Work in Korea
How to find a job in Korea as a foreigner โ visa requirements, top industries, job boards, and salary expectations.
Work visa required
Most foreigners need the correct work-authorized status to work legally in Korea. Some student visas allow limited part-time work, but rules vary by visa type and employer.
E-7 Work Visa Guide โTop Industries Hiring Foreigners
IT & Technology
Samsung, LG, Kakao, Naver, LINE, Krafton, and Nexon hire internationally.
English Teaching
Public schools, private hagwons, and universities hire qualified foreign teachers.
Manufacturing
Major Korean groups such as Hyundai, Samsung, POSCO, and SK hire specialist talent.
Global Companies
Many international companies have Korean offices hiring bilingual or English-speaking staff.
Gaming & Entertainment
Korea has a strong gaming, content, music, and entertainment ecosystem.
Healthcare & Pharma
International hospitals, medical-device companies, and pharma teams hire specialized roles.
Best Job Boards in Korea
Saramin (์ฌ๋์ธ)
Major Korean-language job board.
JobKorea
Large job portal with diverse listings.
LinkedIn Korea
International and Korean companies hiring in Korea.
Wanted (์ํฐ๋)
Startup, tech, and professional roles.
Korea IT Times Jobs
Tech-focused job listings and industry news.
ESL Cafe Korea
English teaching jobs including hagwon and school roles.
Average Salaries in Korea (2026)
| Role | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | โฉ40Mโโฉ80M/year |
| English Teacher (EPIK) | โฉ20Mโโฉ26M/year |
| Marketing Manager | โฉ35Mโโฉ60M/year |
| Sales Representative | โฉ28Mโโฉ50M/year |
| Finance Analyst | โฉ35Mโโฉ60M/year |
| UX/UI Designer | โฉ30Mโโฉ55M/year |
* Estimates. Varies by experience, company size, visa status, and location.
Korean Resume (์ด๋ ฅ์) Tips
- โKorean resumes often include a professional photo, but check the company and role norms first.
- โInclude TOPIK or other Korean proficiency evidence if you have it.
- โTOEIC or other English scores may be requested for some Korean companies.
- โList education and work history clearly, usually in reverse chronological order.
- โKorean cover letters (์๊ธฐ์๊ฐ์) often ask for motivation, strengths, and personal examples.
- โLinkedIn and a portfolio are increasingly useful for international and tech roles.
Arrival setup
Recommended Setup Services
Practical recommendations for common first-week tasks in Korea.
Pre-arrival packing list
Universal adapters, document folders, packing organizers, luggage tags, and items to buy before flying.
Prepare before departure โKorea eSIM data
Get mobile data before landing so maps, translation, messaging, and transit apps work from the airport.
Compare eSIM plans โAs an Amazon Associate, settlykorea earns from qualifying purchases.
Save the next step
Turn this guide into a Korea setup checklist
After reading about visas, housing, healthcare, work, or study, use the checklist to track what to do before arrival, during week one, and through your first month.
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