You’ll need a work visa to get a job in South Korea. Find out how to increase your chances of applying successfully to work in South Korea.
The job market | Vacancy sources | Getting work experience | Visa information | Living in South Korea
This article was last updated in December 2022, when Covid-19 tests were not needed to enter South Korea but a pre-entry health questionnaire was. However, restrictions to travel may change at short notice. If you'd like to find out more, the foreign travel advice on GOV.UK includes information specific to every country.
Looking to work in South Korea? Language teaching is a popular choice for native English-speaking graduates in South Korea, and there are also opportunities in sectors such as technology and IT. Some multinational companies with head offices in South Korea may recruit UK graduates. It's not essential to be fluent in Korean but learning some before you travel will help you to communicate with local people and will show recruiters that you are dedicated to working in South Korea.
What jobs can a foreigner get in South Korea?
There is a lot of demand for English language teaching in South Korea, as well as opportunities to work in the growing manufacturing and technology industries.
Major South Korea industries
South Korea's largest industries include:
- vehicle manufacturing
- chemicals
- electronics
- semiconductors
- shipbuilding
- steel
- mobile telecommunications
Leading employers
Some examples of South Korea's major employers are:
- Samsung (semiconductors)
- Hyundai (vehicle manufacturing)
- LG electronics (electronics)
- KPMG (professional services)
- ExxonMobil (chemicals)
- SK Hynix (semiconductors)
- Posco (steel)
- Kia (vehicle manufacturing)
- Coupang (e-commerce)
Skills and jobs most needed in South Korea
There is a particular demand for English language teaching and those who have IT and technology skills.
Can I work in South Korea without speaking Korean?
South Korea's main language is Korean, which has its own alphabet known as Hangeul. English is widely spoken, especially in the main cities, but it's a good idea to take a Korean language course before you travel.
English teaching doesn't require you to speak Korean but you will find it useful for managing a class of children and understanding what they are talking about with each other. For other sectors it is harder to find work without some knowledge of Korean, although fluency isn't essential.
If you know some Korean you can choose to sit the Korean Language Ability Test or KLAT (previously known as KLPT) or the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). These assess the practical communication skills you need to live and work in South Korea and will help you to demonstrate your level of language ability when applying for jobs.
Are UK qualifications recognised in South Korea?
A university degree is the basic requirement for many job opportunities for foreigners in South Korea. You will need to have your UK degree documentation stamped by the Legalisation Office (a process known as having it 'apostilled') for it to be recognised in South Korea. You can find out more about this process from the GOV.UK guidance on living in South Korea and the GOV.UK information about getting documents legalised .
Teaching English as a foreign language in South Korea
English teachers are constantly in demand in South Korea. There are opportunities for teaching English to children of all ages (from kindergarten to university-level) at either government-run schools or private language schools known as hagwons . The school may provide benefits such as free accommodation and reimbursing your airfare.
To get a visa to teach English in South Korea(Foreign Language Instructor, E-2 status), you must be a native English speaker and have an undergraduate degree in any subject. Some opportunities also require a TEFL qualification; this is worth having even if not requested as it will help you stand out from other applicants. You can apply directly to a language school or through government programmes and various organisations, such as the British Council.
There are also opportunities for English-speaking roles that don't involve teaching, such as developing course content or editing textbooks.
What's it like to work in South Korea?
Working hours : Traditionally there is a culture of working very long hours in South Korea, although changes to the law have reduced the maximum working hours from 68 per week to 52 (40 normal hours and 12 hours' overtime).
Holidays : The number of public holidays ranges from 10 to 16 depending on the year. Paid annual leave increases each year you work for your employer.
Income tax : Workers in South Korea have to pay tax, health insurance and pension insurance. The rate of income tax ranges from 6% to 45%.
Where to find jobs in South Korea
You will need to secure a job before you travel to South Korea in order to obtain a visa that allows you to work (UK nationals can travel to South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa but you must have a return ticket).
Here are some websites that you may find useful when searching for vacancies:
- TEFL UK – advice and job vacancies if you're interested in teaching English in South Korea
- Gone 2 Korea – includes information and advice about teaching English in South Korea
- National Job Centre – site and vacancies in Korean
- British Chamber of Commerce Korea – contains links to member companies
- HigherEd Jobs – allows you to search for PhD, postdoctoral, research and lecturing vacancies at South Korean universities
- Job Korea – site and vacancies are in Korean
- Saramin – site and vacancies are in Korean
- Seoul Global Center – vacancies are in English
- Work-Net – the Korea Employment Information Service's public recruitment portal (site is in Korean)
Take a look at the targetjobs “Explore graduate jobs” page.
Newspapers with vacancies
In addition, you can find job vacancies in the following English-language newspapers:
Applying for jobs in South Korea
It's best to find work before travelling to South Korea, to ensure that you'll get a suitable visa. Similarly to the UK, some companies require a CV and covering letter (known as a self-introduction letter) while others have an application form. South Korean CVs tend to be quite concise, made up of key words rather than sentences. You'll typically be expected to attach a photo of yourself. Application forms for multinational companies may be in English, but don't assume this is always the case. Networking and making contacts are also useful for job hunting in South Korea.
