Understanding career transitions in Korea involves knowing specific terms like “honorary retirement,” often used for early retirement programs. This guide explains the core term 명예퇴직 (myeong-ye-toe-jik) and provides related vocabulary and phrases essential for discussing retirement and career changes within a Korean context. You’ll learn how to talk about different types of retirement, express related feelings, and understand the cultural nuances surrounding this topic.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 명예퇴직
Pronunciation: myeong-ye-toe-jik
Meaning: Honorary retirement (often refers to voluntary early retirement programs offered by companies, sometimes during restructuring)
Related Vocabulary
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Expression: 퇴직
Pronunciation: toe-jik
Meaning: Retirement / Resignation -
Expression: 조기 퇴직
Pronunciation: jo-gi toe-jik
Meaning: Early retirement -
Expression: 정년퇴직
Pronunciation: jeong-nyeon-toe-jik
Meaning: Mandatory retirement (at the age limit) -
Expression: 은퇴
Pronunciation: eun-toe
Meaning: Retirement (general term, often implies stopping work completely) -
Expression: 퇴직금
Pronunciation: toe-jik-geum
Meaning: Severance pay / Retirement allowance -
Expression: 구조조정
Pronunciation: gu-jo-jo-jeong
Meaning: Restructuring (often associated with layoffs or early retirement offers) -
Expression: 희망퇴직
Pronunciation: hui-mang-toe-jik
Meaning: Voluntary retirement (similar to 명예퇴직, emphasizes employee choice) -
Expression: 실업
Pronunciation: sil-eop
Meaning: Unemployment -
Expression: 이직
Pronunciation: i-jik
Meaning: Changing jobs -
Expression: 재취업
Pronunciation: jae-chwi-eop
Meaning: Re-employment / Getting a new job after leaving one -
Expression: 회사
Pronunciation: hoe-sa
Meaning: Company -
Expression: 직원
Pronunciation: jik-won
Meaning: Employee / Staff member
Phrases for Discussing Retirement
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Expression: 김 부장님께서 명예퇴직하신대요.
Pronunciation: gim bu-jang-nim-kke-seo myeong-ye-toe-jik-ha-sin-dae-yo.
Meaning: I heard Manager Kim is taking honorary retirement. -
Expression: 저희 회사에서 명예퇴직 신청을 받고 있어요.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui hoe-sa-e-seo myeong-ye-toe-jik sin-cheong-eul bat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Our company is accepting applications for honorary retirement. -
Expression: 명예퇴직 조건이 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: myeong-ye-toe-jik jo-geon-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the conditions for the honorary retirement program? -
Expression: 그는 정년퇴직까지 일하고 싶어 했어요.
Pronunciation: geu-neun jeong-nyeon-toe-jik-kka-ji il-ha-go si-peo hae-sseo-yo.
Meaning: He wanted to work until mandatory retirement age. -
Expression: 명예퇴직하면 퇴직금이 더 많이 나오나요?
Pronunciation: myeong-ye-toe-jik-ha-myeon toe-jik-geum-i deo ma-ni na-o-na-yo?
Meaning: Do you get more severance pay if you take honorary retirement? -
Expression: 많은 분들이 명예퇴직을 고민하고 계세요.
Pronunciation: ma-neun bun-deul-i myeong-ye-toe-jik-eul go-min-ha-go gye-se-yo.
Meaning: Many people are considering honorary retirement. -
Expression: 명예퇴직 후 계획이 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: myeong-ye-toe-jik hu gye-hoek-i i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have any plans after taking honorary retirement? -
Expression: 아버지가 작년에 명예퇴직하셨어요.
Pronunciation: a-beo-ji-ga jak-nyeon-e myeong-ye-toe-jik-ha-syeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: My father took honorary retirement last year. -
Expression: 회사가 어려워져서 명예퇴직을 실시한대요.
Pronunciation: hoe-sa-ga eo-ryeo-wo-jyeo-seo myeong-ye-toe-jik-eul sil-si-han-dae-yo.
Meaning: They say the company is implementing an honorary retirement program because it’s facing difficulties. -
Expression: 명예퇴직은 제 선택이 아니었어요.
Pronunciation: myeong-ye-toe-jik-eun je seon-taek-i a-ni-eo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Honorary retirement wasn’t my choice. (Implying pressure)
Talking About Career Changes and Future Plans
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Expression: 퇴직 후에 뭘 하실 건가요?
Pronunciation: toe-jik hu-e mwol ha-sil geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: What are you going to do after retirement? -
Expression: 새로운 일을 찾아볼 생각이에요.
Pronunciation: sae-ro-un il-eul cha-ja-bol saeng-gak-i-e-yo.
