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Vocabulary
영업하다

A2 verb #4,000 most common 8 min read

영업하다

yeongeopada Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 영업하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 영업하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know '영업하다' in the context of shops and restaurants. It is most commonly used to ask or tell if a place is open. For example, '영업해요?' means 'Are you open?' and '영업 안 해요' means 'We are closed.' You will see it on signs in Korea. It is a very useful word for tourists because it helps you understand when you can go into a store. You don't need to worry about the 'sales' or 'slang' meanings yet. Just remember: 영업 = business/open. It follows the standard '하다' verb rules, so it changes to '영업해요' in polite speech. If you see a sign that says '영업 중', it means 'Open'. If it says '영업 종료', it means 'Closed'. This is the most basic and essential way to use the word.

At the A2 level, you begin to see '영업하다' as a way to describe someone's job or a company's activity. You might learn that '영업사원' is a salesperson. You can use it to describe what a company does, like '우리 회사는 화장품을 영업해요' (Our company sells/does business with cosmetics). You also start to use time particles with it, such as '몇 시부터 영업해요?' (From what time are you open?). At this level, you should understand that '영업' is more than just being open; it's about the act of doing business. You are moving from just recognizing signs to being able to talk about business schedules and basic job roles. You might also encounter the noun '영업시간' (business hours) in schedules.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between '영업하다' and '판매하다'. You start to use it in more complex sentences involving reasons and intentions. For example, '영업을 확장하다' (to expand business) or '영업 실적' (sales performance). You also start to hear the slang usage in social media or among friends, where it means to passionately recommend something. You should be comfortable using the word in professional contexts, like explaining your department at work or discussing a company's success in a specific market. This level requires you to distinguish between the 'status' of a shop and the 'activity' of a professional salesperson. You also learn about '영업 정지' (suspension of business) in the news.

At the B2 level, you can use '영업하다' to discuss business strategies and market dynamics. You understand terms like '영업 이익' (operating profit) and can analyze why a company is '영업을 잘하다' (good at sales/business). You are familiar with the passive form '영업당하다' and use it naturally in conversations about trends or shopping. You can describe the '영업 환경' (business environment) and discuss challenges in different industries. Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like '영업망' (sales network) and '영업 노하우' (business know-how). You understand the cultural significance of sales in Korea, including the social networking (hoesik) often required for successful '영업'.

At the C1 level, you use '영업하다' with academic and professional precision. You can discuss the legalities of '영업 비밀' (trade secrets) and the ethical implications of certain '영업 방식' (business methods). You can write reports or give presentations using the word to describe complex market entry strategies. You understand the historical evolution of '영업' culture in Korea and how it differs from Western sales concepts. You can use the word metaphorically or in high-level social commentary. Your understanding of the slang version is also deep, recognizing the subtle irony when someone says they are '영업' for a political cause or a niche philosophy. You can navigate complex business negotiations where '영업' is the central theme.

At the C2 level, '영업하다' is a tool for nuanced expression. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the nature of '영업' in a capitalist society. You understand the most obscure administrative uses of the term in law and policy. You can appreciate literature or film where '영업' is used as a motif for human connection or exploitation. You have a perfect grasp of the register, knowing exactly when to use '영업' versus '경영' (management) or '사업' (enterprise). You can use the word to describe the 'salesmanship' of an orator or the 'marketing' of a national identity. Your mastery includes all idiomatic expressions and the ability to coin new ones that native speakers would find natural and clever.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

영업하다 in 30 Seconds

영업하다 means to do business or sales. It covers both running a shop and the act of selling products professionally.
It is commonly used to ask if a store is open (영업해요?) or to describe a salesperson's job.
In slang, it means to enthusiastically recommend a movie, song, or celebrity to others to make them fans.
Key forms include 영업 중 (Open), 영업 종료 (Closed), and 영업당하다 (To be convinced/sold on something).

The Korean verb 영업하다 (yeong-eop-hada) is a multifaceted term that primarily translates to "to do sales" or "to engage in business operations." At its core, it combines the noun 영업 (yeong-eop), meaning business or sales, with the verb 하다 (hada), meaning to do. However, its usage spans from formal corporate environments to the casual slang used by K-pop fans on social media. Understanding this word requires looking at three distinct contexts: business operations, professional sales, and social persuasion.

