Level Up Your Career in Korea: Must-Know Phrases!
Hello! It’s your favorite Korean booster, [Daily Korean], here to upgrade your language skills!
Are you working in Korea or hoping to build a career here? Then today’s lesson is for you! We’re going to learn how to talk about applying for training and courses to develop your professional skills. In Korea these days, “upskilling” and “self-development” (자기계발) are huge trends. Companies and individuals are always looking for ways to improve. Knowing these phrases will not only help you at the office but also show your boss that you’re passionate about growing. Let’s get started!
Core Expressions You Need to Know
Here are three essential phrases for discussing professional development at work.
1. ~을/를 신청하다 (eul/reul sincheonghada)
* Pronunciation [Romanized]: [sin-cheong-ha-da]
* English Meaning: To apply for / to register for
* Detailed Explanation: This is the most common and essential verb for when you want to formally sign up for something, whether it’s a training program, a workshop, or even a vacation day. It’s a neutral and slightly formal verb, making it perfect for the workplace. Remember to use 을 after a consonant and 를 after a vowel.
2. 역량을 강화하다 (yeongnyangeul ganghwahada)
* Pronunciation [Romanized]: [yeong-nyang-eul gang-hwa-ha-da]
* English Meaning: To strengthen one’s capabilities / to enhance one’s skills
* Detailed Explanation: This phrase sounds very professional and is a fantastic way to impress your Korean colleagues or manager. 역량 means “capability” or “competence,” and 강화하다 means “to strengthen” or “to reinforce.” Use this phrase to explain why you want to take a course. It shows you are serious about improving your professional value.
3. 업무에 큰 도움이 되다 (eommue keun doumi doeda)
* Pronunciation [Romanized]: [eom-mu-e keun do-u-mi dwe-da]
* English Meaning: To be a great help to one’s work/tasks
* Detailed Explanation: This is the perfect phrase to justify your request for training! 업무 means “work” or “tasks,” and 큰 도움이 되다 means “to be a big help.” When you tell your manager, “이 교육은 제 업무에 큰 도움이 될 것 같아요” (I think this training will be a great help to my work), you are clearly communicating the benefit for the company.
Example Dialogue
Let’s see how these phrases work in a real conversation. Imagine you (B) are talking to your team leader (A).
A: 민수 씨, 다음 분기 교육 계획은 세웠어요?
Minsu, have you made a training plan for the next quarter?
B: 네, 팀장님. 마케팅 데이터 분석 교육을 신청하고 싶습니다.
Yes, team leader. I’d like to apply for the marketing data analysis training.
A: 오, 좋은 생각이네요. 왜 그 교육을 듣고 싶어요?
Oh, that’s a good idea. Why do you want to take that course?
B: 데이터 분석 역량을 강화하면 저희 팀 업무에 큰 도움이 될 거라고 생각합니다.
I believe that strengthening my data analysis capabilities will be a great help to our team’s work.
A: 알겠어요. 긍정적으로 검토해 볼게요.
I understand. I’ll review it positively.
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
In Korea, the concept of 자기계발 (jagi-gyebal), or self-development, is deeply ingrained in the professional culture. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a lifestyle. Many office workers wake up early for language classes before work, study for professional certifications (자격증) on weekends, or take online courses in new skills like coding or digital marketing.
When you use phrases like 역량을 강화하다, you are tapping into this important cultural value. It shows that you are a proactive and ambitious employee, which is highly valued in Korean workplaces. So, don’t be shy about discussing your desire to learn and grow. It will likely leave a very positive impression!
Let’s Practice!
Time to review what we’ve learned! Try filling in the blanks with the phrases from today’s lesson.
- I want to _______________ for the leadership workshop.
(리더십 워크숍을 _______________ 싶어요.) - This course will help me _______________ my presentation skills.
(이 강의는 제 발표 _______________ 데 도움이 될 거예요.)
Great job today! Keep practicing, and you’ll be discussing your career goals in Korean like a pro in no time.
Now it’s your turn! What kind of training would you like to apply for? Leave a comment below using one of the expressions we learned today!
