PM-ing in Korea

Some of the words used in the Korean tech scene aren’t quite English—and they aren’t quite Korean either. In fact, even native Korean speakers who’ve never worked in tech often say, “What are they talking about?” This quirky blend of borrowed English terms, misused phrases, and startup-specific buzzwords is fondly (and sometimes sarcastically) referred to as  Pangyo Dialect  ( 판교 사투리 ) . 1. So… what is Pangyo Dialect(판교 사투리)? Pangyo is a district in Seongnam just outside of Seoul, and home to Korea’s major tech companies— Naver, Kakao, NCSoft , and dozens of startups. It’s essentially Korea’s version of Silicon Valley . And just like how tech workers in Silicon Valley have their own lingo, Korean tech employees developed one too—only theirs sounds like English... but isn’t. These words are used so naturally and frequently , they feel like actual Korean. So if you're new to the Korean tech scene and want to “sound native,” knowing this Pangyo Dialect is practical...

If a coworker ever asks, “Are you happy right now?” — maybe that’s more than just small talk. Maybe it’s a sign they respect your work. Maybe it’s their way of saying, “You deserve better.” If that’s true, maybe happiness at work isn’t just possible — maybe it’s something we earn through how we grow and how we’re seen. But let’s be honest: how many people can confidently say, “Yes, I’m happy with what I do and where I work”? And even if they say yes, how many can explain why — clearly, right then and there? Probably not many.  (Even some CEOs might struggle with that question too, to be honest.) So... does that mean workplace happiness is out of reach?

Korea has made progress when it comes to time-off policies. PTOs, maternity and paternity leaves are legally protected—and even encouraged. But in the real world? Using them still feels complicated. Especially when it comes to long-term leave like maternity , paternity , or extended personal leave. 1. First, Let’s Clarify: PTO vs. Parental Leave In Korea, PTOs (Paid Time Off) typically refer to: A day or two off for personal reasons Often viewed as acceptable, if occasional Generally easier to take—though still sometimes met with subtle pressure, when the company is going through a busy season. (but is there a place in the world where no one really cares about taking PTOs in the busiest times?) Maternity and paternity leaves , on the other hand, are: Extended leaves lasting from one month to a year Often for childcare or major life events Legal and supported in policy—but far more difficult to navigate culturally 2. Why Is Long-Term Leave So Hard...

In my previous post on Agile in Korea , I touched on how the fear of failure plays a significant role in shaping how Agile methodologies are adopted (or actually NOT adopted) in Korean workplaces. But where does this fear of failure come from? It’s deeply ingrained in Korean culture , influenced by historical, educational, and social factors that make failure not just a personal setback, but a public event . Today, let’s break down the cultural roots of failure aversion and why this makes Agile adoption so difficult in Korean companies. 1. Cultural Aspects: The Collectivist Pressure to Succeed South Korea’s work culture is shaped by Confucian values and a highly collectivist mindset , where one’s success (or failure) is rarely just personal—it gets recognized in the team, company, family, and even social circles. Everyone who knows you will somehow eventually know. 1. Constant Communication = Constant Comparison In a tightly knit society , communication between c...

Agile methodologies promise flexibility, speed, and adaptability , but how well do they actually work in Korea’s unique corporate culture? Korean work environments are built on hierarchical structures, top-down decision-making, and a deep respect for authority —all of which often clash with Agile’s core principles of self-organization and continuous iteration . I do not speak for every single company in Korea, but I am certain that most of them are like this. In this post, I’ll break down what Agile actually looks like in Korea , how traditional work culture affects its adoption , and what happens when Agile meets hierarchy . 1. Hierarchy vs. Agile Decision-Making Agile emphasizes: Decentralized decision-making Cross-functional teams that self-organize Rapid iteration & continuous learning Korean corporate culture emphasizes: Top-down decision-making Approval required at every step Executives making final calls on product direction Re...

Toss: The Trendsetter Shaping Korea’s Tech Landscape In Korea’s fast-moving tech ecosystem, Toss has become a company that sets the standard. From its pioneering approach to product management to its unique UX writing philosophy , Toss has influenced how many Korean companies operate. But what makes Toss stand out isn’t just its financial services—it’s the way the company builds products, manages teams, and scales its business . Let’s break down how Toss is reshaping Korea’s tech industry . The Visionary Leadership of Lee Seung-gun At the center of Toss’s success is Lee Seung-gun , founder and CEO of Viva Republica (Toss’s parent company). His story is one of persistence and bold innovation . Before Toss, Lee experienced eight startup failures over six years before finally launching his ninth business idea , which became Korea’s first successful peer-to-peer money transfer service . A Global Vision for Toss As of February 2025 , Toss is aiming for foreign nationals ...