Kubernetes for Toss Developers Operating Financial Infrastructure
It was created to solve the "overwhelming problem of not knowing where or how to start with Kubernetes." Based on hands-on experience operating financial infrastructure, it is designed to help you understand the actual build and operation flow rather than just simple theory. Through a learning process that covers the relationship with Docker, YAML, Pods, Deployments, and Services, learners will master Kubernetes not just as a "concept," but as a "usable skill."
I really enjoyed the lecture!
I think this would be better for those who have a broad but shallow understanding rather than complete beginners to Kubernetes.
The explanations were concise, the visual aids were abundant, and since all the source code was provided to minimize lecture time, it was very easy to follow.
Thank you!
5.0
이병석
100% enrolled
Kubernetes used to feel so difficult, but I really loved how you explained it so simply and provided a curriculum that includes various patterns and step-by-step hands-on practice!
5.0
warna
100% enrolled
I don't think there is a better lecture than this for those who are new to Kubernetes.
What you will gain after the course
Practical operational skills for core Kubernetes objects (Pod/Deployment/Service)
The ability to personally build environments ranging from local setups to production-level systems.
Understanding of YAML-based declarative configuration and self-configuration capabilities
Docker → Kubernetes Transition Flow
Understanding Incident Response and Self-healing Architectures
A Kubernetes course where you get hands-on experience starting from Pods all the way to Istio and ArgoCD trực tiếp
This is a practice-oriented k8s course for backend developers who have tried Docker but stopped short of Kubernetes. Starting from YAML syntax, you will manually launch Pods, Deployments, and Services, and configure everything from deployment automation to Istio extension patterns by hand.
Difficulty: Beginner
Hands-on focused
Docker Desktop environment
Unlimited access period
Part 1 → 4A single flow from concepts to Istio expansion
From YAML to Istioalmost all the time is dedicated to hands-on practice
Istio · ArgoCDall the way to Prometheus · Grafana monitoring
A curriculum designed together with a current Toss server developer who operates financial infrastructure For the practice environment, all you need is macOS (Apple M3) and Docker Desktop
Kubernetes · Container Orchestration Platformkubectl · Frequently used commandsThe start of declarative configuration YAMLThe most basic object PodFor self-healing DeploymentFor domain access ServiceRolling Update Zero-downtime deploymentAuto Scaling · Scaling according to trafficPrometheus · Grafana Log collectionArgoCD Deployment automationIstio Extension patternsDocker Desktop · macOS(M3) Hands-onKubernetes · Container Orchestration Platformkubectl · Frequently used commandsThe start of declarative configuration YAMLThe most basic object PodFor self-healing DeploymentFor domain access ServiceRolling Update Zero-downtime deploymentAuto Scaling · Scaling according to trafficPrometheus · Grafana Log collectionArgoCD Deployment automationIstio Extension patternsDocker Desktop · macOS(M3) Hands-on
Why this course was started
A Toss developer brought up Kubernetes first
Below is the actual conversation. Once the busy Toss developer finally had some free time, they suggested Kubernetes as the next topic.
Toss DeveloperFinally... I have some free time. This company is seriously so busy ㅠㅠ
Kakao InterviewerIt's been a while lol. You looked really busy lately, but it seems you finally have some free time now.
Naver InterviewerOh, nice to meet you. It's a pleasure!
HongLol, I've been busy filming lectures with others, just doing what I usually do.
Toss DeveloperSince I have some free time for once, shall we try filming something new? How about Kubernetes? We've mostly covered services in the application domain in this room, so I think it could provide a broader perspective. I actually use it quite a bit myself.
HongI'm fine with it, but are you sure you don't need a break?? What do you want to do?
Naver InterviewerThat sounds great! Actually, these days they are mainly looking for developers who have experience using Kubernetes, and since most job postings require that, I think it will be very helpful.
Toss DeveloperExactly!! Whenever I see job alerts coming in, they always seem to require Kubernetes...
Hongㅋㅋㅋㅋ Yeah, I feel like I see job postings requiring K8s almost every single day too... Let's try to make it happen.
That's how this course was created. It's a topic that a developer operating financial infrastructure at Toss first suggested, saying, "This must be covered."
Where you stand now
Is it enough for a backend developer to just write application code?
Depending on the work environment, you might build the infrastructure yourself or focus solely on writing code. However, looking at a career in the long term, this question remains.
I need to use Kubernetes, but I feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start.
I've tried Docker, but I'm stuck at the Kubernetes stage.
I back away whenever infrastructure comes up because I lack confidence in deployment and operations.
I am just repeating functional development without understanding the MSA environment.
Is staying in a position where you only write code the right choice for your career in the long run?
Why Kubernetes
What kind of platform is Kubernetes, and what does it do?
Kubernetes (k8s) is a container orchestration platform for automating the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. Beyond just running containers, it handles deployment strategies, disaster recovery, traffic distribution, and resource management all within a single platform.
Self-healing
Kubernetes는 컨테이너나 노드에 문제가 생겨도 이를 감지하고 자동으로 복구합니다.
Auto Scaling
Kubernetes는 트래픽 증가에 맞춰 애플리케이션을 자동으로 확장하고, 필요 없을 때는 줄입니다.
Service Discovery
Kubernetes는 복잡한 네트워크 설정 없이도 서비스 간 통신과 트래픽 분산(Load Balancing)을 안정적으로 처리합니다.
Declarative
Kubernetes는 "어떻게"가 아니라 "어떤 상태가 되길 원하는지"만 정의하면 그 상태를 유지합니다. 그 정의를 적는 문법이 YAML입니다.
Cloud Native
Kubernetes는 특정 클라우드에 종속되지 않고 온프레미스부터 퍼블릭 클라우드까지 동일한 방식으로 운영할 수 있습니다.
The official documentation describes Kubernetes as follows.
Kubernetes is an open source container orchestration engine for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. The open source project is hosted by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF).
Kubernetes is an open source container orchestration engine for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. The open source project is hosted by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF).
Modern backend systems are no longer structured as a single server or a single application. Multiple microservices (MSA) communicate with each other, traffic is unpredictable, and failures can occur at any time. This course treats Kubernetes not just as a tool, but as an infrastructure platform responsible for operations.
A sneak peek at the actual course content
We cover scenes like these
Visuals are faster than explanations. Here is an unedited clip from the actual lecture.
Rolling Update using DeploymentThe process of updating versions while keeping the service running
Log collection using Prometheus and GrafanaVisually check what is happening in the cluster
Automation of Public Repository deployment using ArgoCDA structure where the cluster follows once uploaded to the repository
If you've seen it on the screen, now it's time to launch it yourself.
It starts from a single line of YAML and leads all the way to Istio.
I have brought actual backend job postings as they are. Kubernetes is included in the list of required skills.
Nol UniverseKubernetes Required
Megazone CloudKubernetes Required
SmilegateKubernetes required
KakaoKubernetes required
Features of this course
Why this Kubernetes course?
Created together with a Toss developer who operates financial infrastructure.
It is rare to find a course developed alongside an active developer. Together with an 8-year server developer who actually uses Kubernetes at Toss, we have designed everything from the basic framework to service configuration based on real-world industry standards.
Almost all of the time is spent on hands-on practice.
Infrastructure is a great topic to cover theoretically, but there is a significant difference between theory and actually configuring it yourself. In this course, conceptual explanations are immediately followed by hands-on practice, where you will launch clusters and create objects.
A point of differentiation for juniors, a fundamental skill for seniors.
If you stop at "I've configured infrastructure with AWS," the scope of what you can explain is narrow. In modern infrastructure construction, it is difficult to leave out Kubernetes, and the positions of juniors who know this content and seniors who do not are different.
Starting from local and going all the way to the production level.
It starts with a local cluster created with a single click in Docker Desktop and progresses to the stage of configuring infrastructure by running servers directly. Deployment automation and Istio extension patterns are added at the end.
Recommended for these people
Who is this Kubernetes course for?
Developers who need to use Kubernetes but feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start
Practitioners who have tried Docker but stopped at the Kubernetes stage
Backend developers who lack infrastructure knowledge and feel unconfident in deployment and operations
A junior developer who keeps repeating feature development without understanding the MSA environment
Developers who need practical Kubernetes experience to prepare for job changes or interviews
Conversely, if you can explain right now the difference between a Pod and a Deployment, how a Service routes traffic, and what a Rolling Update guarantees, then you do not need this course.
Curriculum
Kubernetes Course Curriculum
It is organized in a sequence for developers learning Kubernetes for the first time. Starting from its relationship with Docker, it progresses through Part 1 to 4, covering YAML, core objects, service management patterns, deployment automation, and Istio extensions.
Section 1. Course Introduction
Course Introduction
Source Code
Frequently used representative Kubernetes commands
Section 2. Part 1. Kubernetes Overview and Compatibility with Docker
Lecture environment verification, basic Docker concepts, and their relationship with Kubernetes
A Kubernetes environment configured with a single button using Docker Desktop
What is Kubernetes, and why is Docker alone not enough?
Section 3. Part 1. Minimum and Core Knowledge as the Foundation of Kubernetes
YAML for Basic Kubernetes Syntax
Pod, the core and most basic object of Kubernetes
Deployment for Kubernetes' core Self-healing
Service core objects for domain access in Kubernetes
Configuring infrastructure by running servers directly, just like a Kubernetes Production Level
Section 4. Part 2. Service Management Patterns via Kubernetes
We will cover patterns for managing services while they are running through hands-on practice.
Section 5. Part 3. Kubernetes Advanced Patterns and Deployment Automation Practice via Public Repository
Practice advanced patterns and ArgoCD-based deployment automation.
Section 6. Part 4. Kubernetes Extension Patterns Using Istio
Covers patterns for extending Kubernetes by adding Istio.
Technologies Covered · Practice Environment
What will be used for the practice?
