South Korean Work VISA Jobs for Skill Shortages in 2024

Dr. Philip MorganJune 7, 2024

5 minutes read

In a rapidly evolving global economy, South Korea stands at the crossroads of opportunity and challenge. With an aging population and declining birth rates, the country faces an urgent need to fill gaps in its workforce, particularly in high-demand sectors like technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.

For skilled professionals worldwide, this presents a golden opportunity to explore vibrant careers in one of Asia’s most dynamic nations. Imagine contributing to groundbreaking technological advancements, being at the forefront of medical innovations, or playing a crucial role in South Korea’s booming industries—all while experiencing the rich cultural tapestry and modern lifestyle that the country has to offer.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the degrees and professions in high demand, explore the visa options that pave the way for your South Korean adventure, and reveal the top resources to land your dream job in this fascinating country. Whether you’re an engineer, healthcare professional, IT expert, or skilled tradesperson, South Korea is looking for talent like yours. Ready to embark on this journey? Let’s dive in.

2 Big Factors Contributing to South Korean Skill Shortages

South Korea’s workforce challenges are twofold: an aging population and low birth rates. These factors have created significant gaps, especially in manufacturing, agriculture, and technology sectors. The government has responded by increasing visa quotas and promoting education in high-demand fields to attract international talent.

In-Demand Degrees, Professions, and Trades in South Korea in 2024

South Korea’s dynamic economy and innovation-driven industries are calling for skilled professionals across various fields. Here’s a detailed look at the degrees, professions, and trades that are in high demand, along with their respective salary ranges.

List of In-Demand Degrees in South Korea in 2024

Individuals with following degrees are rare to find in South Korea in 2024 which is why South Korea is now allowing their private and government sector companies to hire foreign individuals on work visa permits:

STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Computer Science, Data Science, Robotics, AI, Cybersecurity

- - Average Salary: 70-100 million KRW (approx. $52,500 – $75,000) annually
  - Key Roles: Software Developers, Data Scientists, AI Specialists, Cybersecurity Experts

Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Software Engineering

- - Average Salary: 60-90 million KRW (approx. $45,000 – $67,500) annually
  - Key Roles: Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Civil Engineers, Software Engineers

Medical and Healthcare: Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacology

- - Average Salary: 60-90 million KRW (approx. $45,000 – $67,500) annually
  - Key Roles: Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists

High-Demand Professions in South Korea in 2024 Are:

South Korea has recently identified critical skill shortages in the following three professions, prompting the recruitment of foreign workers with sponsored skill shortage visas:

Engineers

- Specializations: Software, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil
- Average Salary: 60-90 million KRW (approx. $45,000 – $67,500) annually

IT Professionals

- Roles: Software Developers, Data Analysts, Cybersecurity Experts
- Average Salary: 50-80 million KRW (approx. $37,500 – $60,000) annually

Healthcare Professionals

- Roles: Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists
- Average Salary: 60-90 million KRW (approx. $45,000 – $67,500) annually

High-Tech Manufacturing Specialists

- Roles: Semiconductor Engineers, Robotics Technicians, Process Engineers
- Average Salary: 70-100 million KRW (approx. $52,500 – $75,000) annually

Skill Shortage Trades in South Korea in 2024

Following three trades in South Korea recently came in radar of skill shortages for which foriegn workers are now being recruited with sponsorship of skill shortage visas:

Construction Trades

- Roles: Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Welders
- Average Salary: 40-60 million KRW (approx. $30,000 – $45,000) annually

Manufacturing Trades

- Roles: Machine Operators, Welders, Assembly Technicians
- Average Salary: 30-50 million KRW (approx. $22,500 – $37,500) annually

Agriculture

- Roles: Farm Managers, Agricultural Technicians
- Average Salary: 30-50 million KRW (approx. $22,500 – $37,500) annual

Types of South Korean Work VISAs with Eligibility Requirements

South Korea offers a variety of work visas to attract skilled foreign workers to fill gaps in its workforce. Here’s an overview of the main types of work visas and their eligibility requirements:

1# E-7 Visa (Specific Activities)

Subcategories:

- E-7-1: For professionals with a bachelor’s degree or higher in fields such as engineering, medicine, law, and education.
- E-7-2: For individuals with exceptional abilities in arts, sports, or other specialized fields.
- E-7-3: For investors or entrepreneurs contributing to the South Korean economy.
- E-7-4: For skilled workers who have legally worked in South Korea for at least four years on specific types of visas (E-9, E-10, or H-2).

