the rain today, wasn't it?). It serves as a safe, universal icebreaker in a culture that values shared experiences.

라디오에서 출근 시간 교통 상황을 알려주고 있어요. (The radio is providing the traffic situation for the morning commute.)

Media and entertainment also rely heavily on this term. In 'K-Dramas,' you'll often see scenes of protagonists sprinting toward the office as their 출근 시간 approaches, building tension. Variety shows might interview citizens during their 출근 시간 to get a pulse on current events. The term is also ubiquitous in job advertisements on sites like Saramin or JobKorea, where 'Flexible 출근 시간' is listed as a top perk.

서울의 출근 시간은 보통 8시에서 9시 사이입니다. (Seoul's commute time is usually between 8 and 9 o'clock.)

You will also hear it in the context of city planning and public policy. The government might announce 'Extended bus lanes during 출근 시간' or 'Additional subway trains during the 출근 시간 window.' For a visitor, understanding this word helps you navigate the city efficiently—if you know when the 출근 시간 is, you know when *not* to travel with heavy luggage or try to get a seat on a bus.

News and Weather: Weather forecasters almost always tailor their reports to this time. 'Tomorrow's 출근 시간 will be very cold, so dress warmly.' They recognize that for the majority of the population, the conditions at this specific time are the most critical of the day.

드라마 주인공이 출근 시간에 늦어서 뛰어가고 있어요. (The drama protagonist is running because they are late for work.)

Even in the digital world, apps like KakaoMap or Naver Maps use this term. They might offer a feature to 'Predict 출근 시간' based on historical traffic data. In the gig economy, delivery riders (baedal) often discuss how their earnings change during the 출근 시간 when people are ordering breakfast or coffee to their offices. It is a word that truly defines the pulse of the Korean economy.

월요일 아침 출근 시간은 항상 전쟁이에요. (Monday morning commute time is always a war.)

While 출근 시간 seems straightforward, English speakers often make nuanced errors when translating their thoughts directly from English. The most common mistake is the confusion between 'the time I start work' and 'the time it takes to get to work.' In English, we use 'commute' for both, but in Korean, the phrasing needs to be precise to avoid ambiguity.

Mistake 1: Using the wrong verb for 'Long': In English, we say 'My commute is long.' In Korean, if you say '출근 시간이 길어요,' it correctly means the journey takes a long time. However, beginners sometimes say '출근 시간이 멀어요' (The work time is far). Since 'far' (멀다) describes distance, you should use it with '회사' (company) or '출근길' (the path to work), not with '시간' (time).

❌ 출근 시간이 멀어요. (The work time is far - Incorrect)
✅ 출근 시간이 길어요. (The commute time is long - Correct)

Another frequent error involves the particles -에 and -을/를. If you want to say 'I changed my work start time,' you must use the object particle: '출근 시간을 바꿨어요.' If you use -에, it sounds like 'I changed [something else] during the work time.' This distinction is vital in professional settings where you are discussing schedules.

❌ 출근 시간을 늦었어요. (I late the work time - Incorrect)
✅ 출근 시간에 늦었어요. (I was late for the work time - Correct)

Learners also struggle with the difference between 출근 시간 and 출근길. As mentioned, 출근 시간 is about the clock and duration. 출근길 (chulgeun-gil) is the physical route. If you want to say 'I saw a cat on my way to work,' you should use 출근길, not 출근 시간. Using 'time' here makes it sound like the cat exists only within a specific temporal dimension rather than on a physical street.

Confusing Start Time vs. Duration: If someone asks '출근 시간이 어떻게 되세요?' they are asking for your schedule (e.g., 9:00). If you answer 'One hour,' it's a slight mismatch. A better answer would be '9시입니다' (It's 9:00). If you want to talk about the hour-long commute, wait for the question '얼마나 걸려요?' (How long does it take?).

❌ 출근 시간에 고양이를 봤어요. (I saw a cat during the commute time - Grammatically okay, but '출근길에' is better for location.)

By paying attention to these distinctions—distance vs. duration, point vs. path—you avoid the 'uncanny valley' of Korean where your sentences are technically correct but slightly 'off' to a native ear.

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding work and time, it is essential to look at the synonyms and related terms that provide more specific nuances than the general 출근 시간. Depending on the level of formality or the specific aspect of the commute you want to highlight, these alternatives are invaluable.

