In Korea, the term MT and OT are often heard especially in the beginning of a school year. They are more than just school or company events, but can be a figurative cultural rite of passage. OT, or “Orientation,” usually happens at the start of a new semester or job. It might sound like a dry welcome session, but in Korea, it often includes an overnight trip with icebreaker games, team-building activities, and, famously, lots of eating and drinking. The real goal isn’t just to share information but it’s to break down awkwardness and help people bond fast.
Then there’s MT, short for “Membership Training,” which isn’t really about training at all. It's usually a weekend retreat with classmates or coworkers, somewhere in the countryside or at a rented guesthouse. People cook meals together, sing karaoke, play drinking games, and stay up late talking. For many Koreans, this is where real friendships are made and lasting group dynamics are formed.
Compared to Indonesia, where orientations tend to be more formal, structured, and usually done during the day, this was a big cultural surprise for me. Back home, we might have some icebreaker games, a little speech from the seniors, and maybe snacks or lunch. Some people might prefer it, but personally, I don't feel like it helps me form bonds or a sense of camaraderie. We don’t go away for the weekend, we don’t drink with our professors, and we definitely don’t get expected to sing in front of everyone after a few glasses of beer. More controlled but less fun!
MT and OT in Korea can feel intense at first, especially if you’re not used to group pressure or drinking culture. But once you lean into it, it becomes something that really sets Korea apart. It turns colleagues and classmates into actual friends, and makes you feel like part of a group in a way that’s hard to replicate in more formal cultures. Some of my closest friends are people that I met during my first MT! Just be ready to bring your own snacks (and drinks if you prefer), lose some sleep, and maybe belt out a ballad or two.
In Korea, the term MT and OT are often heard especially in the beginning of a school year. They are more than just school or company events, but can be a figurative cultural rite of passage. OT, or “Orientation,” usually happens at the start of a new semester or job. It might sound like a dry welcome session, but in Korea, it often includes an overnight trip with icebreaker games, team-building activities, and, famously, lots of eating and drinking. The real goal isn’t just to share information but it’s to break down awkwardness and help people bond fast.
Then there’s MT, short for “Membership Training,” which isn’t really about training at all. It's usually a weekend retreat with classmates or coworkers, somewhere in the countryside or at a rented guesthouse. People cook meals together, sing karaoke, play drinking games, and stay up late talking. For many Koreans, this is where real friendships are made and lasting group dynamics are formed.
Compared to Indonesia, where orientations tend to be more formal, structured, and usually done during the day, this was a big cultural surprise for me. Back home, we might have some icebreaker games, a little speech from the seniors, and maybe snacks or lunch. Some people might prefer it, but personally, I don't feel like it helps me form bonds or a sense of camaraderie. We don’t go away for the weekend, we don’t drink with our professors, and we definitely don’t get expected to sing in front of everyone after a few glasses of beer. More controlled but less fun!
MT and OT in Korea can feel intense at first, especially if you’re not used to group pressure or drinking culture. But once you lean into it, it becomes something that really sets Korea apart. It turns colleagues and classmates into actual friends, and makes you feel like part of a group in a way that’s hard to replicate in more formal cultures. Some of my closest friends are people that I met during my first MT! Just be ready to bring your own snacks (and drinks if you prefer), lose some sleep, and maybe belt out a ballad or two.