자리 is a pure Korean (고유어) word with roots in Old Korean meaning "place" or "position." It has been in continuous use for centuries and appears in classical texts referring to a person's seat or social station. Its sense has broadened in modern Korean to cover job positions (자리를 잡다 — "to establish oneself") as well as physical spots.

In Korean social culture, seating (자리) carries implicit hierarchy — the seat of honor (상석, 上席) is traditionally the one farthest from the door and is reserved for elders or guests of higher status. Saying 자리를 양보하다 ("to give up one's seat") is a common expression of Confucian respect. 자리 can also mean a social gathering or occasion, as in 술자리 (a drinking get-together) — so context matters!