퇴근 시간 (Toegun Sigan): The direct antonym. This refers to the time you leave work or the evening rush hour. While 출근 시간 is characterized by urgency and stress, 퇴근 시간 is often associated with relief, though it is usually even more crowded on public transport.
업무 시작 시간 (Eommu Sijak Sigan): A more formal, administrative term meaning 'work commencement time.' You will see this in official contracts and HR documents. While 출근 시간 is used in daily speech, this term is strictly for the 'business' of work.

출퇴근 시간 (Chul-toegun Sigan) - A combined term for 'commuting hours' in general.

Another useful word is 등교 시간 (deung-gyo sigan), which is used for students going to school. In Korea, the 출근 시간 for workers and 등교 시간 for students often overlap, creating the massive morning congestion. If you are a student, never use 출근 시간 to describe your schedule; it implies you have a job.

요즘은 시차출퇴근제를 사용하는 회사가 많아요. (These days, many companies use a staggered commuting system.)

For those working in shifts, 교대 시간 (gyodae sigan - shift change time) is the appropriate term. This is common in hospitals, factories, or 24-hour convenience stores. Using 출근 시간 in these contexts might be slightly ambiguous if the shift starts at an unconventional time like 11:00 PM.

Linguistic Comparison Table

출근 시간: General morning work/commute time.
출근길: The physical route taken to work.
통근 시간 (Tong-geun sigan): A slightly more formal word for 'commute duration.'
정시 (Jeong-si): On-time / the scheduled time.

제 통근 시간은 왕복 3시간입니다. (My commuting time is 3 hours round-trip.)

By expanding your vocabulary to include these related terms, you can describe your professional life with much greater precision and cultural awareness.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 'Geun' (勤) implies diligence. In traditional Confucian thought, showing up for duty was a primary expression of one's character and social responsibility.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tɕʰul.ɡun ɕi.ɡan

US tɕʰul.ɡun ɕi.ɡan

Stress is relatively even across syllables, with a slight rise on 'chul' and 'si'.

Rhymes With

퇴근 시간 (Toegun sigan) 등교 시간 (Deunggyo sigan) 점심 시간 (Jeomsim sigan) 마감 시간 (Magam sigan) 약속 시간 (Yaksok sigan) 휴식 시간 (Hyusik sigan) 여유 시간 (Yeoyu sigan) 자유 시간 (Jayu sigan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'chul' as 'shul'. It must have a sharp 't' onset.
Pronouncing 'gun' like the English word 'gun'. It should be 'goon' (unrounded).
Mixing up 'sigan' with 'shigan'. The 's' in 'si' is naturally slightly palatalized in Korean.
Failing to aspirate the 'ch' in 'chul'.
Making the 'l' in 'chul' too dark (like 'ball'). It should be light.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The Hanja components are common, and the word appears frequently in signs.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct use of time-related particles like -에 and -은.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but natural rhythm is key.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'toegun sigan' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

시간 (Time) 회사 (Company) 가다 (To go) 시 (Hour) 분 (Minute)

Learn Next

퇴근 시간 (Leaving work time) 회식 (Company dinner) 야근 (Overtime) 휴가 (Vacation) 월급 (Salary)

Advanced

유연근무제 (Flexible work system) 포괄임금제 (Comprehensive wage system) 워라밸 (Work-life balance) 직주근접 (Living close to work)

Grammar to Know

Time Particle -에

9시에 출근해요.

Duration Verb 걸리다

출근 시간이 한 시간 걸려요.

Reason Ending -아서/어서

출근 시간이 길어서 힘들어요.

Nominalizer -는 것

출근 시간을 지키는 것이 중요해요.

Intention Ending -려고

출근 시간을 피하려고 일찍 나와요.

Examples by Level

출근 시간은 9시예요.

The work start time is 9:00.

The particle -은 marks the subject 'work time'.

출근 시간이 몇 시예요?

What time is your work start time?

몇 시 (what time) is a basic question phrase.

저는 8시에 출근해요.

I go to work at 8:00.

-에 marks the specific time of action.

출근 시간에 버스를 타요.

I take the bus during the commute time.

출근 시간 here refers to the period of commuting.

우리 아빠는 출근 시간이 빨라요.

My dad's work start time is early.

빨라요 (is fast/early) describes the time.

출근 시간이 아니에요.

It is not the work start time.

아니에요 is the negative form of 'to be'.

제 출근 시간은 월요일 10시예요.

My work start time is Monday at 10:00.

