Foreign job for Asians
South Korea
Living, working or studying in South Korea?
Just Landed helps you manage everyday life. Our South Korea Guide covers topics like visas, housing, jobs and finance. Join the Just Landed Community, get in touch with people like you and share your experiences in South Korea. Most importantly, have fun!
Visas & Permits
Before leaving to come to South Korea, make sure you understand your legal situation. Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa, residence permit and/or work permit. Read our guide to legal requirements for coming to South Korea or use the Just Landed forums to ask other members for help.
Visiting South Korea
Visa-free stays for touristic, business or transit
Whether or not you need a visa to visit South Korea depends on a variety of factors: Your nationality, the purpose and the expected duration of your stay, as well as other things like family relations and your occupation.
Below you find a list of countries whose citizens don’t require a visa to enter South Korea for touristic, business or transit purposes for certain limited periods of time.
Nationalities that don’t need a visa for short-term TOURISTIC and BUSINESS purposesMaximum stay of 3 months
Italy, Lesotho, Portugal
Maximum stay of 1 month
Tunisia
Nationals of the following countries, traveling for short term touristic or transit purposes, are allowed to enter visa-free, provided they hold a confirmed onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds.
Nationalities that don’t need a visa for short-term TOURISTIC and TRANSIT purposesMaximum duration of 30 days
Albania, Argentina, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Fiji, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Macau, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, New Caledonia, Oman, Palau, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Slovenia, South Africa, Swaziland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, USA, Vatican City, Venezuela and Yemen.
Maximum duration of 90 days
Australia, Hong Kong
Maximum duration of 6 months
Canada
Regardless of your citizenship or any visa-exemptions that may apply to you, your passport has to be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon entry in South Korea.
Any citizen of any country not mentioned above must apply for a visa no matter the duration of stay or purpose of travel.
Generally, individuals staying in Korea for longer than 90 days must apply for an Alien Registration Card.
Note: Many nationals are permitted visa exemptions on other passports, such as diplomatic or official passports. For further details of whether this is applicable and the necessary restrictions of such visa exemptions, it is advisable to contact the nearest Embassy/Consulate before departure.
Short stays in South Korea
Tourist, business and transit visas
Many nationalities are permitted to visit South Korea without a visa. However, certain nationals and usually everyone who wants to stay longer than 90 days (depending on your citizenship) + those planning to work must apply for a visa.
As a general rule we advise you to apply for a visa several weeks prior your visit to South Korea if you’re planning to stay for a period exceeding 90 days – with the possible exception of Canadian citizens who may stay up to 6 months without needing a visa.
Applications need to take place outside of South Korea, at Korean consulates or at the consular section of the Korean embassy in your home country (or the country where you’re currently residing).
The amount of time it takes processing your visa application varies, although it can be as quick as within 5 working days. Nevertheless, we advise you to start the process sooner than later.
The following information on required documentation and visa application procedures was created to the best of our knowledge. However, there may be missing information or changes in regulations that have occurred. For more information, we encourage you to visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Korea (www.mofat.go.kr/me/index.jsp ).
Basic required documentation for a visa application
Visa fees
Individuals may enter South Korea as a business visitor for a limited, defined duration provided that their purpose of visit is to conduct allowable business visitor activities. The visa is to be obtained from a Korean consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant’s legal place of residence. The business visa validity may be up to 90 days.
Permitted activities as a business visitor
It’s possible to extend a business visa while in South Korea. The extension has to be obtained from the immigration authorities of South Korea, prior to the expiration of the initial visa. An extension is very discretionary and valid business reasons must be shown in order to extend a stay.
Requirements to obtain a business visitor visa
Guide to procedures and paperwork
Anyone who is planning to work during their stay in South Korea is legally required to apply for a visa. In addition, in case the dependent has family members who also plan to work while in Korea, they too must apply for a work visa in order to be legally protected.
Types of work visasThe most commonly used employment visas include:
Upon approval, the Ministry of Justice issues a Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) that must be submitted by the applicant to a Korean Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Basic requirements to qualifyThe employee needs to present the following:
From the sponsoring company in South Korea:
Commonly requested documents for a work visa application
Time frame for a work visa applicationThe processing time for the CCVI application is approximately 1 to 4 weeks from the date of submission. Upon obtaining the CCVI, the transferee is required to submit a visa application at the South Korean Embassy/Consulate.