Eligibility:

- Job Offer: A confirmed job offer from a South Korean employer.
- Qualifications: Relevant educational qualifications and work experience.
- Clean Criminal Record: Must provide a criminal background check.
- Health Check: Must undergo a medical examination.

2# D-8 Visa (Corporate Investment)

Eligibility:

- Investment: A minimum investment of USD 70,000 in a South Korean company.
- Active Participation: Must actively participate in the management of the company.
- Relevant Field: The company must be in a field relevant to the skill shortage.

3# D-9 Visa (Trade Management)

Eligibility: Trade Managers: For foreign trade managers working for a Korean trading company or establishing a trading company in South Korea.

4# F-2 Visa (Residence)

Subcategory: F-2-7: Points-based system for skilled workers.

Eligibility: Points System: Points are awarded based on age, education, Korean language proficiency, and work experience. A minimum number of points is required to qualify.

5# F-4 Visa (Overseas Koreans)

Eligibility: Ethnic Koreans: For ethnic Koreans (including those with foreign nationality) who can demonstrate Korean language proficiency or have specific skills.

List of 5 Requirements for All South Korean Work Visas in 2024

Job Offer: A job offer from a South Korean employer is typically required.
Qualifications: Must meet educational and experience requirements specific to the visa category.
Criminal Background Check: Must provide a clean criminal record.
Health Check: Must pass a medical examination.
Language Proficiency: Korean language proficiency may be required for certain visa categories, but it is not always mandatory.

Where to Find Jobs in South Korea in 2024 With Work VISA?

Whether you are an engineer, healthcare professional, IT expert, or tradesperson, South Korea’s vibrant economy is looking for talent like yours. Here’s a guide to finding jobs in South Korea, including top recruitment agencies and government job portals to kickstart your job search.

South Korean Government Job Portals:

WorkNet (워크넷): WorkNet is the official job portal of the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor. It features a wide range of job listings across different industries, tailored to both local and foreign job seekers.
Seoul Global Center: The Seoul Global Center provides comprehensive support for foreign residents in Seoul, including job listings, career counseling, and integration services.

Top Recruitment Agencies in South Korea

Robert Walters Korea: Robert Walters Korea specializes in placing professionals in various fields, including finance, technology, engineering, and more. They have a strong reputation for matching candidates with top-tier companies.
Michael Page Korea: Michael Page Korea is a well-known recruitment agency that provides services across diverse industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and IT. They offer personalized job placement services.
PeopleNJob: PeopleNJob focuses on connecting English-speaking professionals with job opportunities in South Korea. Their platform is user-friendly and offers extensive listings tailored to expatriates.
Korea JAC Recruit: Korea Recruit has a wide network of clients and offers job opportunities in various sectors, including IT, manufacturing, and services. They also provide support for visa applications.
HR Korea: HR Korea specializes in recruiting foreign talent for Korean companies. They provide a comprehensive range of services, from job placement to assistance with visa applications.

You can also find jobs with work visa in South Korea at these 2 platforms:

JobKorea (잡코리아): JobKorea is one of the largest job portals in South Korea, offering a wide range of job listings across multiple industries. It is a go-to resource for both local and foreign job seekers.
Saramin (사람인): Saramin is another major job portal in South Korea, featuring numerous job openings for both local and international applicants. It is widely used by recruiters and job seekers alike.

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