Specific days can be added before the time.

출근 시간에 친구를 만나요.

I meet a friend during the commute time.

친구를 만나요 is the action happening during the time.

출근 시간이 얼마나 걸려요?

How long does the commute take?

얼마나 걸려요 asks for duration.

출근 시간에는 길이 아주 막혀요.

During the commute time, the road is very blocked.

막혀요 means 'to be blocked/congested'.

저는 보통 출근 시간에 책을 읽어요.

I usually read a book during the commute time.

보통 (usually) adds frequency.

출근 시간에 늦지 마세요.

Don't be late for the work start time.

-지 마세요 is a polite prohibition.

내일은 출근 시간이 좀 늦어요.

The work start time is a bit late tomorrow.

늦어요 (is late) here refers to the schedule.

출근 시간이 길어서 힘들어요.

Because the commute time is long, it's tiring.

-어서/아서 indicates a reason/cause.

출근 시간을 조금 바꿀 수 있을까요?

Could I change the work start time a little?

-을 수 있을까요? is a polite request for possibility.

출근 시간에 비가 오면 복잡해요.

If it rains during the commute time, it's crowded/complex.

-면 (if/when) sets a condition.

출근 시간을 단축하려고 지하철 근처로 이사했어요.

I moved near the subway to shorten my commute time.

-려고 (in order to) shows intention.

출근 시간에 사고가 나서 지하철이 멈췄어요.

An accident occurred during the commute, so the subway stopped.

-어서/아서 links a cause and a result.

출근 시간을 지키는 것은 사회생활의 기본입니다.

Keeping the work start time is the basics of social life.

-는 것 turns a verb into a noun phrase.

저는 출근 시간에 주로 뉴스 기사를 확인해요.

I mainly check news articles during the commute time.

주로 (mainly) specifies the primary activity.

출근 시간이 한 시간 이상 걸리면 너무 피곤해요.

If the commute takes more than an hour, it's too tiring.

이상 (more than/over) specifies a threshold.

회사 근처에 살면 출근 시간을 아낄 수 있어요.

If you live near the company, you can save commute time.

아낄 수 있어요 (can save) refers to time/money.

출근 시간에 늦을까 봐 택시를 탔어요.

I took a taxi because I was afraid I'd be late for work.

-을까 봐 (afraid that/worried that).

내일부터 출근 시간이 30분 앞당겨졌어요.

From tomorrow, the work start time has been moved up by 30 minutes.

앞당겨지다 (to be moved up/advanced).

유연근무제 덕분에 출근 시간을 자유롭게 조정하고 있습니다.

Thanks to the flexible work system, I am freely adjusting my start time.

덕분에 (thanks to) indicates a positive cause.

출근 시간의 교통 혼잡을 줄이기 위해 대중교통 이용을 권장합니다.

To reduce traffic congestion during commute hours, public transport use is encouraged.

-기 위해 (in order to) is more formal than -려고.

폭설로 인해 많은 직장인들이 출근 시간에 큰 불편을 겪었습니다.

Due to heavy snow, many office workers experienced great inconvenience during the commute.

-로 인해 (due to) is a formal way to express cause.

출근 시간을 어떻게 활용하느냐에 따라 하루의 컨디션이 달라져요.

Your condition for the day changes depending on how you utilize your commute time.

-느냐에 따라 (depending on how...).

그 회사는 출근 시간이 엄격하기로 유명해요.

That company is famous for being strict about the work start time.

-기로 유명하다 (to be famous for...).

맞벌이 부부에게는 아이의 등교 시간과 본인의 출근 시간을 맞추는 것이 큰 과제입니다.

For dual-income couples, matching their child's school time with their own work time is a big challenge.

맞추는 것 (matching/adjusting) acts as the subject.

출근 시간대에 추가 지하철을 배차하여 혼잡도를 낮췄습니다.

By deploying additional subway trains during the commute window, the congestion level was lowered.

-대 (period/window) specifies the timeframe.

재택근무가 늘어나면서 출근 시간이라는 개념이 희미해지고 있어요.

As remote work increases, the concept of 'commute time' is becoming blurred.

-면서 (while/as) indicates simultaneous actions or states.

장거리 출근 시간은 노동자의 삶의 질에 직접적인 영향을 미칩니다.

Long commute times directly affect the quality of life of workers.

영향을 미치다 (to exert an influence).