Relocating with familyThe spouse and/or children of a dependent should also apply for their visas, permits, and alien registration at the same time. All members of the traveller’s family over the age of 16 are subject to finger printing at the time of application. If the accompanying spouse plans to work while abroad, he/she must also apply for employment authorization.
Registering with the social security systemIf an employee is scheduled to work for a non-Korean company for a period of less than 5 years, he or she is not required to register with the social security system. Otherwise, if someone is hired by a Korean company or plans to work in Korea for a period of 5 years or longer, he or she is required to enrol in the social security system in Korea. Most employers will outline such details in their work contracts.
Studying in South Korea
Visas for study and research purposes
Those who are travelling to South Korea for the main purpose of studying in a program and/or at an institution must apply for a student visa. There are a variety of student visas one can apply for, the most popular being the 90-day student visa.
Specific required documentation to obtain a student visa (D-2)
And general required documentation (required for any type of visa)
The application of the above mentioned 90-day student visa is processed faster and can easily be renewed once you are in Korea.
If you are planning to study in Korea for an extended period, it is advised that you register at your country's embassy once you arrive in case of any emergencies.
Jobs
Employment possibilities in South Korea
As a newly industrializing economy, South Korea offers many opportunities for employment for foreigners; anywhere from teaching English, to international project managers, to placement in high-tech industries.
South Korea experienced a financially devastating crisis in 1997. However, its economy has been steadily progressing ever since and continues to grow today.
Following the Asian Financial Crisis of ´97, many Westerners fled the area and took with them the important resource of language. Due to the shortage, English-speaking foreigners are highly sought after in every occupational field. Whether you speak English or not, it is to your advantage to have a high school diploma and a college degree in order to heighten your marketability.
Typical industries and sectorsSouth Korea is one of the most technologically advanced and digitally linked countries in the world. As a leading exporter of automobiles, cell phones, and other high-tech devices and a growing competitor in information technology, specialists in these fields are needed in Korea.
Seoul, the capital and largest city in Korea, is the center of everything from economy and politics to culture and international business. Some of the world’s largest companies are headquartered in Seoul and its surrounding area.
Aside from its agricultural aspect, most of South Korea’s economic activity takes place in the capital city. It is also easier to find jobs as an English tutor/teacher in big cities like Seoul where the pay tends to go up in proportion to the cost of living. For those looking for work outside of Seoul, other metropolitan cities in South Korea include Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, Incheon, and Ulsan.
Employment trendsDue to the high demand of native English speakers in South Korea, expatriates can easily find jobs tutoring and teaching English. Translators for any industry are also sought after. Most foreigners who choose to teach English in Korea end up working at "hakwons"(private foreign language institutes).
Other popular places to utilize your language skills include:
Finance:
Finding a Job
Where to look for Jobs in South Korea
There are many ways to find a job in South Korea – we have listed the most important job portals, newspapers and other relevant sources below.
COEX Convention CenterIt is renowned for its international exhibitions and conventions in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. Among its numerous events, the COEX Center often holds job fairs where representatives from varying companies seek potential employees. To see the schedule of events, visit: www.coex.co.kr/eng/index.asp .
McKinney Consulting, IncThe company serves as a key resource for multinationals; it provides executive searches and other resources for the purpose of placing professionals in a variety of industries located in South Korea and throughout Asia.
For those primarily interested in teaching or tutoring English, there are more than enough resources and placement agencies to facilitate the process. For maximal results, online searches may be your best bet.
NewspapersIf you are looking for a job and need an effective resource other than the internet, there are a number of newspapers that may offer some assistance.
There is also an overwhelming number of companies seeking English teachers/tutors in South Korea, as you will be able to tell if you use a search engine. The pay and benefits are about the same for each institution so the decision to work for a specific company usually comes down to other details such as the location of housing provided, the number of students you are responsible for, etc. Here are just a few sites that will facilitate your search:
Working in South Korea
Work ethics, salaries and holidays
As a foreigner you might need some time to adapt to the Korean attitude of work. This section is intended to help you get orientated and to provide you with some essential information on South Korean working environments.
