Korean · Real conversations
How to respond to “무슨 일을 하세요?” in Korean
A work question can be answered with a role, current study, a job search, or a polite change of topic.
What you might hear
무슨 일을 하세요?museun ireul haseyo?
What do you do for work?
Choose a reply that fits
교사로 일해요.gyosaro ilhaeyo.
I work as a teacher.
Name a role without a long job description.
학생이에요.haksaengieyo.
I'm a student.
Use when studying is your current activity.
일자리를 찾고 있어요.iljarireul chatgo isseoyo.
I'm looking for work.
Describe your current situation if you want to.
지금은 일 얘기를 하지 않았으면 좋겠어요.jigeumeun il yaegireul haji anasseumyeon jokesseoyo.
I'd rather not discuss work right now.
Set a boundary without inventing a job.
Two short exchanges
Meeting a new person
무슨 일을 하세요?museun ireul haseyo?
What do you do for work?
교사로 일해요.gyosaro ilhaeyo.
I work as a teacher.
A casual work question
어떤 일을 하세요?eotteon ireul haseyo?
What kind of work do you do?
학생이에요.haksaengieyo.
I'm a student.
Your turn
Give a short honest answer about looking for work.
Reveal a sample reply
일자리를 찾고 있어요.iljarireul chatgo isseoyo.
I'm looking for work.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