수도권 집중 현상으로 인해 경기도 거주자들의 평균 출근 시간이 매년 증가하고 있습니다.

Due to the concentration in the metropolitan area, the average commute time for Gyeonggi residents is increasing every year.

거주자 (resident) and 증가 (increase) are formal nouns.

출근 시간의 단축은 탄소 배출을 줄이는 데에도 기여할 수 있습니다.

Shortening commute times can also contribute to reducing carbon emissions.

기여하다 (to contribute).

기업들은 인재 확보를 위해 자율 출근 시간제를 적극적으로 도입하고 있습니다.

Companies are actively introducing autonomous start time systems to secure talent.

인재 확보 (securing talent) is a business term.

출근 시간대의 지하철 풍경은 현대 한국 사회의 역동성을 단적으로 보여줍니다.

The subway scene during commute hours clearly shows the dynamism of modern Korean society.

단적으로 (clearly/plainly/point-blank).

일부 학자들은 긴 출근 시간이 가족 간의 대화 단절을 초래한다고 경고합니다.

Some scholars warn that long commute times cause a disconnect in family conversations.

초래하다 (to cause/bring about - usually something negative).

출근 시간을 활용한 '갓생 살기' 열풍이 젊은 층 사이에서 확산되고 있습니다.

The 'God-saeng' (living a productive life) craze using commute time is spreading among the youth.

'갓생' is a modern slang for an exemplary, busy life.

정부는 출근 시간 혼잡 완화를 위해 광역 급행 버스 노선을 확충했습니다.

The government has expanded regional express bus routes to alleviate commute congestion.

완화 (alleviation/mitigation) and 확충 (expansion).

출근 시간이라는 물리적 제약이 사라진 포스트 코로나 시대의 노동 환경을 고찰해 보아야 합니다.

We must contemplate the labor environment of the post-COVID era, where the physical constraint of 'commute time' has vanished.

고찰하다 (to contemplate/examine deeply).

과거 산업화 시대의 획일적인 출근 시간은 효율성을 담보했으나, 현대에는 창의성을 저해하는 요소로 지목되기도 합니다.

The uniform work start times of the past industrial era guaranteed efficiency, but today they are sometimes pointed out as factors that hinder creativity.

담보하다 (to guarantee) and 저해하다 (to hinder/impede).

출근 시간의 길이는 도시의 공간 구조와 계급적 불평등을 투영하는 거울과 같습니다.

The length of commute time is like a mirror reflecting the spatial structure and class inequality of a city.

투영하다 (to project/reflect).

디지털 노마드들에게 출근 시간은 더 이상 외부에서 강요된 규범이 아닌, 개인의 실존적 선택의 영역으로 옮겨갔습니다.

For digital nomads, commute time is no longer an externally imposed norm but has moved into the realm of individual existential choice.

강요된 규범 (imposed norm) and 실존적 (existential).

출근 시간의 정적을 깨는 지하철의 굉음은 매일 아침 반복되는 자본주의적 의례의 서막과도 같습니다.

The roar of the subway breaking the silence of the commute time is like the prelude to a daily recurring capitalist ritual.

서막 (prelude/beginning).

초연결 사회에서 출근 시간 전후로 쏟아지는 업무 연락은 노동과 휴식의 경계를 무너뜨리고 있습니다.

In a hyper-connected society, work communications pouring in before and after commute times are breaking down the boundary between labor and rest.

초연결 사회 (hyper-connected society).

정치권에서는 출근 시간 단축을 핵심 공약으로 내세워 수도권 표심을 공략하고 있습니다.

Politicians are targeting the metropolitan electorate by putting forward the reduction of commute times as a key campaign promise.

표심을 공략하다 (to target/court voters).

출근 시간의 사회적 비용을 산출해 보면, 교통 정체로 인한 손실이 국가 경제에 막대한 지장을 초래함을 알 수 있습니다.

Calculating the social cost of commute times reveals that losses from traffic congestion cause significant disruption to the national economy.

막대한 지장 (huge disruption/impediment).

Common Collocations

출근 시간을 지키다

출근 시간이 늦다

출근 시간을 피하다

출근 시간이 걸리다

출근 시간을 조정하다

출근 시간에 쫓기다

출근 시간을 엄수하다

출근 시간을 활용하다

출근 시간대에

출근 시간이 다 되다

Common Phrases

출근 시간 전쟁

— The 'war' of the morning commute. Refers to the extreme crowding and stress.