Job cultureWorking in Korea may be a challenge for foreigners who are unwilling to put in the hours and efforts that many Korean nationals are used to. Korea has one of the highest average workweeks and overtime hours in the world. With their rigorous work ethic, you can expect to go beyond your own standards to keep up. However, if you can be committed, the people around you will in return be committed to you.
The idea of developing personal relationship in the workplace may seem foreign to those who are not used to South Korean culture. However, the idea of building trust with other employees is crucial to Koreans in and out of the office. Trust motivates the people; therefore focus on making lasting, personal relationships to show your commitment. Also, keep in mind that while strong personal relationships are encouraged, a ranking of position still exists. Getting too personal may come off as being disrespectful. If you do not give respect where it is due, it is likely that Koreans will be offended.
Working hoursKorean people are known for their intelligence and work ethic. It is no wonder why the country has one of the highest average annual work hours. If you’re planning to find employment in South Korea, you better be prepared to put in a lot of hours and effort. You will be glad you did this because most Korean businesses offer generous bonuses and ample paid vacation time.
Luckily, recent law changes have dropped the maximum workweek down to 40 hours and adopted a 5-day workweek system. Unless you are planning to work for a smaller company (with 5 regular employees or less), the new law applies to you as well. Although some contracts do allow for minor adjustments in hours, the average workweek in any 2-week period is not to exceed the maximum 40 hours. Also, workers may not be required to work more than 12 hours in any given day.
Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to work unless they have written permission from their parents or guardians. In any case, minors are prohibited from working night shifts except with permission from the Labor Ministry.
SalariesThe average salaries for foreigners differ greatly depending on which company you decide to work for. Monthly pay for teaching English without any prior experience can be anywhere from 1.4 to 2 million won (approximately $ 1,650 - $ 2,200 USD) in accordance with a 20-30 hour workweek.
For engineers and high-tech specialists, employment at one company can mean an average salary of $15,000 whereas another company will offer a salary of over $25,000 USD. Finding up-to-date numbers for average Korean salaries is a challenge. It may be most efficient for you to discuss pay with a potential employer right off the bat so you know your financial situation. Bear in mind that the cost of living in Korea is lower compared to most other countries.
HolidaysThe Ministry of Labor in Korea has implemented a system in which all workers who do not miss a day of work in one week receive one paid holiday. Employees who do not miss a day of work in a full year are entitled to a 15-day paid vacation. Those who do miss days of work should expect a reduction in paid leave time. After the first year of work with a company, every two subsequent years translates into another paid holiday.
Unlike other industries, most English teachers and tutors often enjoy 3 to 4 months of paid vacation time, depending on where you work and what your contract states.
Koreans use both the Solar and Lunar calendar which results in a number of holidays. There are 15 national holidays and most of them are observed by the majority of offices and businesses. These are:
Unemployment, illness, maternity etc.
Before the Asian economic crisis in 1997, many aspects of the current National Pension Plan were inexistent. Since then, the Korean government has worked to accommodate workers with disability, illness, unemployment and infants and bettered the lives of many Korean employees and employers.
Luckily, recent advancements in the social security system have made is possible for foreigners to receive similar protection. Below you will find information on current regulations concerning unemployment, maternity leave, disability and illness.
UnemploymentThe sharp rise in unemployment following the Asian financial crisis revealed the dire need for some type of insurance to benefit the jobless. Today, such benefits exist for both Korean nationals and foreigners. There are two types of unemployment benefits:
If the benefits calculated end up being less than 90% of minimum wage, the recipient will receive the 90% of minimum wage as the base pay. Your age and total contributions to the Employment Insurance System will effect the duration of unemployment benefit from 3 to 8 months.
Maternity LeaveThe recent updates on Korean labor laws have improved conditions for women and men wishing to take time off to look after young children. “Childcare leave” allows a mother or her spouse to take off up to one year to look after an infant (under one year of age). It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a recipient of “childcare leave” and the time off must be included in the total service period of the employee.
In addition to childcare leave, an employer is obligated to provide adequate nursing facilities to accommodate the working mother/father. Such “childcare facilities at work” should ease the process of activities like breast-feeding, diaper-changing, and day nursing. These facilities are meant to encourage the continuous employment of workers who have returned from childcare leave.
