ABSTRACT
In line with economic prosperity and increasing wages, Korea has attracted foreign workers in recent years. While the majority are low- to medium-skilled workers, about 100,000 foreigners occupy professional or managerial positions. In this chapter, we focus on highly skilled employed foreigners who do not intend to live in Korea permanently, so-called expatriates. Based on a comprehensive literature review, we identified major challenges and opportunities for expatriates in Korea. Different culture, language, and understandings of work–life balance and social exclusion can complicate cross-cultural adjustment of expatriates. Preparation, high motivation, cultural intelligence, and a supportive family can help alleviate these challenges. We create an awareness of the situation of expatriates in Korea and provide practical implications for potential and current expatriates as well as organizations wishing to employ expatriates in Korea.
