Hi everyone， I’m a foreign PhD graduate currently considering full-time research positions in South Korea, and I’d really appreciate some advice from people who have faced similar challenges. My Korean proficiency is around TOPIK Level 5, but I’m still concerned about using Korean in a professional research environment, especially when it comes to technical terminology, meetings, and workplace communication. I’m currently struggling with a career dilemma. Option 1: A company closely related to my research background The research area would be highly relevant to my PhD training, with potentially better opportunities to develop my expertise and earn a competitive salary. However, the team consists almost entirely of Korean colleagues, and all meetings, research materials, and work-related discussions are conducted in Korean. I’m concerned that even with TOPIK Level 5, I might struggle to fully participate in discussions, understand technical details, and take on more responsibilities. Over time, this could limit my professional growth despite the strong match with my academic background. Option 2: A more international working environment Working in a company where English is commonly used and international colleagues are part of the team would make communication and collaboration easier. However, it may be much harder to find a position that also matches my research background, offers competitive compensation, and provides strong long-term career prospects. So, I’d like to hear your opinions on a few questions: - For foreign PhD graduates in Korea, how important is the working language when choosing a research position? - Would you prioritize research relevance, salary, and career development, even if working entirely in Korean makes daily work more challenging? - Or would you choose a more international working environment, even if the research area or compensation is less ideal? - Has anyone experienced a situation where a language barrier limited their opportunities at work, despite having the right academic qualifications? If you were in my position, what would you prioritize, and what advice would you give to a foreign PhD graduate trying to build a long-term career in Korea? Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences and perspectives!