Illness and DisabilityThe Social Security Agreement allows those who become disabled while in Korea, under the coverage of a separate country's pension program, to apply for disability pension. Depending on which country you are from, there may be a minimum coverage period you need to achieve before you are eligible to apply. For example, the minimum coverage periods for residents of Canada and the U.S. are 12 months and 18 months, respectively.
Before leaving to come to South Korea, make sure you understand your legal situation. Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa, residence permit and/or work permit. Read our guide to legal requirements for coming to South Korea or use the Just Landed forums to ask other members for help.
Visiting South Korea
Visa-free stays for touristic, business or transit
Whether or not you need a visa to visit South Korea depends on a variety of factors: Your nationality, the purpose and the expected duration of your stay, as well as other things like family relations and your occupation.
Below you find a list of countries whose citizens don’t require a visa to enter South Korea for touristic, business or transit purposes for certain limited periods of time.
Nationalities that don’t need a visa for short-term TOURISTIC and BUSINESS purposesMaximum stay of 3 months
- European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czeck Republic, Denmakr, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Rumania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK.
- Other Citizens (in alphabetical order): Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica (Commonwealth of), Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Haiti, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Singapore, Surinam, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago and Turkey.
Italy, Lesotho, Portugal
Maximum stay of 1 month
Tunisia
Nationals of the following countries, traveling for short term touristic or transit purposes, are allowed to enter visa-free, provided they hold a confirmed onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds.
Nationalities that don’t need a visa for short-term TOURISTIC and TRANSIT purposesMaximum duration of 30 days
Albania, Argentina, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Fiji, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Macau, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, New Caledonia, Oman, Palau, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Slovenia, South Africa, Swaziland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, USA, Vatican City, Venezuela and Yemen.
Maximum duration of 90 days
Australia, Hong Kong
Maximum duration of 6 months
Canada
Regardless of your citizenship or any visa-exemptions that may apply to you, your passport has to be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon entry in South Korea.
Any citizen of any country not mentioned above must apply for a visa no matter the duration of stay or purpose of travel.
Generally, individuals staying in Korea for longer than 90 days must apply for an Alien Registration Card.
Note: Many nationals are permitted visa exemptions on other passports, such as diplomatic or official passports. For further details of whether this is applicable and the necessary restrictions of such visa exemptions, it is advisable to contact the nearest Embassy/Consulate before departure.
Short stays in South Korea
Tourist, business and transit visas
Many nationalities are permitted to visit South Korea without a visa. However, certain nationals and usually everyone who wants to stay longer than 90 days (depending on your citizenship) + those planning to work must apply for a visa.
As a general rule we advise you to apply for a visa several weeks prior your visit to South Korea if you’re planning to stay for a period exceeding 90 days – with the possible exception of Canadian citizens who may stay up to 6 months without needing a visa.
Applications need to take place outside of South Korea, at Korean consulates or at the consular section of the Korean embassy in your home country (or the country where you’re currently residing).
The amount of time it takes processing your visa application varies, although it can be as quick as within 5 working days. Nevertheless, we advise you to start the process sooner than later.
The following information on required documentation and visa application procedures was created to the best of our knowledge. However, there may be missing information or changes in regulations that have occurred. For more information, we encourage you to visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Korea (www.mofat.go.kr/me/index.jsp ).
Basic required documentation for a visa application
- Your passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date of application
- 2 recent passport-style colour photographs
- A return or onward travel ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Completed and signed visa application forms
- Application fee (nationals of certain countries are exempt from paying some or any visa fees; check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since all fees are subject to change)
Visa fees
- Single entry for a period of 90 days of less: USD 30
- Single entry for a period of more than 90 days: USD 50
- Multiple entry visa: USD 80
- Prolongation of re-entry permit: USD 20
Individuals may enter South Korea as a business visitor for a limited, defined duration provided that their purpose of visit is to conduct allowable business visitor activities. The visa is to be obtained from a Korean consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant’s legal place of residence. The business visa validity may be up to 90 days.
Permitted activities as a business visitor
- Attend business meetings or discussions
- Attend sales calls to potential South Korean clients
- Attend seminars or “fact-finding” meetings
It’s possible to extend a business visa while in South Korea. The extension has to be obtained from the immigration authorities of South Korea, prior to the expiration of the initial visa. An extension is very discretionary and valid business reasons must be shown in order to extend a stay.
