Top 8 Jobs Foreigners Can Do in Korea (with Visa & Job Site Guide)

A flat-style illustration of diverse foreign professionals in Korea, representing various job fields like teaching, IT, cooking, and business, on a soft beige background – optimized for 'jobs in Korea for foreigners

Are you considering working in South Korea?

Whether you're already here or planning a move, one of the most common questions is:
👉 “What jobs can foreigners do in Korea?”

Good news — Korea’s job market is opening up more than ever!
From English teaching to IT, cooking, content creation and beyond, there are more options than you might think.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

  • ✅ The top 8 most popular jobs for foreigners in Korea

  • ✅ What visa is required for each job

  • Where to find job openings (job site links included!)

📌 First time applying for a visa?
👉 Check out this Korea Visa Guide for Foreigners




1. English or Foreign Language Teacher (E-2 Visa)

  • Visa Type: E-2

  • Requirements: Native speaker + Bachelor’s degree

  • Workplaces: Hagwons, public schools, international schools

  • Salary: 2.0–3.0 million KRW/month

  • Perks: Housing, airfare, paid vacation




2. Freelance Translator or Interpreter

  • Visa: D-10, F-2, F-6

  • Languages in Demand: English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Arabic

  • Earning Style: Project-based, freelance

  • Fields: Legal, medical, business, tech




3. Jobs at Global or Foreign Companies (E-7 Visa)

  • Roles: Marketing, localization, design, development

  • Visa: E-7 (specialist), D-10

  • Tip: Many jobs don’t require fluent Korean

  • Where: Samsung, Coupang, Google Korea, startups




4. IT Developer / Software Engineer

  • Visa: E-7, D-10

  • Fields: Frontend, backend, AI, cybersecurity

  • Salary: 40–80M KRW/year

  • Note: English-speaking teams common in tech




5. Content Creator / YouTuber / Influencer

  • Visa: F-2, F-6, or with business registration

  • Income Sources: Ads, sponsorships, merchandise

  • Niches: K-culture, food, language, travel

  • Caution: Tourist visas cannot earn income




6. Foreign Cuisine Chef or Restaurant Worker

  • Visa: E-7, D-8, F-series

  • Workplaces: Restaurants, hotels, or self-owned

  • Popular Foods: Indian, Mexican, Turkish, Vietnamese

  • Strength: Authenticity from your home country!




7. Model, Entertainer, or Broadcast Talent (E-6 Visa)

  • Visa: E-6

  • Fields: YouTube, commercials, TV, modeling

  • Must-Have: Talent agency sponsorship

  • Warning: Always check contract details carefully




8. Trade & Import/Export Specialist

  • Visa: E-7, D-9

  • Industries: Fashion, electronics, food, logistics

  • Good For: People who understand their home market

  • Tip: Great for bilinguals with business sense




🧾 Checklist: Before You Start Working in Korea

  • ✔️ Know your visa type (E-2, E-7, F-2, etc.)

  • ✔️ Consider taking TOPIK (Korean language test)

  • ✔️ Prepare your resume (Korean & English)

  • ✔️ Make sure to get a legal job contract

  • ✔️ Read this 👉 Korea Visa Guide for Foreigners




🌐 Recommended Job Search Websites for Foreigners in Korea

Job Korea

Korea’s largest job portal. Best for IT, design, admin roles.
Tip: Search for “외국인 우대” (foreigner preferred).

Saramin

Top local job board. Try searching “English speaker” or “E-7 visa”.

LinkedIn

Global job listings in Korea. Great for multinational companies and remote work.




💬 Final Thoughts: Start Your Career in Korea

Korea is more than a travel destination — it’s a place where you can build a real career.
Whether you’re a teacher, techie, chef, or creative, there's a space for your talent here.

✅ Choose your field
✅ Get the right visa
✅ Use the best job platforms
✅ Be persistent and professional

✨ Korea is full of possibilities — your next opportunity might be just one click away. Good luck! 🇰🇷

Previous Post Next Post