Kubernetes
k8s
Pod · Deployment · Service
YAML
Istio
ArgoCD
Prometheus · Grafana
Docker
infrastructure
MSA
macOS (Apple M3)
It is conducted using Docker Desktop in an Apple M3 Air environment. Based on Docker version 28.0.0, you can follow along by running a cluster locally.
If you have finished looking through the curriculum
The enrollment period is unlimited. You can revisit and watch only the parts you need whenever necessary.
The Toss developer who prepared this lecture with us
Toss · 8th Year Server Developer
Toss Developer
I am an 8th-year backend server developer operating financial infrastructure at Toss. I majored in Computer Science at a regional university, and while my main stack consists of Java and Spring, I also have a strong interest in low-level languages. I met Hong at a conference, which led us to co-record this lecture.
[Current] Toss Server Developer
[Former] KT Server Engineer
[Former] Nexon Platform Server Developer
Frequently Asked Questions
Kubernetes Course Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kubernetes?
Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration engine that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. It is often abbreviated as k8s. Beyond just running containers, it handles self-healing during failures, scales up and down according to traffic, and manages communication between services and load balancing all within a single platform.
Why is Docker alone not enough?
Docker is a tool for creating and running containers. As containers spread across multiple nodes and increase in number, it becomes difficult for humans to manage "who should be restarted when they die, where to direct traffic, and how to swap versions." Kubernetes takes over that operation in a declarative way. In Section 2, we will first clarify its relationship with Docker before moving on.
What are Pod, Deployment, and Service?
A Pod is the most basic unit where containers actually run, and a Deployment is an object that declares how many of those Pods to maintain, restarting them if they fail (Self-healing). A Service provides a fixed access point in front of the constantly changing Pods to forward traffic. In Section 3, we will create these three in order.
Can beginners to Kubernetes follow along?
Yes. As an introductory-level course, it starts with the relationship with Docker and environment verification, then progresses through YAML syntax, Pods, Deployments, and Services. It will be easy if you have experience using Docker, while the later sections on deployment automation and Istio extensions offer new content even for those with professional experience.
How is the practice environment configured?
It is conducted using Docker Desktop (based on Docker version 28.0.0) on an Apple M3 Air. Section 2 covers how to set up a local Kubernetes environment with a single click in Docker Desktop, allowing you to follow along by launching a cluster locally without any cloud billing.
Do you also cover tools like Istio or ArgoCD?
Yes. Section 5 covers deployment automation using Public Repositories with ArgoCD, and Section 6 covers expansion patterns using Istio. Log collection using Prometheus and Grafana is also included in the hands-on practice.
Is it helpful even if it's not an MSA environment?
It is helpful. MSA is a representative environment where Kubernetes is frequently used, but it is not a prerequisite. Even with a single service, issues such as zero-downtime deployment (Rolling Update), automatic recovery during failures, and resource management still occur. However, once you deal with structures where multiple services communicate, the content of this lecture will become immediately necessary.
Can't I just study on my own using the official documentation?
Official documentation explains exactly what each object is. However, the process of setting up a local cluster, actually running deployments, and identifying what breaks is not something documentation can do for you. This course spends time following that process step-by-step to help you gain hands-on experience.
What is the order of the Kubernetes course curriculum?
Part 1 covers the overview of Kubernetes, its compatibility with Docker, and core knowledge such as YAML, Pod, Deployment, and Service. Part 2 focuses on service management patterns, Part 3 on advanced patterns and deployment automation, and Part 4 on expansion patterns using Istio. The course access period is unlimited.
From launching a single Pod to operating a cluster
From a single line of YAML to deployment automation and Istio, you will verify everything through hands-on practice.
I am running a developer open chat room where we share career advice, real-world work situations, and technical knowledge. Please feel free to share any questions you have while taking the course or any concerns you have regarding your actual work.
I started studying development after becoming interested in it while idling at home, and I am currently responsible for platform server development in Pangyo. I am continuing my activities as a knowledge sharer because I want to provide you with the methods I used to study, as well as the various problems and solutions you may encounter in practice.
These lectures are not created solely through my own knowledge. There are others who collaborate on every lecture.
Hello warna!! Thank you for leaving such a great review!! I will continue to provide even more helpful content in the future!! Have a wonderful day haha
Hello, developer born in '02!! Thank you for leaving such a great review!! I'll continue to provide even more helpful content in the future!! Have a great day haha
Kubernetes used to feel so difficult, but I really loved how you explained it so simply and provided a curriculum that includes various patterns and step-by-step hands-on practice!
I really enjoyed the lecture!
I think this would be better for those who have a broad but shallow understanding rather than complete beginners to Kubernetes.
The explanations were concise, the visual aids were abundant, and since all the source code was provided to minimize lecture time, it was very easy to follow.
Thank you!
Hello smathj, thank you for leaving such a nice review. I prepared this to help everyone understand as much as possible. I'm glad to hear you found it helpful ^^
Have a great day today!