Operational Context: This refers to a store or business being open and running. If a restaurant is '영업 중' (in the middle of business), it means they are currently serving customers. You will see this on signs in shop windows across Korea.

이 식당은 오후 10시까지 영업합니다.

Translation: This restaurant operates (is open) until 10 PM.

Professional Sales: In a corporate setting, it refers to the act of seeking out clients, pitching products, and closing deals. A '영업사원' (sales employee) is someone whose entire job is to '영업하다'. It implies active persuasion and networking.

친구에게 제가 좋아하는 아이돌을 영업했어요.

Translation: I 'pitched' (promoted) my favorite idol to my friend.

Historically, the term has roots in the idea of 'managing a calling' or 'pursuing a trade.' In the post-war economic boom of Korea, '영업' became synonymous with the aggressive, relationship-based sales tactics that built conglomerates like Samsung and Hyundai. Today, while the methods have modernized, the word remains the standard for any activity involving the exchange of value through persuasion or service availability.

Social Nuance: When used in a social context, it isn't about money; it's about enthusiasm. To '영업하다' a movie to someone means you are acting as its unofficial salesperson because you believe in its quality.

오늘부터 우리 가게는 24시간 영업합니다.

Translation: Starting today, our store will operate 24 hours a day.

Using 영업하다 correctly depends on whether you are talking about a business's status or an individual's action. Grammatically, it functions as a regular '하다' verb, but its objects and particles change based on the intent. When discussing business hours, it is often used with time particles like '~까지' (until) or '~부터' (from). When used to mean 'to sell,' it often takes a direct object followed by the particle '~을/를'.

Formal Declarations: In official documents or store signs, you will see the noun form '영업' combined with '중' (middle/during) or '종료' (end). However, in spoken formal Korean, '영업합니다' is the standard way to inform customers of status.

저희 매장은 주말에도 영업합니다.

Translation: Our shop is open even on weekends.

The Passive 'Sales' Experience: A very common expression is '영업당하다'. This is the passive form, meaning 'to be sold on something.' It is used when someone else's enthusiasm for a product or hobby has successfully convinced you to try it.

그의 말솜씨에 속아 물건을 영업당했어요.

Translation: I was 'sold' (persuaded) into buying the item by his smooth talking.

In professional contexts, you might see '영업을 뛰다' (literally: to run sales). This is an idiomatic way to say someone is out in the field actively looking for clients. It emphasizes the physical effort and 'legwork' involved in business development. Conversely, '영업 정지' refers to a legal suspension of business activities, usually as a penalty for violating regulations.

Business Strategy: When talking about corporate strategy, '영업하다' encompasses marketing, client management, and revenue generation. It is the lifeblood of any commercial entity.

새로운 시장에서 영업하는 것은 쉽지 않습니다.

Translation: Doing business (sales) in a new market is not easy.

You will encounter 영업하다 in almost every corner of Korean life. On the streets of Seoul, you'll see it on neon signs and shop doors. In office buildings, it's the buzzword of the sales department. On the internet, it's the currency of fandoms. Its versatility makes it one of the most practical verbs for a learner to master.

The Streets of Korea: If you are hungry at 11 PM, you might ask a passerby: "이 근처에 아직 영업하는 식당이 있나요?" (Is there a restaurant still open/operating nearby?). This is the most common survival-level use of the word.

지금 영업 중인가요?

Translation: Are you open for business right now?

In the Office (K-Dramas): Watch any office-themed K-drama like 'Misaeng' (Incomplete Life), and you will hear '영업' constantly. It represents the high-pressure world of corporate sales where employees must secure contracts to survive. It's often associated with drinking culture, as many '영업' deals are finalized over dinner.

그는 영업 실적이 아주 좋습니다.

Translation: His sales performance is very good.

Social media platforms like Twitter (X) and Instagram are filled with '영업글' (promotion posts). These are posts written by fans to 'sell' their favorite celebrities or products to the public. If a post goes viral and many people start liking the celebrity, the poster has successfully '영업했다'. This reflects the communal nature of Korean fandom culture where sharing joy is seen as an active 'sales' task.