월요일 아침은 정말 출근 시간 전쟁이에요.

지옥의 출근 시간

— 'Hellish commute time.' Used to describe very difficult journeys.

9호선은 지옥의 출근 시간으로 유명해요.

출근 시간 엄수

— Strict adherence to the start time. Often seen in office rules.

공지사항: 출근 시간 엄수 바랍니다.

유연 출근 시간

— Flexible start time. A modern work perk.

저희 회사는 유연 출근 시간제를 시행하고 있어요.

출근 시간 전

— Before the work start time. Often used for preparatory activities.

출근 시간 전에 운동을 해요.

출근 시간 후

— After the work start time. Usually refers to the period after the rush.

출근 시간 후에 가면 지하철이 한가해요.

평균 출근 시간

— The average commute duration.

한국인의 평균 출근 시간은 꽤 긴 편입니다.

출근 시간 지연

— Delay in commute/start time. Used in traffic reports.

폭우로 인해 출근 시간 지연이 예상됩니다.

출근 시간 단축

— Shortening the commute time.

GTX가 개통되면 출근 시간이 단축될 거예요.

출근 시간 맞추기

— Making it on time / adjusting to the start time.

출근 시간 맞추기가 너무 힘들어요.

Often Confused With

출근 시간 vs 출근길

Refers to the physical path or route, while 출근 시간 refers to the time or duration.

출근 시간 vs 등교 시간

Specifically for students going to school, not for workers.

출근 시간 vs 근무 시간

Refers to the entire duration of the workday (e.g., 8 hours), not just the start time.

Idioms & Expressions

"출근 도장을 찍다"

— Literally 'to stamp the attendance seal.' Idiomatically means to show up somewhere very regularly or to start work.

그는 매일 아침 카페에 출근 도장을 찍어요.

Informal

"눈썹이 휘날리게 출근하다"

— To go to work so fast that your eyebrows flutter. Means to be in a huge rush.

늦잠을 자서 눈썹이 휘날리게 출근했어요.

Informal

"지옥철을 타다"

— To ride the 'Hell-train.' Refers to riding the subway during peak 출근 시간.

매일 아침 지옥철을 타고 출근해요.

Slang

"아침을 열다"

— To 'open the morning.' Often used to describe starting the work day/commute.

활기차게 출근 시간의 아침을 열어봅시다.

Literary

"발 디딜 틈이 없다"

— No space to put one's foot. Describes the subway during 출근 시간.

출근 시간 지하철은 발 디딜 틈이 없어요.

Common

"콩나물 시루"

— Like a bean sprout jar (tightly packed). Describes crowded buses during commute.

버스가 출근 시간에 콩나물 시루 같아요.

Common

"분초를 다투다"

— To fight for every minute and second. Describes the urgency of 출근 시간.

출근 시간에는 모두가 분초를 다툽니다.

Formal/Idiomatic

"시계태엽처럼 움직이다"

— To move like clockwork. Refers to the disciplined routine of commute.

그는 매일 출근 시간에 시계태엽처럼 움직여요.

Literary

"파김치가 되다"

— To become like limp green onion kimchi. To be exhausted after a long 출근 시간.

긴 출근 시간 때문에 도착하면 이미 파김치가 돼요.

Informal

"칼출근"

— Knife-like (precise) arrival. Arriving exactly at the start time.

그는 9시 정각에 칼출근을 해요.

Slang

Easily Confused

출근 시간 vs 통근 시간

Both mean commute time.

통근 시간 is slightly more formal and always refers to the duration. 출근 시간 can mean both the duration and the specific start time.

통근 시간은 왕복 2시간입니다.

출근 시간 vs 퇴근 시간

Sound similar (chul vs. toe).

Chul is 'in/start', Toe is 'out/end'. Mixing them up changes the meaning to the evening rush hour.

퇴근 시간은 6시입니다.

출근 시간 vs 시각

Both mean time.

시각 is a specific point on the clock (9:00:00). 시간 is a duration or a general time period.

정확한 출근 시각을 알려주세요.

출근 시간 vs 근무

Related to work.

근무 is the act of working/duty. 출근 is the act of showing up to work.

오늘 근무 중이에요.

출근 시간 vs 시간대

Both relate to time periods.

시간대 refers to a broader 'window' or 'slot' (e.g., the 8-9 AM slot).

출근 시간대에는 할인이 안 돼요.