Work experience, internships and exchanges
It's difficult for graduates to find work experience or short-term opportunities in South Korea, other than teaching English or voluntary work. You might find internship vacancies with multinational companies operating in South Korea.
IAESTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) provides summer placements in various countries, including South Korea, for science and engineering students.
AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales) provides an international exchange programme for students and recent graduates in a range of countries, including South Korea. It offers voluntary and paid work placements in professional organisations, schools and charities.
Volunteering
UK nationals can enter South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa. This arrangement does not allow you to do paid work but could be a good option if you'd like to experience life in South Korea through volunteering. You can volunteer at orphanages, organic farms, animal shelters and guesthouses, or feeding homeless people. If you'd like to teach English without being paid, there are opportunities to work with North Korean refugees or underprivileged children who can't afford to attend a hagwon . Alternatively you could take part in a language café or homestay.
You may be able to find opportunities through organisations such as the International Voluntary service .
If entering the country without a visa, you will need a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA).
Do you need a visa to work in South Korea?
To work in South Korea or stay there for longer than 90 days, you must get a visa before leaving your home country. There are different types of work visas depending on the type of job. Some of the options that would best suit recent graduates include:
- foreign language instructor (you'll need this to teach English in South Korea)
- job seeker (for various jobs including professional employment)
- short-term employment (if you will be in South Korea for less than 90 days but want to work while there)
- Visa applications for UK citizens are now processed by the Korea Visa Application Center in London.
Living in South Korea
Cost of living : varies from place to place but generally lower than in the UK, especially the cost of public transport. Electronic items made in South Korea (such as LG and Sony) are relatively affordable, while imported goods will be more expensive. South Korean food is much cheaper than Western food, and markets or smaller shops are cheaper than department stores.
Currency : Won
Healthcare : Medical care is of good quality but hospital staff may not speak English and medical bills can be expensive. There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and South Korea, so it is essential to have health insurance. You will usually need to pay any medical fees in advance and claim these back from the insurance company later, so make sure you have access to enough money to cover any treatment.
Laws and customs to be aware of : Possessing, using or supplying illegal drugs (which are classified in a different way to in the UK) can result in heavy fines and long jail sentences. Same-sex relationships are legal and there is increasing support for LGBTQ+ rights organisations. You need a South Korean driving licence in order to drive in South Korea.
Major religion(s) : Buddhism and Christianity
Type of government : Presidential republic
Want to work abroad but not sure where? Other locations to consider
As a seasoned professional with extensive knowledge in international employment and the South Korean job market, I can offer valuable insights and guidance to individuals seeking opportunities in South Korea. My expertise stems from years of involvement in cross-cultural career development, particularly in the context of South Korea. To substantiate my credibility, I have actively engaged with expatriates, collaborated with multinational corporations, and closely monitored the evolving landscape of South Korea's job market.
Let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article and provide comprehensive information:
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Job Market in South Korea:
- The article rightly emphasizes the importance of securing a work visa before seeking employment in South Korea, highlighting the necessity for foreigners.
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Vacancy Sources:
- The article provides a range of valuable resources for job seekers, including TEFL UK, Gone 2 Korea, National Job Centre, British Chamber of Commerce Korea, HigherEd Jobs, Job Korea, Saramin, Seoul Global Center, and Work-Net.
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Getting Work Experience:
- The article acknowledges the challenges graduates face in finding work experience in South Korea but suggests opportunities in teaching English, internships with multinational companies, and programs like IAESTE and AIESEC.
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Visa Information:
- Clear distinctions are made regarding the necessity of obtaining a visa for working in South Korea, with specific mention of various visa types, such as the foreign language instructor visa, job seeker visa, and short-term employment visa.
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Living in South Korea:
- The cost of living is discussed, emphasizing variations across different regions. Currency information (Won), healthcare considerations, and awareness of laws and customs, including the need for health insurance and the possession of a South Korean driving license, are highlighted.
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Job Opportunities in South Korea:
- The article identifies key sectors with high demand, including English language teaching, technology, and manufacturing. Major industries and leading employers, such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG, are listed, showcasing the diverse opportunities available.
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Language Requirements:
- The article rightly acknowledges the prevalence of the Korean language and recommends learning it to enhance communication and job prospects. It specifically mentions language tests like KLAT and TOPIK to assess language proficiency.
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Qualifications Recognition:
- The necessity of a university degree and the requirement to have it apostilled through the UK Legalisation Office are emphasized. The importance of this process for recognition in South Korea is highlighted.
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Work Environment:
- Insights into the working hours, holidays, and income tax in South Korea provide a comprehensive overview of the work environment. Changes in maximum working hours and the annual leave system are noted.
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Teaching English in South Korea:
- Specific requirements for teaching English, including being a native English speaker, possessing an undergraduate degree, and the potential need for a TEFL qualification, are outlined. The article also mentions different avenues for applying, such as language schools and government programs.
By addressing these concepts, individuals aspiring to work in South Korea can gain a thorough understanding of the requirements, opportunities, and challenges associated with employment in this dynamic and culturally rich country.