News and Media: Financial news often discusses '영업 이익' (operating profit). This is a key metric for evaluating how well a company is '영업하다'-ing in its primary field of business.

그 회사는 해외에서 활발하게 영업하고 있습니다.

Translation: That company is actively doing business overseas.

While 영업하다 is a common word, learners often confuse it with similar verbs like 판매하다 (panmae-hada) or 장사하다 (jangsa-hada). The primary mistake is using it too narrowly or in the wrong register. Understanding the scope of 'business' is key to avoiding these pitfalls.

영업하다 vs. 판매하다: '판매하다' focuses strictly on the act of selling a specific item for money. '영업하다' is broader; it includes finding the customer, building the relationship, and the overall operation of the business. You '판매' (sell) a phone, but you '영업' (do business) to get a contract to supply 1,000 phones to a company.

X: 사과를 영업해요. (Awkward if you just mean selling an apple)
O: 사과를 판매해요. (I sell apples.)

영업하다 vs. 장사하다: '장사하다' is more colloquial and often refers to small-scale commerce, like running a street stall or a small mom-and-pop shop. '영업하다' sounds more professional and systematic. Using '장사하다' for a large corporation sounds belittling, while using '영업하다' for a small fish stall sounds slightly overly formal (though acceptable).

그는 하루 종일 영업하며 고객을 만납니다.

Translation: He meets customers while doing sales all day long.

Another mistake is forgetting the passive form '영업당하다'. Learners often try to say "Someone sold me this" using active verbs, but Koreans almost always use the passive '영업당했다' when they were talked into something by a friend or a clever advertisement. It captures the feeling of being 'conquered' by someone's persuasive power.

Incorrect Particle Usage: When saying a store is open, do not use the object particle. Say '가게가 영업해요' (The store operates), not '가게를 영업해요' (unless you are the owner managing the store).

이 카페는 일요일에도 영업합니까?

Translation: Does this cafe operate on Sundays?

To sound more like a native speaker, you should know when to swap 영업하다 for more specific terms. Depending on whether you are focusing on the business status, the act of selling, or the marketing aspect, different words will be more appropriate.

장사하다 (Jangsa-hada): Usage: Colloquial, small business. Use this when talking about running a small shop or selling things at a market. It feels more 'down-to-earth' than 영업하다.

판매하다 (Panmae-hada): Usage: Formal, transactional. Use this when the focus is purely on the exchange of goods for money. It is common in retail and online shopping descriptions.

백화점에서 물건을 판매합니다.

Translation: They sell goods at the department store.

판촉하다 (Panchok-hada): Usage: Short for '판매 촉진' (sales promotion). This is specifically about marketing activities like giving out samples or running a sale to boost numbers.

신제품을 판촉하기 위해 이벤트를 엽니다.

Translation: We are holding an event to promote (sales-push) the new product.

In slang contexts, you might hear 추천하다 (chucheon-hada), which simply means 'to recommend.' While 영업하다 in slang means to recommend something enthusiastically, 추천하다 is the standard, neutral way to suggest something. If you '영업' a drama, you are a super-fan; if you '추천' a drama, you just think it's good.

근무하다 (Geunmu-hada): Usage: To be on duty / to work. While a store '영업' (operates), an employee '근무' (works). Don't confuse the two when talking about being at the office.

저는 영업부에서 근무하고 있습니다.

Translation: I am working in the sales department.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '業' (업) is also used in 'Karma' (업보) in Buddhist contexts, implying that your business or work is something you are deeply tied to through action.

Pronunciation Guide

UK jʌŋ.ʌp.ɦa.da

US jʌŋ.ʌp.hɑ.dɑ

The primary stress is on the first syllable '영', with a secondary stress on '하'.