Sentence Patterns

출근 시간은 [Time]입니다.

출근 시간은 9시입니다.

출근 시간이 [Duration] 걸려요.

출근 시간이 40분 걸려요.

[Reason] 때문에 출근 시간이 늦었어요.

사고 때문에 출근 시간이 늦었어요.

[Condition]에 따라 출근 시간이 달라져요.

요일에 따라 출근 시간이 달라져요.

출근 시간을 활용하여 [Activity]를 합니다.

출근 시간을 활용하여 독서를 합니다.

출근 시간의 단축이 [Result]에 기여합니다.

출근 시간의 단축이 삶의 만족도에 기여합니다.

Mixed

출근 시간대에 [Event]가 발생했습니다.

출근 시간대에 정전이 발생했습니다.

Mixed

출근 시간을 엄수해 주시기 바랍니다.

내일은 출근 시간을 엄수해 주시기 바랍니다.

Word Family

Nouns

출근 (Attendance at work)

시간 (Time)

출근길 (Way to work)

출근부 (Attendance book)

출근율 (Attendance rate)

Verbs

출근하다 (To go to work)

시간을 내다 (To make time)

시간을 끌다 (To stall/drag time)

Adjectives

시간적 (Temporal)

출근 가능한 (Available for work)

퇴근 (Leaving work)

통근 (Commuting)

지각 (Tardiness)

결근 (Absence from work)

조퇴 (Leaving work early)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

출근 시간이 멀어요. → 출근 시간이 길어요.
You cannot use 'far' (멀다) for time. 'Far' is for distance. Use 'long' (길다) to describe a commute that takes a lot of time.
9시에 출근 시간을 해요. → 9시에 출근해요.
You don't 'do' the work time. You 'go to work' (출근하다). '출근 시간' is the noun, '출근하다' is the verb.
출근 시간을 늦었어요. → 출근 시간에 늦었어요.
You are late 'at' or 'for' a time. You need the time particle -에, not the object particle -을/를.
제 출근 시간은 8시부터 6시까지예요. → 제 근무 시간은 8시부터 6시까지예요.
If you are describing the whole day, use 'working hours' (근무 시간). '출근 시간' usually just refers to the start point.
출근 시간에 고양이를 길에서 봤어요. → 출근길에 고양이를 길에서 봤어요.
While grammatically possible, '출근길' (the way to work) is much more natural for describing things seen or done during the journey.

Tips

Learn the Antonym

Always learn '출근 시간' alongside '퇴근 시간.' They are the two most important time markers in a Korean worker's day and are often used together in traffic reports and office talk.

The 10-Minute Buffer

If your Korean boss says '출근 시간은 9시입니다,' aim to be there by 8:50. This shows 'jeong-seong' (sincerity) and respect for the team's time.

Watch Your Adjectives

Use '길다' (long) for duration and '빠르다/늦다' (early/late) for the schedule. Using '멀다' (far) with '시간' is a common mistake for English speakers.

Subway Announcements

Next time you're on the Seoul subway in the morning, listen for '출근 시간.' You'll likely hear it in announcements about safety or train frequency.

Avoid the Rush

If you are a tourist, try to avoid traveling between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. This is the peak '출근 시간,' and public transport will be extremely crowded.

Small Talk Gold

Asking a colleague '출근 시간 얼마나 걸리세요?' is one of the easiest and most natural ways to start a conversation in a Korean office.

Hanja Insight

Remember that 'Chul' (出) means 'Out.' You are 'going out' to work. This helps distinguish it from 'Toegun' (退 - Retreat), where you are leaving work.

App Usage

Apps like Naver Maps have a 'Commute' (출퇴근) tab. Setting this up will give you real-time alerts for your '출근 시간' traffic.

Empathy

Complaining about '출근 시간' is a national pastime. Using phrases like '출근 시간 정말 힘들죠?' (Commute is tough, right?) builds instant rapport.

Register Awareness

In formal emails, use '업무 시작 시간' instead of '출근 시간' to sound more professional and precise about administrative matters.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'CHUL' (Cool) 'GUN' (Runner) racing against 'SIGAN' (the clock). A cool runner going to work on time.

Visual Association

A crowded subway map where all lines converge at 9:00 AM, with the words '출근 시간' glowing in the center.

Word Web

Subway Coffee 9:00 AM Traffic Office Suit ID Card Breakfast

Challenge

Try to say 'My commute takes X minutes' in Korean to three different people today using '출근 시간'.

