If you’re dreaming of working in South Korea, 2026 brings a variety of visa-sponsored opportunities across multiple industries. With salaries ranging from KRW 2.1 to 6 million per month depending on your role, these jobs cater to both fresh graduates and experienced professionals seeking growth.
Whether it’s teaching English, developing cutting-edge software, conducting research, or working in aviation, most positions require you to work on-site, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in Korean culture while building your career. The right job can transform your life, offering stability, international experience, and a vibrant community of colleagues.
Understanding Visa Sponsorship Korean Jobs for Foreigners:
Why Do Employers Sponsor Work Visas?
In South Korea, employers must sponsor work visas for foreign nationals they wish to hire. The country offers a diverse range of work visa categories, each suited to different industries and skill sets. It is essential for businesses to select the correct visa type for their employees, ensuring compliance with South Korean immigration laws.
Types of Work Visas in South Korea:
South Korea provides a variety of work visas that allow foreign professionals to stay for more than 90 days. Below is a breakdown of the major work visa categories:
- E-1 (Professor Visa): For foreign professors conducting lectures or academic research.
- E-2 (Foreign Language Instructor Visa): For foreign nationals teaching a second language, mainly English, at educational institutions.
- E-3 (Research Visa): For professionals involved in research at institutions or universities.
- E-4 (Technology Transfer Visa): For individuals offering specialized technology or expertise not readily available in South Korea.
- E-5 (Special Profession Visa): For licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and architects.
- E-6 (Culture and Arts Visa): For entertainers, athletes, and cultural workers.
- E-7 (Specially Designed Activities Visa): For professionals working in designated fields, including IT, engineering, and business.
- D-5 (Long-term News Coverage Visa): For journalists stationed in South Korea.
Requirements for Visa Sponsorship Korean Jobs for Foreigners:
Each visa type has specific requirements. However, the general documents needed include:
- A valid passport (original and photocopies)
- A completed visa application form Passport-sized photos (colored, as per official guidelines)
- A signed employment contract from the sponsoring company Educational certificates (degree, diplomas, or certifications related to the job)
- Professional experience proof (if required for the role)
- Criminal background check (issued within the last six months)
- Health check-up certificate (for certain job categories)
Check Also: Flight Attendant Jobs at Korean Air Airlines
Where to Find Visa Sponsorship Jobs in South Korea?
Finding visa-sponsored jobs requires targeting employers who are actively hiring foreign talent. Below are some trusted job portals to explore:
- Worknet: South Korea’s official job portal
- JobKorea: Popular with multinational companies
- Saramin: Great for IT, business, and engineering roles
- Korean Air Careers: For aviation industry jobs
- EURES: EU jobseekers looking for South Korea opportunities
Pro Tip: Some employers prefer candidates who speak Korean, even for English-speaking roles. Consider taking a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) to boost your employability.
List of Visa Sponsorship Korean Jobs for Foreigners:
1. English Teaching Jobs
- Job Title: English Instructor (E-2 Visa)
- Salary: KRW 2.1 – 3.0 million/month ($1,600 – $2,300 USD)
- Benefits: Housing allowance, health insurance, pension contributions
- Where to Apply: Private language institutes (hagwons), public schools (EPIK, GEPIK, SMOE programs)
2. IT & Engineering Jobs
- Job Title: Software Developer / AI Engineer / Mechanical Engineer
- Visa Type: E-7 (Specially Designed Activities Visa)
- Salary: KRW 3.5 – 6 million/month ($2,800 – $5,000 USD)
- Where to Apply: Samsung, LG Electronics, Hyundai, SK Hynix, Kakao, Naver
3. Aviation & Airline Jobs
- Job Title: Passenger Service Officer / Flight Attendant
- Visa Type: E-7 or D-9 (Corporate Intra-Company Transfer)
- Salary: KRW 2.8 – 4.5 million/month ($2,200 – $3,600 USD)
- Where to Apply: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air.
4. Research & Academic Jobs
- Job Title: Research Assistant (D-2 or E-3 Visa)
- Salary: KRW 2.5 – 4.0 million/month ($2,000 – $3,200 USD)
- Where to Apply: Yonsei University, KAIST, Seoul National University
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Visa Sponsorship Korean Jobs for Foreigners:
- Search for Jobs: Use platforms like JobKorea, Saramin, and Worknet
- Prepare Your Resume & Cover Letter: Tailor them to Korean business culture.
- Apply for Positions: Ensure that the employer offers visa sponsorship.
- Attend Interviews: Be prepared for both technical and cultural-fit interviews.
- Receive a Job Offer: Your employer will submit your visa application.
- Submit Visa Documents: Apply via the Korean embassy in your country.
- Move to South Korea!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can foreigners get jobs in South Korea?
The employment opportunities accessible to foreign nationals in Korea are relatively comprehensive; however, the type of activity and duration of stay may be restricted to the type of visa issued. By the form of visa they possess, foreign nationals have the right to look for employment within the residential qualifications.
Am I eligible to work in Korea?
Indeed, the Employment Permit System is the most frequent method by which employers legally employ non-citizens. It is applied to foreign laborers who obtain a non-professional work visa (E-9).
Is getting a job in Korea easy?
As a non-Korean, it is completely possible to secure a lucrative position and establish a successful career in Korea. I am familiar with numerous individuals who have completed this endeavor. However, your task will be simplified if you approach it with an in-depth knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses in the job market.