Meaning: I’m thinking of looking for a new job. -
Expression: 당분간 좀 쉬고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: dang-bun-gan jom swi-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to rest for a while. -
Expression: 창업을 준비하고 있어요.
Pronunciation: chang-eop-eul jun-bi-ha-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m preparing to start my own business. -
Expression: 재취업이 쉽지 않을 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: jae-chwi-eop-i swip-ji a-neul geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think finding re-employment won’t be easy. -
Expression: 제2의 인생을 시작하려고요.
Pronunciation: je-i-ui in-saeng-eul si-jak-ha-ryeo-go-yo.
Meaning: I’m planning to start the second chapter of my life. -
Expression: 귀농해서 농사를 지을까 생각 중이에요.
Pronunciation: gwi-nong-hae-seo nong-sa-reul ji-eul-kka saeng-gak jung-i-e-yo.
Meaning: I’m thinking about returning to farming (moving to the countryside to farm). -
Expression: 퇴직 후에도 계속 일하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: toe-jik hu-e-do gye-sok il-ha-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to continue working even after retirement. -
Expression: 연금으로 생활할 계획이에요.
Pronunciation: yeon-geum-eu-ro saeng-hwal-hal gye-hoek-i-e-yo.
Meaning: I plan to live on my pension. -
Expression: 아직 구체적인 계획은 없어요.
Pronunciation: a-jik gu-che-jeok-in gye-hoek-eun eop-seo-yo.
Meaning: I don’t have any specific plans yet.
Expressing Feelings About Retirement
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Expression: 퇴직하게 되어 아쉬워요.
Pronunciation: toe-jik-ha-ge doe-eo a-swi-wo-yo.
Meaning: I feel sad/regretful about retiring. -
Expression: 시원섭섭하네요.
Pronunciation: si-won-seop-seop-ha-ne-yo.
Meaning: I feel bittersweet (relieved yet sad). -
Expression: 앞으로 뭘 해야 할지 걱정돼요.
Pronunciation: ap-eu-ro mwol hae-ya hal-ji geok-jeong-doe-yo.
Meaning: I’m worried about what I should do from now on. -
Expression: 드디어 쉬게 되어서 기뻐요.
Pronunciation: deu-di-eo swi-ge doe-eo-seo gi-ppeo-yo.
Meaning: I’m happy that I finally get to rest. -
Expression: 오랫동안 일했던 회사를 떠나려니 서운해요.
Pronunciation: o-raet-dong-an il-haet-deon hoe-sa-reul tteo-na-ryeo-ni seo-un-hae-yo.
Meaning: I feel sad leaving the company I worked at for a long time. -
Expression: 명예퇴직 결정이 쉽지 않았어요.
Pronunciation: myeong-ye-toe-jik gyeol-jeong-i swip-ji a-na-sseo-yo.
Meaning: The decision for honorary retirement wasn’t easy. -
Expression: 미래가 불안해요.
Pronunciation: mi-rae-ga bul-an-hae-yo.
Meaning: I feel anxious about the future. -
Expression: 새로운 시작에 기대가 돼요.
Pronunciation: sae-ro-un si-jak-e gi-dae-ga dwae-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking forward to a new beginning. -
Expression: 동료들과 헤어지는 것이 슬퍼요.
Pronunciation: dong-nyo-deul-gwa he-eo-ji-neun geo-si seul-peo-yo.
Meaning: I’m sad about parting with my colleagues. -
Expression: 홀가분한 기분이에요.
Pronunciation: hol-ga-bun-han gi-bun-i-e-yo.
Meaning: I feel relieved / unburdened.
Korean Culture Notes
The concept of 명예퇴직 (myeong-ye-toe-jik) is deeply tied to Korea’s economic history and work culture. Traditionally, the idea of lifetime employment (평생직장, pyeong-saeng-jik-jang) was strong, but economic shifts, particularly after the 1997 Asian financial crisis (often called the “IMF crisis” in Korea), led many companies to implement restructuring (구조조정, gu-jo-jo-jeong), which included early retirement programs.
명예퇴직 literally translates to “honorary retirement.” While it’s often presented as voluntary (희망퇴직, hui-mang-toe-jik), there can sometimes be implicit pressure for older employees or those in certain departments to accept the offer, especially during difficult economic times for the company. The “honorary” aspect acknowledges the employee’s service but distinguishes it from mandatory retirement (정년퇴직, jeong-nyeon-toe-jik).
Accepting 명예퇴직 often comes with enhanced severance packages (퇴직금, toe-jik-geum) compared to regular resignation. However, leaving a stable job, especially in one’s 40s or 50s, can bring significant anxiety about future employment (재취업, jae-chwi-eop) and financial stability in a society where age can be a factor in hiring.