Rhymes With

창업하다 (chang-eop-hada) - to start a business 취업하다 (chwi-eop-hada) - to get a job 수업하다 (su-eop-hada) - to have a class 학업하다 (hag-eop-hada) - to study 조업하다 (jo-eop-hada) - to operate (fishing/factory) 폐업하다 (pye-eop-hada) - to close business 휴업하다 (hyu-eop-hada) - to take a break from business 실업하다 (sil-eop-hada) - to be unemployed

Common Errors

Pronouncing '영' like 'young' with a hard 'g' sound at the end. It should be a soft nasal 'ng'.
Pronouncing '업' like 'ope' (long o). It should be a short 'eo' sound (like 'u' in 'cup').
Forgetting to aspirate the 'h' in '하다' slightly, though in fast speech it can become very soft.
Over-emphasizing the 'p' in 'eop'. In Korean, final consonants are often unreleased.
Confusing the pitch; Korean isn't tonal, but '영' usually starts at a neutral pitch.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize on signs and in business articles.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding when to use the noun form vs. the verb form.

Speaking 2/5

Very useful for daily life (checking if shops are open).

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation and high frequency in media.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

하다 (To do) 가게 (Store) 일하다 (To work) 돈 (Money) 사다 (To buy)

Learn Next

경영하다 (To manage business) 마케팅 (Marketing) 수익 (Profit) 고객 (Customer) 계약 (Contract)

Advanced

부가가치 (Value-added) 시장 점유율 (Market share) 유통망 (Distribution network) 손익분기점 (Break-even point)

Grammar to Know

~하다 verbs

영업하다 -> 영업해요, 영업합니다, 영업했다.

~중 (During/Middle of)

영업 중 (Open for business).

~당하다 (Passive for verbs of action)

영업당하다 (To be 'sold' or persuaded).

~기 위해 (In order to)

영업을 잘하기 위해 책을 읽어요.

~ㄴ/은/는 것 (Noun clause)

영업하는 것은 힘들어요.

Examples by Level

지금 영업해요?

Are you open now?

Polite present tense of 영업하다.

오늘 영업 안 해요.

We are not open today.

Negative form using '안'.

식당이 영업 중입니다.

The restaurant is open (in business).

Noun 영업 + 중 (middle/during).

몇 시까지 영업해요?

Until what time are you open?

Time particle ~까지 (until).

내일도 영업해요?

Are you open tomorrow too?

Particle ~도 (also/too).

여기는 일요일에 영업 안 해요.

This place is not open on Sundays.

Time particle ~에 (on/at).

백화점은 10시부터 영업해요.

The department store is open from 10:00.

Time particle ~부터 (from).

편의점은 24시간 영업해요.

The convenience store is open 24 hours.

Duration 24시간 (24 hours).

저는 영업사원입니다.

I am a salesperson.

Noun compound: 영업 + 사원 (employee).

우리 아버지는 시장에서 영업하세요.

My father does business in the market.

Honorific form 영업하세요.

이 회사는 무엇을 영업합니까?

What does this company sell/deal in?

Formal question form ~습니까.

영업시간을 확인해 보세요.

Please check the business hours.

Noun compound: 영업 + 시간 (time).

그 가게는 어제부터 영업을 시작했어요.

That shop started business yesterday.

Past tense 영업을 시작했어요.

영업을 위해 명함을 만들었어요.

I made business cards for sales.

Purpose particle ~위해 (for/for the sake of).

고객을 만나서 영업을 했어요.

I met a customer and did sales.

Sequential connector ~아서/어서.

영업이 아주 잘 돼요.

Business is going very well.

Subject particle ~이 + 잘 되다 (go well).

친구에게 이 화장품을 영업했어요.

I 'pitched' (recommended) this cosmetic to my friend.

Slang usage: to recommend passionately.

드라마가 너무 재미있어서 친구들에게 영업 중이에요.

The drama is so fun that I'm 'selling' it to my friends.

Continuous form ~중이에요.

영업 실적을 높이기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

We are working hard to increase sales performance.

Grammar ~기 위해 (in order to).

그 식당은 위생 문제로 영업 정지를 당했어요.

That restaurant was given a suspension of business due to hygiene issues.

Passive expression 영업 정지를 당하다.

영업 노하우를 배우고 싶습니다.

I want to learn business/sales know-how.

Noun compound with English loanword 'know-how'.

