Appearances are everything in Korea. There’s even an old saying, “there’s no handsome man in shabby clothes and there’s no ugly man in nice clothes”.

As you can imagine, this is even more relevant in the workplace. And dressing well can make your office experience or business meeting a lot easier.

Dress codes will vary depending on industry, average age of employees, company size and culture. For example, IT companies will be relaxed compared to, say, finance companies. When in doubt, “neat and tidy”. Korean male business casual is a bit more formal and conservative than it is in western countries.

Standards are becoming more relaxed as time passes, but this will depend on the boss.

“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.” ― Marilyn Monroe

Things to avoid
Wrinkled or messy clothing. Hats, sunglasses, shorts and sandals. Overly flashy or loud colors. Visible tattoos, facial hair, hoop earrings, informal hair styles (pompadours, beehives, mohawks and other styles that attract attention) or anything else that expresses excessive individuality are not recommended. T-shirts, jeans and old sneakers will not win you any favors, unless you work for Google or Apple.

Korean office wear for ladies allows for some flexibility. Dark colors aren’t mandatory for women. A bright pastel tone is a safe choice.

Clothes for Women
Korean women buy a lot of clothes specifically for work. Blouses with knee length skirts are a good look. Dress can be short, but not at public companies, including government offices and banks.

Pants suits and skirt suits are common enough to be acceptable. Women can also wear slacks, which are nice and comfortable too. A nice jacket can make you look more formal and respectable.

Accessories for Women
Accessories should be subtle and understated. A small watch is the perfect accessory at work. Shoes and Bags for Women Formal flats work for most places where you don’t directly interact with customers. High heels should be moderate height (no 6 inch stilettos). Chanel bags will only bring jealousy if it’s your first day at work. Try Coach or more affordable brands. Tips for men Source: VIP Korean business attire for men is pretty straightforward. Think Mad Men without the fedoras. Dark colors like gray or navy are safe choices.

Clothes for Men
Suits are the default. This includes button up shirts, jackets and slacks.
Slacks are common in most office settings.
Khakis are not common and might not be appropriate.
Korean summers can be quite hot, so short sleeved button up shirts are acceptable in some office environments. But never wear shorts.
Korean winters are cold, so long sleeved sweaters are ok to be worn over dress shirts. Also, thick black long coats will help you keep warm.
Dark jeans are not acceptable unless you work in the arts.
Polo shirts are considered a bit informal and are better left for team building exercises.

Accessories for Men
A nice watch is a good choice. Not too expensive if you’re just starting out.
Swiss watches are great if you’re manager level.
Also cuff links add a nice touch if you’re working at a finance company.
Koreans try to avoid wearing ties, but still they’re mandatory for formal events or at more conventional companies.
Shoes and Bags for Men Dress shoes or loafer are fine for footwear.
Just make sure to put on quiet-looking socks, no loud colors or bold patterns.
Every Korean male carries a bag.
A black or brown color briefcase is a must in Korea.
Dressing well in Korea is always a good idea and will improve the way you’re viewed.
You don’t have to break the bank to dress well. There are many affordable options. Just follow these guidelines and you would fit in just well in your work place .