Discussing someone’s 명예퇴직 requires sensitivity. While some may welcome the change, others might feel forced out or uncertain about their future. It’s generally polite to express well wishes for their future endeavors rather than probing too deeply into the reasons unless they volunteer the information.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two colleagues, Ji-hye and Min-jun, are talking during a coffee break about another colleague who recently accepted an early retirement offer.
Roles:
A: Ji-hye (지혜)
B: Min-jun (민준)
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Expression: A: 민준 씨, 박 차장님 명예퇴직하신다는 소식 들었어요?
Pronunciation: min-jun ssi, bak cha-jang-nim myeong-ye-toe-jik-ha-sin-da-neun so-sik deu-reo-sseo-yo?
Meaning: A: Min-jun, did you hear the news that Deputy Manager Park is taking honorary retirement? -
Expression: B: 네, 저도 어제 들었어요. 좀 갑작스러워서 놀랐어요.
Pronunciation: ne, jeo-do eo-je deu-reo-sseo-yo. jom gap-jak-seu-reo-wo-seo nol-la-sseo-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, I heard yesterday too. I was surprised because it seemed a bit sudden. -
Expression: A: 맞아요. 아직 정년까지 시간도 꽤 남으셨는데… 혹시 무슨 계획이 있으신지 아세요?
Pronunciation: ma-ja-yo. a-jik jeong-nyeon-kka-ji si-gan-do kkwae na-meu-syeot-neun-de… hok-si mu-seun gye-hoek-i i-sseu-sin-ji a-se-yo?
Meaning: A: Right. He still had quite some time left until mandatory retirement… Do you happen to know if he has any plans? -
Expression: B: 글쎄요, 자세히는 모르겠는데, 퇴직금으로 작은 카페를 열고 싶어 하셨다는 이야기는 들었어요.
Pronunciation: geul-sse-yo, ja-se-hi-neun mo-reu-get-neun-de, toe-jik-geum-eu-ro ja-geun ka-pe-reul yeol-go si-peo ha-syeot-da-neun i-ya-gi-neun deu-reo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: B: Well, I don’t know the details, but I heard talk that he wanted to use his severance pay to open a small cafe. -
Expression: A: 아, 정말요? 잘 되시면 좋겠네요. 그래도 오랫동안 같이 일했는데 좀 서운하네요.
Pronunciation: a, jeong-mal-lyo? jal doe-si-myeon jo-ken-ne-yo. geu-rae-do o-raet-dong-an ga-chi il-haen-neun-de jom seo-un-ha-ne-yo.
Meaning: A: Oh, really? I hope it goes well for him. Still, I feel a bit sad since we worked together for a long time. -
Expression: B: 저도요. 회사 분위기도 요즘 좀 뒤숭숭하고… 명예퇴직 신청하신 분들이 더 계시다는 말도 있더라고요.
Pronunciation: jeo-do-yo. hoe-sa bun-wi-gi-do yo-jeum jom dwi-sung-sung-ha-go… myeong-ye-toe-jik sin-cheong-ha-sin bun-deul-i deo gye-si-da-neun mal-do it-deo-ra-go-yo.
Meaning: B: Me too. The atmosphere at the company is a bit unsettled these days… There are also rumors that more people have applied for honorary retirement. -
Expression: A: 네, 그런 것 같아요. 다들 미래에 대해 걱정이 많겠죠. 박 차장님께 나중에 연락 한번 드려봐야겠어요.
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reon geot ga-ta-yo. da-deul mi-rae-e dae-hae geok-jeong-i man-ket-jyo. bak cha-jang-nim-kke na-jung-e yeol-lak han-beon deu-ryeo-bwa-ya-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, it seems so. Everyone must be worried about the future. I should try contacting Deputy Manager Park later.
Practice Tips
Understanding terms like 명예퇴직 is useful not just for language skills, but also for grasping aspects of Korean work culture! Try using the related vocabulary when discussing news articles about the economy or companies in Korea~
Practice asking about future plans using phrases like 퇴직 후에 뭘 하실 건가요? (toe-jik hu-e mwol ha-sil geon-ga-yo?). You can also practice expressing different feelings associated with retirement, like 시원섭섭해요 (si-won-seop-seop-hae-yo) or 새로운 시작에 기대가 돼요 (sae-ro-un si-jak-e gi-dae-ga dwae-yo).
Listen for these terms in Korean dramas or news reports about corporate situations. Familiarizing yourself with the context will make the vocabulary stick much better! Good luck with your studies~! 화이팅!