어떻게 영업을 해야 할지 모르겠어요.

I don't know how I should do sales.

Indirect question ~ㄹ지 모르다.

그는 영업 능력이 뛰어납니다.

He has excellent sales ability.

Adjective 뛰어납니다 (is outstanding).

영업부와 마케팅부는 협력해야 합니다.

The sales department and marketing department must cooperate.

Connective ~와 (and) + obligation ~해야 하다.

유튜브 광고에 영업당해서 물건을 샀어요.

I was 'sold' by a YouTube ad and bought the item.

Passive form 영업당하다 (to be convinced/sold).

회사의 영업 이익이 작년보다 감소했습니다.

The company's operating profit has decreased compared to last year.

Comparison ~보다 (than).

해외 시장을 개척하기 위해 적극적으로 영업하고 있습니다.

We are actively doing business to pioneer overseas markets.

Adverb 적극적으로 (actively).

영업 환경이 급격히 변하고 있습니다.

The business environment is changing rapidly.

Adverb 급격히 (rapidly).

그는 발로 뛰는 영업을 중요하게 생각합니다.

He considers 'on-the-ground' (running with feet) sales important.

Idiom 발로 뛰는 (active/on-the-ground).

영업 비밀을 유지하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to maintain trade secrets.

Noun clause ~는 것 (the act of...).

온라인 영업망을 확충할 계획입니다.

We plan to expand our online sales network.

Future plan ~ㄹ 계획이다.

고객의 니즈를 파악하는 것이 영업의 핵심입니다.

Understanding customer needs is the core of sales.

Possessive particle ~의.

영업권 침해에 대한 법적 대응을 검토 중입니다.

We are reviewing legal action regarding the infringement of business rights.

Advanced particle ~에 대한 (regarding).

경기 침체로 인해 많은 자영업자들이 영업에 어려움을 겪고 있습니다.

Due to the economic downturn, many self-employed people are struggling with business.

Cause particle ~로 인해 (due to).

그 기업은 공격적인 영업 전략으로 시장 점유율을 높였습니다.

The company increased its market share through an aggressive sales strategy.

Adjective 공격적인 (aggressive).

영업 이익률 개선을 위한 구조조정이 불가피합니다.

Restructuring is inevitable to improve the operating profit margin.

Adjective 불가피합니다 (is inevitable).

디지털 전환이 영업 방식의 근본적인 변화를 가져왔습니다.

Digital transformation has brought about fundamental changes in business methods.

Subject 전환 (transformation) + verb 가져오다 (bring).

정부는 소상공인의 영업 손실을 보상하기로 했습니다.

The government decided to compensate small business owners for their business losses.

Grammar ~하기로 하다 (decided to).

영업 외 수익이 전체 매출에서 차지하는 비중이 큽니다.

Non-operating income accounts for a large portion of total sales.

Advanced term 영업 외 수익 (non-operating income).

그의 영업 철학은 신뢰를 최우선으로 하는 것입니다.

His business philosophy is to put trust as the top priority.

Noun 철학 (philosophy).

영업의 본질은 단순히 물건을 파는 것이 아니라 가치를 전달하는 데 있다.

The essence of business is not simply selling goods, but delivering value.

Contrastive structure ~이 아니라 ~이다.

무형의 자산인 브랜드 이미지를 영업하는 고도의 전략이 필요하다.

A sophisticated strategy is needed to 'sell' the brand image, which is an intangible asset.

Apposition ~인 (which is).

영업 활동의 투명성을 제고하여 기업의 윤리적 책임을 다해야 한다.

We must fulfill the company's ethical responsibility by enhancing the transparency of business activities.

Advanced verb 제고하다 (to enhance/raise).

영업 현장에서 체득한 경험은 그 어떤 이론보다 값지다.

Experience gained firsthand in the business field is more valuable than any theory.

Advanced verb 체득하다 (to learn through experience).

초연결 사회에서 영업은 개인의 매력을 발산하는 행위로 확장되었다.

In a hyper-connected society, '영업' has expanded into an act of radiating personal charm.

Noun 초연결 사회 (hyper-connected society).

