Recently, the number of job seekers from foreign countries has been increasing, and many foreign nationals look for jobs after studying in Korea or marrying a Korean. Qualifications for foreign nationals who want to be legally employed in Korea are specified in the Korean Immigration Control Act. Job training may be given to married immigrants to help them learn technological skills necessary for obtaining a job.
In order for foreign nationals to be employed in Korea, they need to qualify for a work visa. Types of visas for employment include short-term employment (C-4), professors (E-1), foreign language instructor (E-2), research (E-3), technology transfer (E-4), professional employment (E-5), arts and performances (E-6), special occupations (E-7), non-professional employment (E-9), members of vessel crews (E-10), working holidays (H-1) and working visit (H-2). Married immigrants who enter Korea with an F-13 or F-2-1 visa are qualified for employment as well.
In order for foreign nationals to be employed in Korea, they need to have an appropriate visa.
Refer to the general information center for foreign nationals (Dial 1345 without prefix number) for detailed information regarding employment in Korea.
Employment Agencies
Job Centers | www.work.go.kr/jobcenter
These are free agencies supported by the Government and located nationwide. These centers help job seekers find suitable work and give them information about job opportunities. In addition, the centers arrange interviews for job seekers with companies until they find employment. If there are any problems for job seekers in visiting places of potential employment, the Center staff can take them there.
Job Information Center
These free agencies, supported by each city and county, provide information about job opportunities. Job seekers are informed about companies near their residence. Refer to websites for cities and counties.
Women’s Human Resource Development Center | www.vocation.or.kr
This center is for women only and provides job training and information about job opportunities. Some programs are free, while others are available for a fee.
Korea Migrants Center | www.migrantok.org
This civil organization helps foreign employees in solving various problems.
Multi-Cultural Family Support Center | https://www.liveinkorea.kr/en/
This civil organization helps foreign employees in solving various problems.
Internet Job Sites
As most employment agencies for married immigrants have their own websites, you can search at home as well.
– Seoul Global Center | https://global.seoul.go.kr
– Work Net | https://www.work.go.kr
– Korea Job Information System | https://know.work.go.kr
– Employment Permit System| https://www.eps.go.kr
Job Training
The Korean Government provides job training so immigrants can learn new technological skills. Jobs include forklift operation, welding, computer repair, car maintenance, driving and cooking. People who want job training can apply at the Job Support Center, the call center at the Ministry of Labor (Tel: 1544-1350) and the Job Training Information Network sponsored by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Married female immigrants can receive job training at the Women’s Human Resource Development Center and the Women’s Center. You will have to pay for some services, but others are free.
The Korean Government provides job training for immigrants so that they can learn new technological skills.
Requirements for Applying for Job Training
Married immigrants need to have Korean citizenship. Married immigrants who do not have Korean citizenship can access “Unemployed Worker’s Training,” which is divided into two categories; the first one is for those who have unemployment insurance. The second is for all the rest of the applicants.
Applying for Job Training
Visit a job support center and apply for employment. Apply for job training after you are guided to a job training institute. Trainees can be reimbursed for transportation costs and meals and receive an allowance when they have job training.