Requirements to obtain a business visitor visa
- The visitor must have a residence and an employer outside of South Korea.
- The duration of stay in South Korea must not be longer than 90 days.
- He/she must not receive compensation; however, incidental expenses such as accommodation travel and meals may be paid by the host.
- The visitor must have specific, realistic and pre-determined plans for his or her stay in South Korea
- The period of the intended stay must be consistent with the intended purpose of the trip.
Guide to procedures and paperwork
Anyone who is planning to work during their stay in South Korea is legally required to apply for a visa. In addition, in case the dependent has family members who also plan to work while in Korea, they too must apply for a work visa in order to be legally protected.
Types of work visasThe most commonly used employment visas include:
- The Short Term Employment Visa (C-4)
- The Corporate Resident/ Company Assignment (Intra-company Transfer) (D-7)
- The Foreign Investment Visa (D-8)
- The Trade Management Visa (D-9)
- The Professional Job Visa (E-5)
- The Specific Job Visa (E-7)
Upon approval, the Ministry of Justice issues a Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) that must be submitted by the applicant to a Korean Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Basic requirements to qualifyThe employee needs to present the following:
- 2 passport-style photographs
- Copy of passport ID page
- Resume/ CV
- Copy of academic credentials
- Original assignment letter/ contract
- Proposed job description
- 2 passport-style photographs
- Copy of the marriage certificate of the spouse
- Copy of birth certificates of the children
- Copy of passport ID pages
From the sponsoring company in South Korea:
- Letter of invitation
- Copy of company’s Report or Registration certificate under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act
- Copy of Corporate Registration (Certificate of Incorporation)
- Copy of Certificate of Tax Payment for the previous year
- Copy of financial statements for the last fiscal year
- Information regarding company’s current foreign employees
Commonly requested documents for a work visa application
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of the application
- Passport-style photograph(s)
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Original CCVI (see above)
- Application fee
Time frame for a work visa applicationThe processing time for the CCVI application is approximately 1 to 4 weeks from the date of submission. Upon obtaining the CCVI, the transferee is required to submit a visa application at the South Korean Embassy/Consulate.
Relocating with familyThe spouse and/or children of a dependent should also apply for their visas, permits, and alien registration at the same time. All members of the traveller’s family over the age of 16 are subject to finger printing at the time of application. If the accompanying spouse plans to work while abroad, he/she must also apply for employment authorization.
Registering with the social security systemIf an employee is scheduled to work for a non-Korean company for a period of less than 5 years, he or she is not required to register with the social security system. Otherwise, if someone is hired by a Korean company or plans to work in Korea for a period of 5 years or longer, he or she is required to enrol in the social security system in Korea. Most employers will outline such details in their work contracts.
Studying in South Korea
Visas for study and research purposes
Those who are travelling to South Korea for the main purpose of studying in a program and/or at an institution must apply for a student visa. There are a variety of student visas one can apply for, the most popular being the 90-day student visa.
Specific required documentation to obtain a student visa (D-2)
- Admissions letter or certificate or registration issued by the dean/president of the college or university
- Proof of academic ability of applicant
- Summary of costs of program
And general required documentation (required for any type of visa)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of application
- 2 recent passport-style colour photographs
- Return travel ticket
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Certificate from your most recent school/institution
- Documents outlining/substantiating the subject of research
- Letter of personal security assurance
The application of the above mentioned 90-day student visa is processed faster and can easily be renewed once you are in Korea.
If you are planning to study in Korea for an extended period, it is advised that you register at your country's embassy once you arrive in case of any emergencies.
Jobs
Employment possibilities in South Korea
As a newly industrializing economy, South Korea offers many opportunities for employment for foreigners; anywhere from teaching English, to international project managers, to placement in high-tech industries.
South Korea experienced a financially devastating crisis in 1997. However, its economy has been steadily progressing ever since and continues to grow today.
Following the Asian Financial Crisis of ´97, many Westerners fled the area and took with them the important resource of language. Due to the shortage, English-speaking foreigners are highly sought after in every occupational field. Whether you speak English or not, it is to your advantage to have a high school diploma and a college degree in order to heighten your marketability.
