PM-ing in Korea

If you're a PO, chances are… you're a little bit greedy. Not for power or credit — but for ownership. For the thrill of solving meaningful problems. That’s why top-down tasks often trigger a quiet rebellion inside us. Maybe it’s just in our nature. But when something lands on our plate from the top — with no context, no discussion — our minds immediately shift into critical mode. We analyze harder. We focus more on what could go wrong. And then we drag ourselves to the team like we’ve been sentenced to carry out a mission we didn’t sign up for.

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...

With so much Korean content making its way across the globe—from K-dramas to YouTube vlogs—interest in Korean work culture has naturally grown. And thanks to the dramatic nature of K-dramas , that culture is often portrayed in its most extreme form: yelling bosses, never-ending overtime, and forced drinking sessions. But here’s the truth: Korean office culture isn’t always like that. Yes, those things can exist—but let’s be honest: there’s a “dark side” to every workplace culture in the world. Let’s break down a few of the most common misconceptions: 1. Endless Overtime (a.k.a. “Why are you leaving when I’m still working?”) Some companies in Korea still glorify long working hours, associating it with ownership and passion . Let’s not forget— Elon Musk is a strong believer in this too. So is this uniquely Korean? Not really. The good news: Many Korean tech startups are moving away from this mindset. Flexible working hours are becoming more common Some teams ...

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...

When giving career advice, don’t project your own definition of success onto someone else.  Instead, listen to how they define success and have a conversation from their perspective. Success can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s about how much money they make.  For others, it’s about job titles, work-life balance, or the size of their professional network. I once met a headhunter while exploring recruitment as a career. He proudly showed me his contact list and said, “If you work with me, you’ll have this many people in your network too.” He even offered me a job, suggesting that I work for him instead of looking elsewhere.  I turned it down because his definition of success wasn’t the same as mine.

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 ...

When it comes to product design in Korea, one tool dominates the scene: Figma. While some teams still use Adobe XD or other alternatives, the industry is shifting toward tools that offer seamless collaboration, prototyping, and design workflows . But there’s a new player in town— Framer . In this post, we’ll break down the most commonly used product design tools in Korea, the emerging trends, and how product teams are adapting. Figma: The Industry Standard If you’re working in a Korean tech company, there’s a 90% chance your team is using Figma. Why? ✅ Cloud-based collaboration – No more file versioning nightmares ✅ Real-time co-editing – Designers, PMs, and engineers can work together ✅ Built-in prototyping – Many teams now use Figma for both UI/UX design and prototyping Figma has become the go-to tool for design teams looking for speed, flexibility, and team collaboration . 💡 Check out Figma here . Adobe XD: Slowly Fading Out At one point...

The Essential Communication & Project Management Tools Used in Korean Tech Companies In South Korea's fast-paced tech industry , smooth communication and efficient project management are critical. Whether it's a startup or a tech giant like Naver or Kakao , companies rely on a mix of global and homegrown tools to keep their teams aligned. In this post, we'll break down the most widely used collaboration tools in Korean tech companies—specifically those for communication and project management . 📌 In the next post, we’ll explore the design tools used in Korean tech, including those preferred by UI/UX designers and product teams. Commonly Used Communication & Project Management Tools in Korea While global tech companies and startups often gravitate toward widely recognized tools , Korean firms also adopt localized solutions tailored to their corporate culture and workflows . 🔹 Most Widely Used Collaboration Tools in Korean Tech Companies Slac...

The once-blurred lines between these roles are slowly becoming clearer. In Korea’s tech industry , job titles like Service Planner (서비스 기획자), Product Manager (PM), and Product Owner (PO) are often used interchangeably . This has created confusion—not just for job seekers but also for companies struggling to define these roles properly. But things are changing.  Some PMs are still limited to service planner roles , while some service planners are taking on PO-level responsibilities without the right compensation. But more tech companies are now distinguishing these positions , bringing structure to an industry that has long operated in ambiguity. So, what’s causing this shift? Let’s break it down. The Current State of Confusion Many Korean companies still don’t fully separate these roles , leading to job descriptions that mix responsibilities across all three positions. It’s common to see: A company hiring a "Product Owner" but expecting them to do Produc...

Service Planner, Product Manager, Product Owner: Different  Yet Similar  Roles If you’re working in Korea’s IT industry , you’ve probably come across three commonly used job titles: ✅ Service Planner (서비스 기획자) ✅ Product Manager (PM) ✅ Product Owner (PO) At first glance, these roles seem similar. They all involve product development, user needs, and decision-making . But in reality, each has unique responsibilities—and in Korea, these roles often function differently than they do in other countries. Today, I want to break down: What makes the Service Planner role unique to Korea How PM and PO roles differ globally vs. in Korea What these three roles have in common The Uniqueness of ‘Service Planner’ in Korea 💡 Is there an exact translation for ‘Service Planner’ in English? Not really. The Service Planner role evolved specifically within the Korean IT industry , and there isn’t a direct equivalent in Western markets like the US. Historically, ...

At the start of every new year, people take a moment to reflect on the past. Looking back, 2022 wasn’t just another year for me—it was a turning point . It was the year I: 📌 Hit my mid-30s 📌 Became a parent 📌 Made a major career shift 📌 Started a new job as a Product Owner On a personal level, welcoming my child was by far the biggest blessing. But career-wise? Despite feeling “too late” to switch paths, I fully transitioned into a Product Owner role—and it was one of the best moves I’ve made. But before I get into how it happened, there’s something important to clear up about Product Management in Korea vs. the US . PO vs. PM in Korea – Why It’s Different 💡 If you’re used to the way Product Management works in the US, you might find Korea’s definitions confusing. In Korea: ✔ Product Owner (PO) = more like a Product Manager (PM) in the US ✔ Product Manager (PM) = more like a Product Owner (PO) in the US Why? 👉 The first major Korean company to adopt Agile accidentally switched th...