Get Your “Golden” Salary: Talk Money in Korean!
Hello! Welcome to [Daily Hangul], here to upgrade your Korean skills!
Today, we’re tackling a topic that can be a bit nerve-wracking but is super important: talking about your desired salary during a job interview in Korea. Have you heard the song “Golden” by HUNTRX from the hit Netflix animation K-Pop Demon Hunters? It’s topping charts worldwide! Just as HUNTRX is achieving “golden” success, we’re going to learn the key Korean phrases to help you get your “golden” paycheck. Let’s get you ready to confidently and professionally discuss your salary expectations!
Core Expressions for Your Interview
Here are the essential phrases you need to know. Memorize these, and you’ll sound like a pro!
- 1. 희망 연봉 (Huimang Yeonbong)
- English Meaning: Desired annual salary.
- Detailed Description: This is the most direct and common term. ‘희망’ (huimang) means ‘hope’ or ‘wish,’ and ‘연봉’ (yeonbong) means ‘annual salary.’ This is a formal and standard term to use in any job application or interview setting. When an interviewer asks, “희망 연봉이 어떻게 되세요?” (What is your desired annual salary?), you’ll know exactly what they mean!
- 2. ~을/를 기준으로 (~eul/reul gijun-ero)
- English Meaning: Based on… / According to…
- Detailed Description: This is a fantastic grammar pattern for justifying your desired salary. You can attach it to nouns like ‘경력’ (gyeong-ryeok, career/experience) or ‘업계 평균’ (eop-gye pyeong-gyun, industry average). It makes you sound logical and well-prepared. For example, “제 경력을 기준으로…” (Based on my experience…).
- 3. 협의 가능합니다 (Hyeob-ui ganeung-hamnida)
- English Meaning: It’s negotiable.
- Detailed Description: This is a polite and flexible phrase that shows you’re willing to discuss the salary. ‘협의’ (hyeob-ui) means ‘discussion’ or ‘negotiation,’ and ‘가능합니다’ (ganeung-hamnida) means ‘it’s possible.’ Saying this after stating your desired salary shows that you are cooperative and open to conversation, which is a great quality in Korean work culture.
Example Dialogue
Let’s see how these phrases work in a real conversation. Imagine you are the Applicant (지원자) in an interview.
A: 면접관 (Interviewer): 김민준 씨, 희망 연봉이 어떻게 되시나요?
(Minsu Kim, what is your desired annual salary?)
B: 지원자 (Applicant): 제 경력과 능력을 기준으로 5,000만 원 정도 생각하고 있습니다. 물론 협의 가능합니다.
(Based on my experience and skills, I am thinking around 50 million won. Of course, it’s negotiable.)
A: 면접관 (Interviewer): 알겠습니다. 저희가 내부적으로 검토해 보겠습니다.
(I understand. We will review it internally.)
K-Culture Tip: The “Golden” Rule of Salary Talk
Just like the song “Golden” from K-Pop Demon Hunters became a massive hit because of its quality and the “Golden Challenge” meme, your value in a company is also about showcasing your “golden” skills!
In Korea, discussing money can sometimes feel indirect. While it’s important to be clear, the way you say it matters. Using phrases like “~을/를 기준으로” (based on…) shows that your salary expectation isn’t random; it’s based on concrete value like your experience, skills, or market research. It’s a humble yet confident way to state your worth.
So, when you prepare for your interview, think about your “golden” points. What makes you a star employee? Frame your salary discussion around that value, and you’ll leave a great impression!
Let’s Practice & Wrap-Up!
Great job today! We learned how to talk about your 희망 연봉 (desired salary), justify it ~을/를 기준으로 (based on…), and show flexibility by saying 협의 가능합니다 (it’s negotiable).
Now, it’s your turn!
Practice Question: Imagine an interviewer asks for your desired salary. How would you answer using the phrases we learned today? Fill in the blank below.
“제 [Your Skill/Experience]을/를 ___________, [Your Desired Amount]을/를 받고 싶습니다. 하지만 ___________.”
Leave your answers in the comments below using the expressions we learned! Let’s get that “golden” job! Fighting! (파이팅!)
