“Everything Feels Too Fast”: Indonesian Restaurant Worker’s Reality in Korea

Working in Korea is often seen as a financial opportunity. However, for some Indonesian workers in the restaurant industry, the biggest challenge is not physical labor but the mental pressure caused by a fast-paced environment.

A 25-year-old restaurant worker in Seoul shared that the hardest part of his experience was adjusting to the speed of daily life. Everything—from customer orders to kitchen operations—moves much faster than what he was used to in Indonesia.

“The speed is different. Everything has to be quick,” he explained. This made the early months especially difficult as he tried to keep up with expectations and avoid mistakes.

He also described a stricter work culture. Mistakes are corrected immediately, leaving little room for gradual learning. This direct feedback, while efficient, can increase stress for newcomers.

With a monthly salary of around 2.3 million won, he is still able to save between 700,000 and 1 million won. Financially, it is still beneficial compared to working back home. However, the mental strain is a significant trade-off.

“The money is okay, but mentally it’s exhausting,” he said. His words reflect a reality often overlooked: adapting mentally is just as important as handling the workload.

This story highlights that working in Korea can improve financial conditions, but success also depends on mental readiness. Without it, even a good salary may not feel sustainable in the long term.