영업 금지 가처분 신청이 법원에 의해 받아들여졌다.

The application for a provisional injunction against business operations was accepted by the court.

Legal term 가처분 신청 (provisional injunction).

영업망의 붕괴는 곧 기업의 생존 위기로 직결된다.

The collapse of the sales network directly leads to a crisis for the company's survival.

Verb 직결되다 (to be directly connected).

고객과의 정서적 유대를 기반으로 한 영업이 롱런의 비결이다.

Business based on emotional bonds with customers is the secret to a long run.

Noun 유대 (bond/tie).

Common Collocations

영업을 시작하다

영업을 종료하다

영업을 뛰다

영업을 방해하다

영업을 확장하다

영업이 잘되다

영업을 중단하다

영업에 나서다

영업을 전개하다

영업을 허가하다

Common Phrases

영업 중

— Currently open for business. You see this on door signs.

문 앞에 '영업 중'이라고 써 있어요.

영업 종료

— Closed for business. Used at the end of the day.

이미 영업 종료 시간이 지났습니다.

영업 시간

— Business hours. The scheduled time a shop is open.

영업 시간이 어떻게 되나요?

영업 사원

— A salesperson or sales representative.

그는 자동차 영업 사원으로 일해요.

영업 비밀

— A trade secret. Confidential business information.

이 요리법은 우리 식당의 영업 비밀입니다.

영업 정지

— Suspension of business. A legal penalty.

그 술집은 미성년자 출입으로 영업 정지를 받았다.

영업 이익

— Operating profit. Revenue minus operating expenses.

올해 영업 이익이 대폭 늘어났습니다.

영업 실적

— Sales performance or business results.

영업 실적이 좋아야 보너스를 받아요.

영업 부서

— The sales department in a company.

영업 부서와 회의가 있습니다.

영업 노하우

— Business know-how or sales expertise.

그는 자신만의 영업 노하우가 있다.

Often Confused With

영업하다 vs 일하다

일하다 is general 'to work'. 영업하다 is specifically for commercial/sales operations.

영업하다 vs 경영하다

경영하다 is 'to manage' a company. 영업하다 is 'to do sales' or 'to operate' a store.

영업하다 vs 판매하다

판매하다 is the specific act of selling an item. 영업하다 is the broader business process.

Idioms & Expressions

"영업을 뛰다"

— To actively go out and do sales work, often involving a lot of traveling and meeting people.

신입 사원 때는 매일 밖으로 영업을 뛰러 다녔다.

Colloquial / Professional

"영업당하다"

— To be persuaded or convinced to like or buy something by someone else's enthusiasm.

친구의 추천에 영업당해서 이 가방을 샀어요.

Slang / Informal

"영업 방해"

— To obstruct or interfere with a business's operations. Often used legally.

거기서 소란을 피우면 영업 방해로 신고할 거예요.

Formal / Legal

"발로 뛰는 영업"

— On-the-ground sales; sales work done through physical effort and direct visits.

그는 이론보다 발로 뛰는 영업을 선호한다.

Professional

"영업용 미소"

— A 'business smile' or 'customer service smile' that is polite but not necessarily sincere.

그녀는 고객 앞에서 영업용 미소를 지었다.

Colloquial

"영업 마인드"

— A 'sales mindset'; having the attitude and skills needed to succeed in business.

성공하려면 영업 마인드가 필요합니다.

Professional

"영업 멘트"

— A 'sales pitch' or canned lines used to persuade customers.

그의 영업 멘트는 아주 자연스러웠다.

Colloquial

"영업 비밀을 누설하다"

— To leak a trade secret or confidential business info.

회사의 영업 비밀을 누설하면 처벌받습니다.

Formal / Legal

"영업 전선"

— The 'sales front line'; the active area where sales are being made.

그는 영업 전선에서 20년을 보냈다.

Professional / Metaphorical

"영업의 달인"

— A master of sales; someone exceptionally good at persuading others.

그는 어떤 물건이든 팔 수 있는 영업의 달인이다.

Colloquial

Easily Confused

영업하다 vs 장사하다

Both mean doing business/selling.

