What Do Korean Office Workers Do After Work? How They Spend Their Evenings

 

Hands of a digital creator working on a laptop keyboard

Hello, dear readers!

Today, I’d like to share some insights into how Koreans—especially office workers—spend their time after work. The hours after leaving the workplace aren't just for rest or entertainment; for many, this time plays a vital role in shaping the quality of life. That’s why many Korean office workers tend to make the most out of their post-work hours.

A Look Back: How Korean Office Workers Spent Evenings in the Past

Let’s rewind a bit. Around 30 to 40 years ago, it was almost a rite of passage for new employees starting their first jobs to enroll in computer or English classes after work. Whether or not they studied hard didn’t matter much—"everyone did it" was simply how things were.

Back then, personal computers weren’t yet common in households, and most companies didn’t use computers for daily tasks either. Yet, young office workers eagerly signed up for computer academies, anticipating the arrival of a computer-driven era.

As for English, schools mainly focused on grammar and reading comprehension, so most people weren’t familiar with listening or speaking in English. Although some self-study companies produced cassette tapes for listening practice, audio-visual learning methods had not yet become mainstream. So, even though the actual benefits of these classes were limited, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that most office workers were enrolled in computer or English academies.

Whether or not they were good at it didn’t matter much—Koreans have always had an innate passion for learning.

Fast Forward to 2025: Diverse and Personalized Post-Work Lifestyles

Time has passed, and now we live in 2025. Korean office workers today spend their evenings in a way that is vastly different from the past. One of the biggest differences is that it’s no longer easy to generalize. People are no longer focusing on just one or two types of activities after work.

Some workers continue to pursue career development by attending private academies or public training programs offered by government-funded institutions. These individuals study to obtain job-related certifications or learn new digital skills to stay competitive in their careers.

On the other hand, many others engage in side jobs after clocking out. For these people, it’s not just about earning a bit of extra money—it’s often a necessity, as a single income may not be enough to maintain financial stability. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, side gigs became something of a social trend. With people staying indoors and ordering everything online, delivery jobs surged in popularity. It became quite common to see office workers doing delivery runs after work.

But things have changed again. The pandemic has ended, and delivery jobs are no longer as widely available as they once were. Society has gradually returned to normal.

Still, this doesn't mean post-work hours have become relaxed or idle. Instead, many office workers are now leveraging technology and digital platforms in creative ways.

From Delivery Gigs to Digital Creators: The New Norm

A significant number of Korean office workers now spend their evenings running online shops, maintaining blogs, creating YouTube videos, or exploring various digital creator activities. While some do this to earn extra income, for most, the primary goal is self-development. Even if it doesn’t generate money right away, they see it as a long-term investment for the future—especially as a form of retirement preparation or a way to explore personal identity.

Today’s Korean office workers are no longer spending their evenings in just one fixed way. Their lifestyles after work have become highly individualized and diversified. It’s not just about taking a break after a long day; it’s about actively creating value, purpose, and growth.

This isn’t just a trendy phase—it’s a realistic response to a rapidly changing world. With careers evolving faster than ever, and uncertainty looming in many industries, people are trying to build their own competitive edge outside of their regular job duties.

As a result, some unwind with a book at a cozy café, while others hit the gym to stay fit. Some join book clubs or discussion groups to expand their thinking, while others return to school to earn additional degrees or certifications.

How Do You Spend Your Evenings?

So, how do you spend your time after work?

Whatever you do, I sincerely hope your post-work hours become a gateway to future success and happiness. Sometimes, a small habit or a consistent effort in your free time can lead to big changes in your life.

Around the world, people are currently facing hardships due to extreme heat and various natural disasters. Korea is no exception, with increasingly frequent heatwaves, localized heavy rain, and typhoons in the summer.

Wherever you may be reading this, I wish you safety, health, and happiness.
Thank you, and may your every evening lead you closer to your goals.