Question
MikeW
Which careers are viewed as top-tier in South Korea?
Hi everyone, I’ve been curious about how careers are perceived in South Korea. In some countries, certain jobs like doctors, lawyers, or government officials are seen as the most prestigious or “elite” in society. For those of you who have lived or worked in Korea, what kinds of jobs tend to have that high social status there? Are they mostly in traditional fields like medicine and law, or are there modern industries like tech, finance, or entertainment that are also considered highly respected? I’m also wondering if this perception has been changing among younger generations compared to older ones. If you’ve noticed trends or shifts in how Koreans view certain careers, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Answers 2
rosickyno7
It feels like every Asian parent dreams of their kid becoming a doctor — and Korean parents are no exception 😅
Comments 1
Kwabena99
3~5 yrs
in Korea
•
D-2
Haha not only Asian parents, African parents are the same.
2w ago
Kelvin
H-1
D-2
D-10
E-7
I feel that professions in fields like medicine and law are still very highly regarded in Korea. For example, doctors, dentists, and judges are given a lot of respect and admiration. Being an entrepreneur that started a successful business is also generally seen as highly respectable, and given the popularity of tech, it may be as prestigious as business owners. My parents personally always tell me to become a doctor lol.