1) Finding Jobs
Foreigners can work in Korea in line with the purposes they have entered the country and the type of visa they have received. The following websites can be helpful in finding jobs suitable for you.
Seoul Global Center
Run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the website provides information on various trade fairs, employment support measures, and job openings for foreigners.
Website: http://global.seoul.go.kr
Phone: 82-2-2075-4180
Languages: Korean, English, Chinese
Employment Permit System (EPS)
The EPS provides recruitment/employment support services to employers and foreign workers in Korea in addition to assistance for administrative processes. Information on the country’s work permit system, employment procedures, and types of work foreigners can be hired for are provided in foreign languages. The EPS also offers differentiated services according to the types of visas such as E-9 (non-professional employment) and H-2 (working visit).
Website: http://www.eps.go.kr
Phone: 82-43-870-8000, 82-1577-7114
Languages: over 20 including Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese
Immigration Contact Center
This web portal provides diverse information required by foreigners living in Korea. It also provides assistance for administrative processes, employment, and investment.
Website: http://www.hikorea.go.kr
Phone: 82-1345
Languages: Korean, English, Chinese
2) KOTRA Employment Recommendation System
KOTRA operates an employment recommendation system to support public agencies and private companies in Korea wishing to hire global technical talents by issuing a letter of recommendation addressed by the President of KOTRA to support the issuance of E-7 (designated activities) visa.
Phone: 82-2-3460-7388, 82-2-3460-7387
e-mail: contactkorea@kotra.or.kr
Basic qualifications for high-technology talents
➊ A person with a master’s degree or higher in a related field (work experience not mandatory)
➋ A person with a bachelor’s degree or higher from a Korean university in a related field (work experience not mandatory)
➌ A person with a bachelor’s degree or higher from an overseas university + at least one-year work experience in a related field
➍ A person with five or more years of work experience in a related field:
The President of KOTRA can issue a letter of recommendation for persons that meet one of the above requirements as evidenced by documents (a diploma and/or a work experience certificate)
Fields eligible for KOTRA President’s recommendation letters
Eight cutting-edge technologies such as IT, technology management, nanotechnology, digital electronics, biotechnology, logistics and machinery, new materials, environment, and energy
Issuance procedure
➊ Confirmation of eligibility:
Applicants must check if their studies/careers belong to one of the above fields and if they meet the stated requirements.
➋ Online application:
Applicants must subscribe to Contact Korea (https://www.contactkorea.go.kr) as a corporate member, fill out an online application, and submit it along with required documents online.
➌ Review of documents:
Applicants’ documents will be reviewed. When requested, applicants must submit additional documents and/or revise their applications.
➍ Validation:
KOTRA checks the truthfulness of applicants’ academic and career backgrounds.
➎ External evaluation
➏ Issuance: Applicants can download the KOTRA President’s recommendation letter at the website.
➐ Presentation: Applicants can submit the recommendation letters to the immigration office (for E-7 visas).