[Korea Social Trends Series] Part 6: Korea’s Young Generation and the Changing Meaning of Work-Life Balance

In Korea, few topics spark as much conversation as the changing attitudes of young people toward work and life. For decades, Korea was known for its relentless work culture, often described by the term “빨리빨리” (ppalli-ppalli), meaning “hurry hurry.” This culture fueled rapid economic growth but also created high levels of stress, long working hours, and limited personal freedom. Today, however, Korea’s younger generation—those in their 20s and 30s—are rewriting the rules. Their views on careers, relationships, and self-fulfillment are reshaping not only workplaces but also society at large. For foreign readers, this shift provides a striking contrast between Korea’s past and present and shows how global trends intersect with local realities.

1. From Salarymen to Freelancers – The Evolution of Work
The image of the lifelong salaryman, loyal to one company until retirement, once symbolized stability in Korea. But younger Koreans increasingly reject this model. Instead, they value flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to pursue personal passions. The rise of freelancing, gig work, and self-employment reflects this change. Platforms such as Coupang Eats (food delivery), KMong (freelance marketplace), and YouTube have opened alternative career paths.
For instance, a 27-year-old graduate might choose to become a freelance designer on KMong rather than join a traditional corporation, valuing creative freedom over job security. Similarly, many young Koreans pursue side hustles alongside full-time jobs, whether selling handmade goods online or tutoring via digital platforms. This diversification of income sources illustrates a growing desire for independence from rigid hierarchies.

2. Work-Life Balance – A Generational Priority
Unlike their parents, who often equated success with long hours and sacrifice, younger Koreans openly demand “워라밸” (work-life balance). Surveys show that over 70% of workers in their 20s prioritize personal life over career advancement. This attitude is visible in the growing popularity of flexible working hours, remote work, and the refusal to engage in after-hours drinking sessions with colleagues—a practice once considered mandatory.
The pandemic accelerated this trend, as many companies adopted remote work. Even after restrictions eased, employees resisted returning to the office full-time. For example, some IT companies in Seoul now offer hybrid schedules to attract and retain younger talent. Work-life balance has become not just a perk but a key factor in job selection.

3. Shifting Values – From “Hell Joseon” to “YOLO”
The frustration of young Koreans is often captured in the term “헬조선” (Hell Joseon), reflecting the sense of living in an unfair and overly competitive society. With high housing costs, fierce job competition, and limited social mobility, many young people feel that traditional success milestones—homeownership, marriage, stable career—are out of reach.
In response, some embrace “욜로” (YOLO: You Only Live Once) lifestyles, focusing on present happiness rather than distant goals. Travel, hobbies, and self-care have become essential expenditures. For instance, it is common for a young office worker to spend generously on overseas trips or premium skincare while postponing long-term commitments like buying a home. This shift highlights a desire to reclaim joy in the present rather than endure endless sacrifice for uncertain rewards.

4. The Rise of “N-po Generation”
Another expression often used is the “N포세대” (N-po Generation), meaning the generation that has given up on multiple aspects of life—dating, marriage, homeownership, and sometimes even stable careers. While this phrase underscores the struggles young people face, it also reflects a cultural turning point. Rather than viewing these decisions solely as failures, some young Koreans reframe them as conscious choices to pursue alternative lifestyles. Co-living spaces, pet ownership, and new forms of social communities have emerged as substitutes for traditional milestones.

5. Corporate and Policy Responses
Employers and policymakers are slowly adapting. Major corporations now advertise their commitment to work-life balance, offering mental health programs, wellness benefits, and flexible scheduling. Government initiatives also encourage fair hiring practices, shorter workweeks, and housing subsidies for young workers. Yet tensions remain. Many companies still expect long hours, and older managers often clash with younger employees over differing expectations. This generational divide is particularly stark in hierarchical industries like finance and law.
For example, a junior lawyer might refuse to attend late-night client dinners, sparking conflict with senior partners who view such activities as essential networking. These clashes illustrate the broader societal negotiation between tradition and change.

6. Global Comparisons
Korea’s shift mirrors global trends but with unique local dynamics. In the United States and Europe, Millennials and Gen Z also demand flexibility and meaningful work, contributing to phenomena like the “Great Resignation.” Japan faces similar generational divides, though cultural norms around loyalty and conformity remain stronger. What sets Korea apart is the speed of transformation: within just one generation, attitudes toward work have shifted dramatically, creating visible tension in workplaces and policy debates.

7. Everyday Examples
Consider a 29-year-old marketing professional in Seoul. She insists on leaving work at 6 p.m. sharp to attend evening yoga classes, despite colleagues who stay late. For her, personal well-being outweighs the perception of dedication. Another example is a young man who left a major conglomerate to pursue a YouTube career, citing freedom and creative expression. These stories highlight the growing normalization of choices once seen as reckless or selfish. Today, they represent courage to pursue self-defined success.

8. Looking Ahead
The future of work in Korea will likely be defined by compromise. Employers will need to adapt to the expectations of younger generations to remain competitive in attracting talent. Policies will need to address structural barriers such as housing costs and job insecurity, which fuel discontent. And culturally, Korea may need to reconcile its legacy of collective sacrifice with the emerging ethos of individual fulfillment. The outcome of this negotiation will shape not only workplaces but also family structures, consumption patterns, and national identity.

Editor’s Note
The changing attitudes of Korea’s young generation toward work and life illustrate the country’s evolving social fabric. From rejecting traditional milestones to demanding balance and freedom, young Koreans are reshaping expectations in profound ways. Their choices challenge older norms but also open possibilities for new definitions of success. For foreign readers, this generational shift shows how Korea, once emblematic of relentless growth and sacrifice, is moving toward a more diverse, individual-centered society. The question remains: how can Korea bridge the gap between tradition and innovation in its workplaces and culture?