Typical industries and sectorsSouth Korea is one of the most technologically advanced and digitally linked countries in the world. As a leading exporter of automobiles, cell phones, and other high-tech devices and a growing competitor in information technology, specialists in these fields are needed in Korea.
Seoul, the capital and largest city in Korea, is the center of everything from economy and politics to culture and international business. Some of the world’s largest companies are headquartered in Seoul and its surrounding area.
Aside from its agricultural aspect, most of South Korea’s economic activity takes place in the capital city. It is also easier to find jobs as an English tutor/teacher in big cities like Seoul where the pay tends to go up in proportion to the cost of living. For those looking for work outside of Seoul, other metropolitan cities in South Korea include Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, Incheon, and Ulsan.
Employment trendsDue to the high demand of native English speakers in South Korea, expatriates can easily find jobs tutoring and teaching English. Translators for any industry are also sought after. Most foreigners who choose to teach English in Korea end up working at "hakwons"(private foreign language institutes).
Other popular places to utilize your language skills include:
- university language institutes
- corporate in-house language exchange programs
- private tutoring courses
- editing/public relations at an advertising company
- government/private research institutes
Finance:
- fund managers
- foreign exchange dealers
- insurance brokers
- insurance specialists
- securities analysts
- stockbrokers
- database administrators
- information system analysts
- Internet consultants
- IT system consultants
- network specialists
- programmers
- web designers
- web masters
- foreign market researchers
- international project managers
- international outsourcing specialists
- copyright specialists
- database specialists
- marketers
- merchandisers
- microelectronics specialists
- robotic specialists
- direct marketing system designers
- IR specialists
Finding a Job
Where to look for Jobs in South Korea
There are many ways to find a job in South Korea – we have listed the most important job portals, newspapers and other relevant sources below.
COEX Convention CenterIt is renowned for its international exhibitions and conventions in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. Among its numerous events, the COEX Center often holds job fairs where representatives from varying companies seek potential employees. To see the schedule of events, visit: www.coex.co.kr/eng/index.asp .
McKinney Consulting, IncThe company serves as a key resource for multinationals; it provides executive searches and other resources for the purpose of placing professionals in a variety of industries located in South Korea and throughout Asia.
For those primarily interested in teaching or tutoring English, there are more than enough resources and placement agencies to facilitate the process. For maximal results, online searches may be your best bet.
NewspapersIf you are looking for a job and need an effective resource other than the internet, there are a number of newspapers that may offer some assistance.
- “The Korea Herald” is the most popular bilingual newspaper for readers both in and out of South Korea. You have the option to subscribe abroad or while in Korea and in which language you prefer it to be printed.
- “The Korea Times” is another popular choice for English and Korean speaking readers. This newspaper even has a separate section for foreigners who are looking for a job which makes the search even easier.
There is also an overwhelming number of companies seeking English teachers/tutors in South Korea, as you will be able to tell if you use a search engine. The pay and benefits are about the same for each institution so the decision to work for a specific company usually comes down to other details such as the location of housing provided, the number of students you are responsible for, etc. Here are just a few sites that will facilitate your search:
Working in South Korea
Work ethics, salaries and holidays
As a foreigner you might need some time to adapt to the Korean attitude of work. This section is intended to help you get orientated and to provide you with some essential information on South Korean working environments.
Job cultureWorking in Korea may be a challenge for foreigners who are unwilling to put in the hours and efforts that many Korean nationals are used to. Korea has one of the highest average workweeks and overtime hours in the world. With their rigorous work ethic, you can expect to go beyond your own standards to keep up. However, if you can be committed, the people around you will in return be committed to you.
The idea of developing personal relationship in the workplace may seem foreign to those who are not used to South Korean culture. However, the idea of building trust with other employees is crucial to Koreans in and out of the office. Trust motivates the people; therefore focus on making lasting, personal relationships to show your commitment. Also, keep in mind that while strong personal relationships are encouraged, a ranking of position still exists. Getting too personal may come off as being disrespectful. If you do not give respect where it is due, it is likely that Koreans will be offended.