장사하다 is colloquial and usually for smaller shops. 영업하다 is more formal and used for both shops and corporate sales.

시장에서 장사해요 (Natural) vs 시장에서 영업해요 (Slightly formal).

영업하다 vs 사업하다

Both involve making money through business.

사업하다 refers to the whole enterprise or being a business owner. 영업하다 refers to the daily activities of selling and operating.

그는 사업가예요 (He is a businessman) vs 그는 영업을 잘해요 (He is good at sales).

영업하다 vs 근무하다

Both relate to being at a place of work.

근무하다 is used for employees being on duty. 영업하다 is used for the business entity being open.

저는 9시부터 근무해요 (I start work at 9) vs 우리 가게는 9시부터 영업해요 (Our shop opens at 9).

영업하다 vs 판촉하다

Both relate to selling.

판촉하다 is specifically 'promotion' (pushing sales). 영업하다 is the entire sales process including relationship building.

판촉 행사를 해요 (Doing a promotion event).

영업하다 vs 추천하다

Related to the slang meaning of 영업하다.

추천하다 is a neutral 'recommend'. 영업하다 (slang) implies active, passionate persuasion.

영화를 추천해요 (I recommend the movie) vs 영화를 영업해요 (I'm trying to make you a fan of this movie).

Sentence Patterns

[Place]은/는 [Time]까지 영업해요.

이 편의점은 밤 12시까지 영업해요.

[Person]은/는 [Item]을/를 영업해요.

그는 자동차를 영업해요.

[Person]에게 [Something]을/를 영업하다.

친구에게 이 드라마를 영업했어요.

[Someone]의 말에 영업당하다.

광고의 말에 영업당해서 샀어요.

영업 이익을 위해 [Action].

영업 이익을 위해 비용을 줄였습니다.

영업의 본질은 [Philosophy].

영업의 본질은 사람의 마음을 얻는 것이다.

General

지금 영업 중인가요?

General

영업 시간이 어떻게 되나요?

Word Family

Nouns

영업 (Business/Sales)

영업직 (Sales position)

영업소 (Place of business/branch)

영업자 (Business operator)

영업액 (Sales volume/amount)

Verbs

영업시키다 (To make someone do sales)

영업당하다 (To be sold/convinced)

Adjectives

영업적 (Business-like/commercial)

판매 (Sale)

장사 (Commerce)

경영 (Management)

사업 (Enterprise)

마케팅 (Marketing)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, business, and online social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '영업하다' for just working at a desk. → 일하다 / 근무하다
'영업' must involve commercial operations or sales. General office work is not '영업'.
Saying '가게를 영업해요' to mean the store is open. → 가게가 영업해요 / 가게가 문을 열었어요
If the store is the subject, it 'operates' (영업해요). Using '를' makes it sound like you are the owner managing it.
Confusing '영업하다' with '경영하다'. → Depends on the context.
'경영' is management/administration. '영업' is sales/operations. A CEO '경영's, a salesperson '영업's.
Using '장사하다' in a formal business report. → 영업하다 / 사업을 운영하다
'장사하다' is too colloquial for formal documents.
Pronouncing '영' as '영그' (yeong-geu). → 영 (yeong)
The 'ng' is a single nasal sound, not followed by a hard 'g'.

Tips

Signs are your friends

When walking in Korea, look for '영업 중' (Open) and '영업 종료' (Closed). It's the best way to memorize the word in context.

Use it with friends

Try telling your friends '내가 이 노래 영업할게' (I'll 'sell' you on this song) when you want them to listen to something you love.

Passive Voice

Master '영업당하다'. It's much more common than saying 'Someone persuaded me' in casual Korean conversation.

Job Titles

Remember '영업사원' (salesperson). It's one of the most common job titles you'll see on business cards in Korea.

Relationship Sales

Understand that '영업' in Korea often involves '인맥' (personal connections). It's not just about the product, but the person selling it.

The 'Eo' sound

Make sure the 'eo' in 'yeong' and 'eop' is distinct from 'o'. It's more like the 'u' in 'up'.

Noun vs Verb

Use the noun '영업' for titles and headers, and the verb '영업하다' for sentences.