Word Origin

Composed of two Sino-Korean (Hanja) words. 'Chul-geun' (出勤) and 'Si-gan' (時間).

Original meaning: 出 (Exit/Go out) + 勤 (Work/Diligence) + 時 (Time) + 間 (Interval/Between). Literally: 'The time interval for going out to work diligently.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be aware that discussing long commute times can be a sensitive topic for those struggling with high housing costs far from the city center.

In the West, 'commute' is often a verb or a broad noun. In Korea, '출근 시간' is more specifically tied to the 'start' of the day.

The drama 'Misaeng' (Incomplete Life) features many iconic scenes of the morning commute. The song 'Way back home' by Shaun often evokes the opposite feeling (퇴근). The 'Seoul Subway' YouTube channels often document the intensity of the 2호선 during 출근 시간.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Office

출근 시간이 바뀌었나요?
출근 시간을 잘 지킵시다.
출근 시간 체크했어?
출근 시간이 너무 빨라요.

In a Taxi

출근 시간이라 차가 막히네요.
출근 시간 전까지 갈 수 있을까요?
지금이 딱 출근 시간이죠?
출근 시간 피해서 가주세요.

Job Interview

출근 시간은 조정 가능한가요?
출근 시간은 몇 시부터입니까?
집에서 출근 시간이 얼마나 걸립니까?
출근 시간을 엄수할 수 있습니다.

Small Talk

출근 시간에 뭐 하세요?
오늘 출근 시간은 어땠어요?
출근 시간이 너무 길어서 힘들어요.
출근 시간대에 지하철 타기 싫어요.

Public Announcements

출근 시간 혼잡 안내입니다.
출근 시간 열차를 증편합니다.
출근 시간대 안전 사고 유의하세요.
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Conversation Starters

"집에서 회사까지 출근 시간이 얼마나 걸리세요?"

"출근 시간에 주로 어떤 음악이나 팟캐스트를 들으세요?"

"출근 시간이 9시인데, 보통 몇 시에 도착하시나요?"

"서울의 출근 시간 교통 정체에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"만약 출근 시간을 마음대로 정할 수 있다면 몇 시로 하고 싶으세요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 나의 출근 시간은 어땠는지, 어떤 기분으로 회사에 갔는지 적어보세요.

내가 생각하는 가장 이상적인 출근 시간과 그 이유에 대해 써보세요.

출근 시간 동안 대중교통에서 본 인상 깊은 사람이나 풍경을 묘사해 보세요.

출근 시간을 더 유익하게 보내기 위한 나만의 계획을 세워보세요.

한국과 자신의 나라의 출근 시간 문화를 비교해서 서술해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While 9:00 AM is the standard 'official' start time for many offices, '출근 시간' simply refers to whatever time a specific job starts. Some start at 8:00 AM, others at 10:00 AM. In conversation, it also refers to the general morning rush period, which spans from roughly 7:30 to 9:30 AM.

You should say '출근 시간이 길어요' (Chulgeun sigan-i gireoyo). Do not use '멀어요' (meoreoyo, far) with '시간' (time), as 'far' describes distance. You could say '회사가 멀어요' (The company is far) instead.

'출근 시간' is about the clock and how many minutes the journey takes. '출근길' refers to the physical path, the streets, or the subway lines you take. For example, 'I saw a friend on my way to work' uses '출근길에'.

No, you should use '등교 시간' (deung-gyo sigan) for school. '출근' specifically implies professional attendance at a workplace.

In traditional Korean business culture, arriving exactly at the '출근 시간' (e.g., walking through the door at 9:00:00) can be seen as slightly late, as you aren't 'ready' to work yet. Arriving 10 minutes early is generally expected.

You can ask '출근 시간이 얼마나 걸려요?' (Chulgeun sigan-i eolmana geollyeoyo?).

It literally translates to 'Work start time war.' It's a common expression used to describe the intense, stressful, and crowded nature of the morning rush hour in big cities like Seoul.

Yes, if someone works a night shift or an afternoon shift. Their '출근 시간' would be whenever their shift starts, even if it's 5:00 PM.

It refers to a 'Flexible Work Start Time System,' where employees can choose when to start work (e.g., anywhere between 8 AM and 10 AM) as long as they complete their total required hours.

You can say '출근 시간에 늦었어요' (I was late for work time) or '지각했어요' (I was tardy).