Working hoursKorean people are known for their intelligence and work ethic. It is no wonder why the country has one of the highest average annual work hours. If you’re planning to find employment in South Korea, you better be prepared to put in a lot of hours and effort. You will be glad you did this because most Korean businesses offer generous bonuses and ample paid vacation time.
Luckily, recent law changes have dropped the maximum workweek down to 40 hours and adopted a 5-day workweek system. Unless you are planning to work for a smaller company (with 5 regular employees or less), the new law applies to you as well. Although some contracts do allow for minor adjustments in hours, the average workweek in any 2-week period is not to exceed the maximum 40 hours. Also, workers may not be required to work more than 12 hours in any given day.
Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to work unless they have written permission from their parents or guardians. In any case, minors are prohibited from working night shifts except with permission from the Labor Ministry.
SalariesThe average salaries for foreigners differ greatly depending on which company you decide to work for. Monthly pay for teaching English without any prior experience can be anywhere from 1.4 to 2 million won (approximately $ 1,650 - $ 2,200 USD) in accordance with a 20-30 hour workweek.
For engineers and high-tech specialists, employment at one company can mean an average salary of $15,000 whereas another company will offer a salary of over $25,000 USD. Finding up-to-date numbers for average Korean salaries is a challenge. It may be most efficient for you to discuss pay with a potential employer right off the bat so you know your financial situation. Bear in mind that the cost of living in Korea is lower compared to most other countries.
HolidaysThe Ministry of Labor in Korea has implemented a system in which all workers who do not miss a day of work in one week receive one paid holiday. Employees who do not miss a day of work in a full year are entitled to a 15-day paid vacation. Those who do miss days of work should expect a reduction in paid leave time. After the first year of work with a company, every two subsequent years translates into another paid holiday.
Unlike other industries, most English teachers and tutors often enjoy 3 to 4 months of paid vacation time, depending on where you work and what your contract states.
Koreans use both the Solar and Lunar calendar which results in a number of holidays. There are 15 national holidays and most of them are observed by the majority of offices and businesses. These are:
- January 1st and 2nd: New Year's Day
- March 1: Independence Movement Day
- April 5: Arbor Day
- April 8: Buddha's Birthday (Seokka Tanshin-il)
- May 5: Children's Day
- June 6: Memorial Day
- July 17: Constitution Day
- August 14-16: Harvest Moon Festival (Chuesok)
- August 15: Liberation Day
- October 3: Foundation Day
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 31-January 2nd: New Year's (Seol-nal)
Unemployment, illness, maternity etc.
Before the Asian economic crisis in 1997, many aspects of the current National Pension Plan were inexistent. Since then, the Korean government has worked to accommodate workers with disability, illness, unemployment and infants and bettered the lives of many Korean employees and employers.
Luckily, recent advancements in the social security system have made is possible for foreigners to receive similar protection. Below you will find information on current regulations concerning unemployment, maternity leave, disability and illness.
UnemploymentThe sharp rise in unemployment following the Asian financial crisis revealed the dire need for some type of insurance to benefit the jobless. Today, such benefits exist for both Korean nationals and foreigners. There are two types of unemployment benefits:
- Job-Seeking Allowance and
- Employment Promotion Allowance
If the benefits calculated end up being less than 90% of minimum wage, the recipient will receive the 90% of minimum wage as the base pay. Your age and total contributions to the Employment Insurance System will effect the duration of unemployment benefit from 3 to 8 months.
Maternity LeaveThe recent updates on Korean labor laws have improved conditions for women and men wishing to take time off to look after young children. “Childcare leave” allows a mother or her spouse to take off up to one year to look after an infant (under one year of age). It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a recipient of “childcare leave” and the time off must be included in the total service period of the employee.
In addition to childcare leave, an employer is obligated to provide adequate nursing facilities to accommodate the working mother/father. Such “childcare facilities at work” should ease the process of activities like breast-feeding, diaper-changing, and day nursing. These facilities are meant to encourage the continuous employment of workers who have returned from childcare leave.
Illness and DisabilityThe Social Security Agreement allows those who become disabled while in Korea, under the coverage of a separate country's pension program, to apply for disability pension. Depending on which country you are from, there may be a minimum coverage period you need to achieve before you are eligible to apply. For example, the minimum coverage periods for residents of Canada and the U.S. are 12 months and 18 months, respectively.