Business Rights

Knowing '영업 방해' is useful for understanding legal news or signs in private areas.

Targeting

In business Korean, '영업 대상' refers to your target customers or sales targets.

Check the subject

If the subject is a place, it's about being open. If it's a person, it's about selling. This is the golden rule.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Young-Up'. A 'Young' person starting 'Up' a business needs to '영업하다' (do sales) to survive.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright neon 'OPEN' sign on a Korean street. That sign represents '영업'. Now imagine a person in a suit shaking hands with a client—that is also '영업'.

Word Web

Business Hours Sales Pitch Open for Business Customer Service Trade Secrets Corporate Strategy Profit Slang: Convincing Friends

Challenge

Try to find three '영업 중' signs in a K-drama or on a Korean street view app. Then, try to '영업' your favorite food to a friend in Korean today.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sino-Korean characters 營業 (영업). '營' (영) means to manage, build, or operate. '業' (업) means work, profession, or industry.

Original meaning: Originally referred to the management of a household or the pursuit of a specific trade or calling.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use '장사하다' for a high-level professional sales context, as it might sound slightly disrespectful or overly casual.

In English, we distinguish between 'being open' and 'doing sales'. Korean uses '영업하다' for both, which can be confusing at first.

The K-drama 'Misaeng' (Incomplete Life) provides a realistic look at the '영업' department in a trading company. The variety show 'Unexpected Business' (어쩌다 사장) shows celebrities learning how to '영업' a small country store. Fan communities on 'TheQoo' or 'Pann' are famous for their '영업글' (promotion posts) for rising stars.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

몇 시까지 영업해요?
지금 영업 중인가요?
일요일에도 영업하시나요?
영업 시간이 어떻게 돼요?

In the Office

영업 실적이 올랐어요.
영업부와 회의가 있어요.
새로운 거래처를 영업해야 해요.
영업 노하우를 공유해 주세요.

On Social Media (Slang)

이 노래 영업합니다!
영업당해서 입덕했어요.
영업글 보고 샀어요.
영업 성공!

Financial News

영업 이익이 감소했습니다.
영업 환경이 악화되었습니다.
공격적인 영업을 전개합니다.
영업권 침해 소송이 있습니다.

Legal/Administrative

영업 정지 처분을 받았습니다.
영업 비밀 보호법.
영업 허가증을 갱신해야 해요.
영업 방해로 고소했어요.

Conversation Starters

"이 근처에 늦게까지 영업하는 맛집 알아요?"

"회사에서 영업 업무를 맡고 계신가요?"

"최근에 친구한테 영업당해서 산 물건이 있어요?"

"영업 시간이 바뀌었는데 알고 계셨어요?"

"본인만의 영업 노하우가 있다면 무엇인가요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 방문한 가게들의 영업 시간은 언제였나요?

내가 누군가에게 열정적으로 영업하고 싶은 취미나 가수가 있나요?

영업사원으로 일한다면 어떤 물건을 가장 잘 팔 수 있을까요?

최근에 광고나 친구에게 영업당해서 충동구매를 한 적이 있나요?

우리나라의 영업 문화와 본인 나라의 영업 문화는 어떻게 다른가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Only if your work involves sales or running a business. If you are an accountant, you say '일하다' or '근무하다'. If you are a salesperson, you can say '영업하다'.

'열다' means 'to open' (the action of opening the door). '영업 중' means 'currently in operation'. On a sign, '영업 중' is the standard phrase.

Not necessarily! It is usually used jokingly to mean you were successfully convinced to try something good. However, in a negative context, it could mean you were tricked into a bad purchase.

You use the noun '영업 시간' (yeong-eop si-gan).

Yes, in slang! If you love a game and try to get all your friends to play it, you are '영업'ing the game to them.

They are related but different. Marketing is '마케팅'. '영업' is more about the direct sales and operational side.

It means 'trade secret'. It refers to confidential info like a secret recipe or a client list.

Usually no. '영업' implies a profit motive. For non-profits, words like '운영하다' (to operate/run) are more common.

It is a legal order to stop business operations temporarily, often as a punishment for breaking laws.

Yes, it is perfectly polite and natural.