Guide to Work: South Korea

Some multinational companies with head offices in South Korea may recruit UK graduates. Find out how to increase your chances of applying successfully to work in South Korea.

It’s best to find work before travelling to South Korea, to ensure that you’ll get a suitable visa. 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. Find out more about working in South Korea at Target Jobs.

Working visa requirements

Foreign Commonwealth office (from UK):

Highlights the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of rules currently in place. This information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. If you are unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements for South Korea, or you need further assistance, you need to contact the South Korean Embassy in the UK.

Visa for South Korea:

Instructions to process your visa application. Please read the instruction, processes, and requirements.  

Alien Registration Card (ARC):

Most people that stay in South Korea for over 90 days need to get their Alien Registration Card (ARC), as a personal identification card. With this card you will get a Resident Registration Number that is necessary when opening a bank account or registering at the local medical practice. It is illegal to stay in Korea for more than 90 days without being registered, regardless of your visa at entry.

Working Visa Teaching:

To get a visa to teach English in South Korea, you must have a 3-year university degree, a TEFL qualification alone is not sufficient. If you are found to have obtained a teaching visa by deception, you will be detained and deported. The work permit visa alone has at least eight different categories, all dependent on what type of skilled worker you are. You can also start a business here and immigrate under a self-employment visa, which are available for expats looking for both temporary and permanent residence permits in South Korea.

  • E-1 – Professor Visa (Education) Hold a valid passport from one of the following countries: CAN, USA, UK, AUS, NZ, IR, SA and must have an employer who is willing to hire/sponsor your stay.
  • E2 Visa – (The standard ‘English Teaching Visa’ for westerners)
  • E-3 Research
  • E-4 Technological Guidance
  • E5 Visa Korea – Professional Employee
  • E-6 Culture and Art
  • E-7 Specially Designed Activities/General visa 
  • D-5 Long-Term New Coverage
  • H1 Visa Korea – 12 month working holiday Visa

Job searching links

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, for it to be recognised in South Korea.

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.

Useful contacts:
Recruitment Agencies:
Job boards and networking sites:
International Brands with Franchisee Companies: