Get Paid Right in Korea: Korea’s 2024 Wage Rates

If you’re working in Korea, understanding the latest on wages and allowances is essential. This knowledge can help you secure fair pay and a smooth work experience here. Let’s take a closer look at these key components of your paycheck in 2024.

1. What’s the 2024 Minimum Wage?

2. Weekly Holiday Allowance: Extra Pay for Over 15 Hours a Week

3. Night Allowance: 1.5x Pay for Late Shifts

Know Your Rights and Ensure Fair Pay

Is TOPIK Required to Work in South Korea?

What is TOPIK? TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is an exam designed to assess the Korean language skills of non-native speakers. It evaluates how well individuals can understand and express themselves in Korean across reading, writing, and listening. The test is available in three levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—divided into six grades, each corresponding to two grades to indicate proficiency more accurately. TOPIK Test Format The TOPIK exam is divided into two main categories: TOPIK-I and TOPIK-II. TOPIK-I is for beginners and consists of Level 1 and Level 2. On the other hand, TOPIK-II covers intermediate to advanced proficiency and spans Levels 3 through 6. Test takers are assigned a level from 1 to 6 based on their scores. The scores translate to six specific grades: - Level 1: Low Beginner - Level 2: High Beginner - Level 3: Low Intermediate - Level 4: High Intermediate - Level 5: Low Advanced - Level 6: High Advanced TOPIK-I (Levels 1-2) consists of two sections: reading and listening. Meanwhile, TOPIK-II (Levels 3-6) features three sections: reading, listening, and writing. Each section is scored out of 100 points, with a maximum score of 200 points for TOPIK-I and 300 points for TOPIK-II. The test includes multiple-choice questions, listening exercises, and writing tasks. TOPIK Passing Score Is TOPIK Required to Work in South Korea? While taking TOPIK is not a strict requirement for securing a job in South Korea, it can be highly advantageous depending on the sector. Here are some key factors to consider: 1. Job Requirements: Certain industries such as education, translation, and customer service may require applicants to demonstrate Korean language proficiency through TOPIK. 2. Visa Requirements: Some visa categories might require a certain level of language proficiency, depending on the job and employer. For example, to get a sponsorship for the F-2-R(Regional Specialization Foreign Talent) Visa, you'll need to have at least level 3 TOPIK. 3. Competitive Edge: A TOPIK certification can give you an advantage, particularly for jobs where communicating with local clients or colleagues is essential. 4. Language Skills: If you’re applying for roles in multinational companies where English is the main language, TOPIK may not be necessary, but knowing Korean will help with daily interactions and workplace integration. Industries and Jobs Requiring TOPIK Although TOPIK is not required for every job, certain fields place high importance on language proficiency. Positions in teaching, translation, and various professional roles often seek candidates with a TOPIK score of 5 or 6. Some examples include: 1. Teaching: Those looking to teach Korean or work in bilingual schools may need a high TOPIK score. 2. Translation and Interpretation: These jobs demand strong Korean language skills, often requiring a high level of proficiency. 3. Professional Roles: Companies that interact with Korean clients or partners may prioritize applicants with a TOPIK certification to ensure effective communication. In conclusion, while TOPIK is not mandatory for all positions, it can be crucial when applying for a visa and can improve your chances of finding better job opportunities in South Korea. It's strongly advisable to take TOPIK before job hunting, as it will help you land a more suitable position and ease your visa application process. How to Register for the TOPIK Test - In Korea: If you're residing in Korea, you can register online via www.topik.go.kr. The fee for TOPIK-I (Levels 1-2) is KRW 35,000, while TOPIK-II (Levels 3-6) costs KRW 40,000. Payments can be made using debit/credit cards, online banking, or bank transfers. - Outside Korea In other countries, you can register through Korean Embassies or Korean Culture Centres (한국문화원), as well as certain affiliate institutions that facilitate the TOPIK test. When is the Test Conducted? The Ministry of Education in Korea recently announced plans to expand the number of internet-based tests and introduce the exam in seven more countries by 2025. Stay tuned for updates and the detailed schedule in our next article!

F-2-R visa: Regional Specialization Foreign Talent

The F-2-R visa, implemented by the Ministry of Justice, allows foreigners to live in Korea for 5 years and then apply for the F-5 Permanent Residency visa. While work is only allowed in regions with declining populations, its benefits have attracted many foreigners to apply for the Visa. Exclusion Criteria Those holding the following visas are not eligible for visa changes: - Technical Training (D-3), General Training (D-4), Hotel Entertainment (E-6-2), Seasonal Work (E-8), Non-professional Employment (E-9), Vessel Crew Employment (E-10), Miscellaneous (G-1), and Working Holiday (H-1) - For D-10 visa holders, if the previous visa was one of the excluded visas listed above, they are also ineligible for visa changes. - Holders of the Specific Activities (E-7) visa who are within the restricted period for changing workplaces or whose current employment contract has not yet expired. - Individuals who have been granted an extension of stay or deferred departure to leave the country. - Anyone who has resided under the Regional Specialized Talent or their accompanying family visa within the last 5 years. Who can apply? 1. Education / Income (Must meet one of these criteria): - Education: Graduates or soon-to-be graduates with at least an associate degree from a Korean institution. - Income: Earn at least 70% of the average national income (GNI) at the time of your application. * If the previous year's GNI has not been announced as of the date of application, the previous year's standard is applied. * 23-year Gross National Income (GNI): KRW 44,051,000, 70% amount: KRW 30,835,700 (More than KRW 2.57 million per month (including allowance)) 2. Residential Requirements: - Commitment to living in the designated population-reduced areas for at least 5 years * For the first 2 years from the date of permission of F-2-R, the F-2-R holder MUST live in the area (primary local government) listed in the local government recommendation. After 2 years, the residence can be transferred to other population-reduced areas in the same Metropolitan government. 3. Employment Requirements: - Must have a job or a job offer in an industry approved by the Ministry of Justice. * Must work at the initially approved workplace for more than one year, and change of workplace is possible if it is difficult to continue working due to business suspension/closure, with the recommendation from the local government. - Both your home and workplace must be in the same designated area. 4. Basic Skills (Must meet one of these criteria): - Complete level 3 or higher of the Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP). - Achieve level 3 or higher in the Korean Language Proficiency Test (TOPIK). 5. Good Conduct: - There is no history of breaking domestic or foreign laws. Where can you apply? You must live and work in one of the following target areas: - Busan: Dong-gu, Seo-gu, Yeongdo-gu - Chungcheongbuk-do: Danyang County, Jecheon City - Chungcheongnam-do: Boryeong City, Yesan County - Jeollabuk-do: Jeongeup City, Namwon City, Gimje City, Gochang County, Buan County, Sunchang County - Jeollanam-do: Yeongam County, Haenam County, Goheung County, Boseong County - Gyeongsangbuk-do: Goryeong County, Yeongju City, Yeongcheon City, Uiseong County, Seongju County - Gyeongsangnam-do: Goseong County - Daegu: Nam-gu - Gyeonggi-do: Gapyeong County, Yeoncheon County If you don't live in one of the designated regions but want the F-2-R visa, here's what to do: 1. Get a job in a target area (check the approved industries in each region). 2. Move to that area. 3. Apply for a recommendation letter from the local government. 4. Change your visa to the F-2-R at the immigration office. Required documents for Visa application: - Integrated Application Form - Passport - Alien Registration Card - Degree Certificate - Income Statement - Proof of Residence - Employment Contract or Certificate of Employment - Social Integration Program or TOPIK Certificate - Residence Assurance Letter - Letter of Recommendation from School or Local Government (more documents might be requested) How Grabjob can help? Grabjob is partnering with the Danyang Employment Support Center to provide jobs for those interested in the F-2-R Visa. We’ll be posting jobs in the Chungbuk area soon! If you’re eligible for the F-2-R visa, apply for the job on our website, and we’ll assist you with the visa application process!

Plans to relax Visa requirements for foreigners

The Korean government has announced plans to relax visa requirements to attract more foreign talent across various sectors. Visa applications will now be categorized by industry rather than visa type to improve foreign labor management. Currently, foreign students in Korea face limited job prospects post-graduation, typically restricted to office and professional roles under visa types E-1 through E-7, despite proficiency in Korean language and culture. To address this, the government will update laws to expand employment opportunities for these students in nonprofessional sectors under the E-9 visa category, targeting labor shortages in manufacturing and foundational industries. Parents of foreign students will be allowed seasonal employment under the E-8 visa to support settlement. Job-seeking visas for foreign students will be extended from two to three years, allowing more time to explore career paths. Domestic companies can hire foreign students as substitute workers during parental leave, and specialized job programs will be established in provincial universities. The government will streamline visa processes for professionals, such as overseas researchers and experts in advanced industries. This includes granting F-2 residency visas to recommended science and engineering graduates and offering F-5 permanent residency and naturalization for exceptional individuals. New visa categories for caregivers, aircraft manufacturing technicians, and power transmission electricians have been introduced, with more sectors planned for next year.

More work opportunities for International Students

Starting July 3, international students will find it easier to obtain student visas and will have more opportunities to work. The financial requirements for student visa applicants will be reduced and will now be assessed in Korean won instead of dollars. For a D-2 student visa, applicants will need a bank statement showing a minimum balance of 20 million won ($15,400), down from the previous $20,000. Those applying for D-4 visas for language schools will need a minimum balance of 10 million won, instead of the current $10,000. For universities outside Seoul, the requirements will be even lower: 16 million won for D-2 visa applicants and 8 million won for D-4 visa applicants. Additionally, international students will be allowed to do internships in fields covered by E-1 to E-7 visa categories during summer and winter breaks. While part-time jobs still require immigration office approval, for-credit internships arranged by universities will not. Students in associate degree and undergraduate programs can now work up to 25 hours a week, an increase from the current 20-hour limit. Those who demonstrate strong Korean language skills, such as by meeting TOPIK certification requirements, can work an additional five hours per week. Furthermore, migrant workers on E-9 and E-10 visas will be permitted to take classes at higher education institutions. These visas are typically issued to unskilled workers in manufacturing or shipbuilding. This change aims to help these workers become eligible for the E-7-4 skilled worker visa, which offers broader employment opportunities. Workers with at least five years of experience on E-9, E-10, or H-2 visas can apply for the E-7-4 visa. Source: LEE TAE-HEE, LEE HO-JEONG (Korea JoongAng Daily)

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South Korea 2023 GNI UPDATED!

Please refer to the information below for foreigners staying in Korea who are preparing to apply for the Residence (F-2) visa, Permanent Residence (F-5) visa, or Specific Activity (E-7-1) visa. 1) From 1st of July to 30th September 2024, the applied GNI is 44,051,000 won 2) From 1st October 2024 to 30th June 2025, the 2023 GNI KRW 472.48 million applies South Korea 2023 GNI: KRW 472.48 million - F-5-1, F-5-16 Visa: GNI*2 = 9,456.8 million won - E-7-1: GNI*80% = 3,779.84 million won - F-2-R: GNI*70% = KRW 3,307.36 million - F-2-99 (married couple): GNI*1.5 = KRW 7,087.2 million - F-5-2, F-5-4, F-5-6, F-5-9, F-5-10, F-5-15, F-5-18: GNI*1= 4,724.8 million won -- 1) 2024년 7월 1일부터 9월 30일까지 적용된 GNI는 44,051,000원 2) 2024년 10월 1일부터 2025년 6월 30일까지 2023년 GNI 4,724.8만 원 적용 한국 2023년 GNI: 4,724.8만 원 거주(F-2)비자, 영주(F-5)비자나 특정활동(E-7-1)비자를 준비하고 있는 국내 체류 외국인 아래 정보 참고하시고 신청하세요! - F-5-1, F-5-16 비자: GNI*2= 9,456.8만 원 - E-7-1: GNI*80%= 3,779.84만 원 - F-2-R: GNI*70%= 3,307.36만 원 - F-2-99(부부동반): GNI*1.5= 7,087.2만 원 - F-5-2, F-5-4, F-5-6, F-5-9, F-5-10, F-5-15, F-5-18: GNI*1= 4,724.8만 원

UPDATES on D-10 Job-seeking Visa Korea(Summarized)

If you're preparing to apply/renew for your D-10 Visa, you should know about the changes made recently by The Korean Ministry of Justice. We've summarized it for you below! 1st UPDATE: [before] Applicants who graduated from a university in Korea can apply visa with expired TOPIK scores, while graduates of foreign universities outside of Korea had to submit ONLY valid TOPIK certificates. [after] Now, ALL visa applicants need to submit valid TOPIK certificates. 2nd UPDATE: [before] TOPIK and KIIP completion certificates were the only methods used to prove applicants’ Korean proficiency level. [after] Aside from TOPIK, and KIIP completion certificates, now KIIIP pre-test results can also be submitted to prove your Korean proficiency level. *The KIIP pre-test is a placement test that assesses which level of the KIIP course is most suitable for the test taker. 3rd UPDATE: [before] Points used to be deducted based on how many times the applicant violated domestic laws within the past five years. [after] Points will now be deducted based on the actual amount of fine applicants have to pay. *Ex: before 5 points are deducted for violating the immigration laws once. Now, applicants who have paid a fine of more than 500,000 won ($370) and less than 1 million won will get a five-point deduction.

MOST UPDATED Version! All about E-7 Working Visa

Applying for an E-7 Working Visa The E-7 visa code is divided into four main sub-codes: (1) Professional Jobs (E-7-1). ex: advertising specialists, international salespeople, and developers. (2) Semi-Professional Jobs (E-7-2). ex: chefs and medical coordinators. (3) General Skills Jobs (E-7-3). ex: welders and painters. (4) Skilled Trade Jobs (E-7-4). ex: manufacturing and construction. Here are the eligibility criteria for Visa application along with the list of required documents [2024 updated version] Eligibility criteria The requirements for an E-7 visa can be divided into general conditions and special conditions. Note: Foreigner's major and career experience should match the position they are applying for! (1) General Conditions (Only one needs to be met!): - Possession of a master's degree or higher related to the job - Possession of a bachelor's degree related to the job + over one year of related work experience - More than five years of related work experience → Overseas documents must be translated into Korean or English and submitted with consular certification or Apostille verification. (2) Special Conditions (Only one needs to be met!): - Worked in professional occupations for over 1 year at a top-500 company - Bachelor's degree from a world-class university - Junior college degree in Korea related to the job - Bachelor's degree or higher from a Korean university, regardless of major - Endorsed talent in high-tech science and technology by the competent ministry - High-tech Interns (D-10-3) Visa holder with over a year of internship and wage over 1x GNI - Certain Japanese software technicians recognized by CAIT and JITEC - Talent with expertise endorsed by ministries and annual income over 1.5x previous GNI - High-income professional positions with annual remuneration over 3x previous GNI per capita - Completion of training at an excellent private institution, acquiring relevant certifications - Application of specific criteria for chefs, skilled craftsmen, shipbuilding welders, etc. Required Documents (1) Documents from the foreign individual: - Unified application form - Passport - Foreigner registration card - A recent photo (3 x 4cm, color photo) - Employment contract - Housing contract - Diploma(apostille if needed) - Certificate of Career - Documents that prove qualifications for foreign workers (if needed) (2) Company documents : - Company Introduction - Business registration certificate - Certified copy of corporate registration - Letter of the reason for the invitation (Prepare specifically the necessity of hiring foreigners, plans for utilizing foreigners, and expected outcomes.) - (if needed) Letter of employment recommendation (A written recommendation issued by the head of the competent central administrative agency(where it is subject to the Special Act on the Designation and Operation of Free Economic Zones or the Special Act on Regulations on Specialized Regional Development Zones, etc., the Mayor, Metropolitan City Mayor, Do Governor under his/her jurisdiction) might be required for certain jobs.) * Contact us for more info, we’ll inform you based on your type of occupation - Standard financial statements - List of insured persons under the four major insurance - (if needed) Letter of Guarantee Only for workers who are restricted from changing workplaces or reporting additionally, as announced by the Minister of Justice - Tax Certificate (Certificate of completion of national tax) - Proof of payment of tax - Certificate Of Local Tax Payment - Additional documents for each job category * Contact us for more info, and we’ll inform you based on your type of occupation Visit/contact us at grabchats.com/visa-service for Visa assistance. Good luck with your job hunting! :) Source: HiKorea

GUARANTEED TIPS for a Successful Job Application!

Job Application Success: GUARANTEED TIPS for foreigners in Korea (From personal experience and professional advice from a career consultant!) You've meticulously detailed your resume, yet find yourself continually overlooked by recruiters or facing rejection in job applications? "X years of working experiences in big companies," "Amazing degree and famous university," "Tons of certificates and skills you’ve got to offer." Despite these qualifications, why do you continue to face rejection? Companies value your degree, certificates, skills, and background, but they aren't the heroes of your resume. Particularly in Korea, companies prioritize: 1. The challenges encountered in your previous roles. 2. Your problem-solving approach to those challenges. 3. The lessons learned from those experiences. 4. How your actions mitigated potential losses for the company or project. This approach is not only crucial in your resume but also during job interviews. Recruiters typically employ the STAR interview method to assess candidates' skills and verify experiences, ensuring reliable hiring decisions within a short timeframe. Therefore, candidates must familiarize themselves with the STAR framework to prepare for interviews. What is the STAR method? "STAR" refers to Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Interviewers seek concrete examples of candidates' past experiences, whether in a work or educational setting. Questions often begin with phrases like "Describe a situation where," "Tell me about a time you had to," or "Share an example of when." The best responses feature clear, concise information covering: - Situation: Describing the circumstances or challenges faced. - Task: Explaining the specific task(s) to be accomplished. - Action: Detailing the actions taken or decisions made to address the task. - Result: Defining the outcomes and impact of the actions. The STAR format helps employers evaluate candidates' responses to different work situations, providing insights into their problem-solving abilities and suitability for future scenarios. Below are 15 competency-based interview questions designed to elicit responses in the STAR format: 1. Describe a situation where you had conflicting opinions with a coworker. How did you handle it? 2. Tell me about a challenging project you worked on with tight deadlines. How did you manage your time? 3. Share an example of when you had to stay resilient while facing setbacks. How did you persevere? 4. Describe a situation where you dealt with a difficult client. How did you handle it? 5. Share a project that required you to acquire new skills. How did you approach the learning process? 6. Tell me about a time you identified a process that needed improvement. What actions did you take? 7. Share a situation where you gave constructive feedback to a senior colleague. 8. Describe a project that required cross-functional collaboration. 9. Discuss a time when you had to juggle multiple tasks. How did you prioritize? 10. Tell me about a difficult decision you had to make with limited information. 11. Discuss a time when you took responsibility for a mistake. 12. Describe a situation where you coached a coworker to improve their performance. 13. Share an example of when you took a calculated risk to accomplish a task. 14. Tell me about a project where you worked with ambiguity and uncertainty. 15. Give an example of a project where you had to think creatively to overcome a challenge. Keep practicing and good luck on your job hunting! Additional sources: TestGorilla Blog

All about E7 visa Employment Recommendation Letter

All about E7 visa Employment Recommendation Letter The E-7 visa encompasses a total of 87 occupations, categorized as follows: - E-7-1 (Specialized Professionals): 67 occupations, including 15 managerial positions. - E-7-2 (Semi-specialized Professionals): 9 occupations. - E-7-3 (General Skilled Workers): 8 occupations. - E-7-4 (Skilled Workers): 3 occupations. Today, we’ll share insights based on practical experience concerning the Employment Recommendation Letter for the E7 visa: 1. Occupations listed as requiring an Employment Recommendation Letter in the guidelines must obtain one from the relevant ministry to apply for the E7 visa. 2. Even for occupations not listed as requiring an Employment Recommendation Letter, the immigration office may still demand one from the relevant ministry. 3. Some occupations, while not mandatory, may be asked for an Employment Recommendation Letter during the review process if anything seems suspicious or if a more stringent review is necessary. Note: An Employment Recommendation Letter from a relevant ministry and an Employment Reason Statement prepared by the employing company are distinct concepts. For occupations requiring an Employment Recommendation Letter, both an Employment Reason Statement (Manpower Utilization Plan) and the Employment Recommendation Letter from the relevant ministry must be submitted for the E7 visa application. The Employment Reason Statement is mandatory for all E7 visa applications, while the addition of an Employment Recommendation Letter depends on the occupation. Occupations Requiring an Employment Recommendation Letter: 1. Managers in product production (Domestic return companies) - Ministry of Industry KOTRA 2. Technicians in plant engineering (Specialized in shipbuilding equipment and manufacturing) - Ministry of Industry Shipbuilding and Marine Plant Division 3. Teachers in various educational institutions abroad, including: - Teachers at Jeju International Schools - Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province - Teachers at International Middle Schools, Foreign Language High Schools, International High Schools, and Autonomous Private High Schools - Superintendent of Education of the respective city/province 4. Financial and insurance experts (With over 5 years of experience without a degree) - Financial Services Commission 5. Developers of travel products - Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tourism Industry Division 6. Event planners (Specializing in performances) - Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Performing and Traditional Arts Division ※ Companies with annual sales of 5 billion won or more may waive this requirement at the director's discretion 7. Overseas sales representatives (Subject to special employment standards per company) - Ministry of Industry KOTRA / Korea Trade Association - (Foreign investment companies with annual sales of $100,000 or more + employing at least 1 Korean national) and (export companies targeting special language regions with annual sales of $100,000 or more) are permitted to hire 1 foreigner - Export companies targeting special language regions with annual sales of $500,000 or more: allowed to employ foreigners up to 70% of the Korean employment quota ※ The overseas sales representative role follows a standard of 1 E7 foreign national per 5 Korean nationals and is highly sought after by foreign students transitioning from domestic qualifications. It's a common misconception that if there aren't 5 Korean nationals, the application is impossible. However, as outlined in the guidelines, meeting one of the special standards allows for application, even without 5 Korean nationals. Previously, permission was obtained for an Arabic-speaking applicant targeting a company with only 2 Korean nationals, and for a foreign investment corporation with fewer than 5 Korean nationals, both meeting the condition of having annual sales exceeding $100,000. In the case of KOTRA, an Employment Recommendation Letter is issued only if it falls within the 8 advanced technology fields (Transportation and machinery, new materials, environmental energy, digital electronics, biotechnology, technology management, IT, nanotechnology). For the trade association, the company must have had export performance of more than $100,000 the previous year and possess a unique trade business number. The applicant must have graduated from a trade-related department (bachelor's degree or higher) or have at least 1 year of trade-related experience for the Employment Recommendation Letter to be issued. 8. Technology management experts - Ministry of Industry KOTRA 9. Announcers - Korea Communications Commission 10. Hotel reception officers - Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tourism Industry Division 11. Medical coordinators - Ministry of Health and Welfare Overseas Healthcare Division 12. Tourist interpretation guides - Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tourism Industry Division 13. Aquaculture technicians - Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Aquaculture Industry Division 14. Halal butchers - Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Livestock Policy Division 15. Shipbuilding welders - Ministry of Industry Shipbuilding and Marine Plant Division 16. Ship electricians - Ministry of Industry Shipbuilding and Marine Plant Division 17. Aircraft maintenance technicians - Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Aviation Technology Division 18. Managers in accommodation/travel/entertainment and sports - Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tourism Industry Division ※ Including travel agency managers and tourism leisure business managers --- Employment Recommendation Letter Not Listed but May Be Required: 1. Product planning experts - Ministry of Health and Welfare Overseas Healthcare Division Institutions registered as foreign patient attraction facilities and businesses employing E7 visa holders are consistently required by immigration authorities to furnish an Employment Recommendation Letter from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. These facilities and businesses are limited to hiring foreigners for two specific roles—Product Planning Experts and Medical Coordinators—for interpretation and marketing purposes. Applications for other positions (such as translation, advertising, and promotion) will be rejected outright, or the immigration office may request reapplication specifically as a Product Planning Expert or Medical Coordinator, with the prerequisite Employment Recommendation Letter from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This stems from the unique nature of the medical tourism industry, which encompasses both travel and healthcare sectors, thus restricting workers in this field from being evaluated solely as Product Planning Experts or Medical Coordinators. Furthermore, not all hospitals are eligible to receive an Employment Recommendation Letter from the Ministry of Health and Welfare; only hospitals registered as foreign patient attraction medical institutions qualify. To register as a foreign patient attraction medical institution, having at least one specialist is mandatory. 2. Managers in agriculture/forestry/fisheries - Agricultural enterprise managers: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Management Personnel Division - Fishery enterprise managers: Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Aquaculture Industry Division These roles, despite being categorized under E-7-1 manager occupations, are often utilized for purposes beyond management, such as employing foreign workers for menial tasks on fish or pig farms. This tendency is attributed to various issues like career falsification and the involvement of intermediary companies. For instance, hiring foreign laborers for basic tasks on fish or pig farms is common. The turnover rate among foreign laborers entering the agriculture/fisheries/livestock sector is notably high. Similar positions exist within E-7-3, such as animal breeders and aquaculture technicians. Therefore, to qualify for these positions for an E7 visa, applicants must meet additional requirements beyond the basic ones. For instance, having a master's degree or higher in a related field or a bachelor's degree with related experience would necessitate more than just one year of experience; it must exceed three years. --- The Employment Recommendation Letter, while not mandatory, is often requested during the review process for certain positions. - Managerial Occupations These roles involve directing and coordinating the work of a company, institution, or department, typically at the director level or higher. Salaries are a crucial aspect of the review criteria, with no exact standard but rather a criterion aimed at preventing the exploitation of low-wage foreign labor. Therefore, salaries should be commensurate with the level of professional personnel, linked to the average wage of a domestic individual in a similar role with comparable experience. Typically, salaries for E-7-1 professional occupations should exceed 80% of the Gross National Income (GNI). It is advisable to opt for a managerial position when the salary is at least 1 times the GNI (equivalent to at least 42.47 million won). Selecting a managerial position solely due to difficulty finding a domestic candidate, for efficiency in hiring a foreigner, or if the salary is unreasonably low, may raise suspicions during the review process. In such cases, the immigration office may request an Employment Recommendation Letter from the relevant ministry and evidence of domestic recruitment efforts. Field investigations may also be initiated, potentially prolonging the review process indefinitely. Field investigations are conducted based on received requests, and applicants are advised to patiently wait, especially if applying for positions with high concentrations of applications, such as E7 mechanical engineering technicians from countries like Vietnam. - 28 available Occupations for the KOTRA Employment Recommendation Letter Although less common than for managerial positions, KOTRA's Employment Recommendation Letter may be requested in situations arousing suspicion or requiring a stricter review. Even if not requested, it is recommended to obtain a KOTRA Employment Recommendation Letter if the occupation falls within the 8 advanced technology fields and is eligible. This can facilitate the issuance of a multiple visa and, if certain requirements are met, may lead to a stay period of up to 5 years and eligibility for permanent residency after 3 years of continued employment in Korea. Below are the qualification requirements and target occupations for the KOTRA Employment Recommendation Letter. --- Qualification Requirements for KOTRA Employment Recommendation Letter (Aligned with Basic Requirements for E7 Visa Application) ▶ Advanced Technology Talent - Holders of a master's degree or higher in the relevant field (no experience required) - Holders of an overseas bachelor's degree in the relevant field + at least 1 year of experience - At least 5 years of experience in the relevant field - Holders of a domestic bachelor's degree or higher (no experience required) ▶ Income Requirement - (Base salary) Income should be at least 80% of the previous year's GNI per capita ※ However, a relaxed wage requirement of at least 70% is applied to foreigners employed by small, venture, and non-capital region medium-sized companies with no domestic company work experience or less than 3 years of experience. (Companies must provide documents proving their status) ▶ Application Technology Field: 8 Advanced Technology Fields - Transportation and machinery, new materials, environmental energy, digital electronics, biotechnology, technology management, IT, nanotechnology --- 28 Eligible Occupations for KOTRA Employment Recommendation Letter 1. Managers (3 occupations) - Product production-related managers (Mandatory Employment Recommendation Letter) - IT sales and sales-related managers - Information and communication-related managers 2. Experts and related workers (25 occupations) - Investigation experts - Product planning experts (Mandatory Employment Recommendation Letter) - Technology management experts (Mandatory Employment Recommendation Letter) - Management and diagnostic experts - Technical sales representatives - Plant engineering technicians - Experts in automobile, shipbuilding, aircraft, and railway vehicle engineering - Environmental engineering technicians - System software developers - Application software developers - Web developers - Data experts - Network system developers - Telecommunication engineering technicians - Computer system designers and analysts - Computer hardware technicians - Information security experts - Electronic engineering technicians - Electrical engineering technicians - Textile engineering technicians - Metal and materials engineering technicians - Gas and energy technicians - Overseas salesperson (Mandatory Employment Recommendation Letter under specific standards) - Life science experts: limited to biology - Chemical engineering technicians ※ Employment Recommendation Letters are not issued for general tasks such as manufacturing, production, and repair of products incorporating advanced technology. (Involvement in research, development, etc., of technology is required) Good luck with your job hunting! :) Source: All Visa Korea

Busan opens applications for F-2-R visa

Busan announced on Friday that it has commenced accepting applications from international students for its F-2-R regional specialized residency visa, while also planning to host a job fair to facilitate connections with job opportunities in the region. The city is currently receiving applications for the F-2-R visa from Friday until May 10. With a visa quota of 120 for this year, Busan will initiate a second round of applications if the quota remains unfilled during the first application period. The F-2-R visa enables foreigners to reside in Korea for five years, mandating their residence and employment within areas designated by the government. Busan's Seo District, Dong District, and Yeongdo District are among the designated areas, each with a visa quota of 40. Prospective applicants can apply for the visa at the Seo District, Dong District, and Yeongdo District offices, depending on their intended district of residence. Eligible applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a university in Busan, or be in their final semester with an expected graduation. They must also demonstrate Korean proficiency at Topik level 3 or above or have completed level 3 or above in the Korea Immigration & Integration Program. Additionally, applicants require a letter of recommendation from their university, obtainable through the university's Office of international affairs. For instance, Pusan National University is accepting applications for recommendation letters until May 1. Applicants must also be currently employed, or have received a job offer within the three Busan districts, to qualify for the visa. To assist those who do not meet the employment requirements, Busan is offering job consultations at the Youth Do Dream Center, Busan Job Center, and the Dongbusan Job Center. These consultations aim to connect applicants with suitable job opportunities in the visa districts based on their skills and the needs of companies. Busan will conduct a job fair for international students on May 23, inviting companies from the three districts to conduct recruiting sessions. Despite the job fair occurring after the first-round application period, the city assured that it would "provide job opportunities for students intending to apply for the visa in the second round." Source: LEE TAE-HEE, The JoongAng Daily

Govt. to expand range of E-9 visas

The South Korean government announced on Tuesday that it would begin accepting applications from business owners that want to hire workers from 16 designated countries eligible for E-9 visas starting later this month. Owners of Korean restaurants, hotels and resorts, forestry and mining companies will now be able to apply for permission to employ workers from these countries, the government said. From April 22 to May 3, business owners can apply for permission to employ workers from the 16 countries on E-9 visas via the Employment Permit System, according to the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Applications can be submitted at regional job centers across the country or via the ministry's Work 24 website. Businesses with five or more employees of Korean nationality that have been in business for at least five years, and businesses with less than five employees that have been in business for at least seven years in certain sectors are eligible. Companies with five or more employees can hire up to two E-9 visa holders, while businesses with fewer than five employees can hire only one such visa holder. Business owners wishing to hire workers from the 16 designated countries on E-9 visas must first try to recruit Korean national workers for at least a week. Then they can apply for permission to employ foreign nationals holding E-9 visas. The E-9 visa is issued to citizens of Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, East Timor (Timor-Leste), Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam to do "nonprofessional" labor. Previously, E-9 visa holders could only work in the agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing and construction sectors. However, from this year, E-9 visas will be newly issued in four industries: restaurants serving Korean food, hotels and resorts, forestry and mining. Among them, owners of Korean restaurants, hotels and resorts can apply for permission to employ E-9 visa holders starting in April. Other business will be allowed to apply from the second half of the year. By industry, the government plans to allocate some 25,000 E-9 visa holders to the manufacturing industry, some 1,800 E-9 visa holders to the shipbuilding industry, some 5,000 to the agricultural and livestock industry, some 3,000 to the fishing industry, some 2,000 to the construction industry and some 4,500 to the service industry. The government also announced it plans to allocate flexibly a total of 20,000 additional E-9 visa holders to industries where there is more demand for workers. The government plans to accept applications from business owners from April 22 to May 3, as well as in two more rounds this year in July and October. Source: Lee Jaeeun, The Korea Herald

The 6-month rule for health insurance

Foreigners and overseas Koreans can only become eligible for state health insurance coverage as dependents if they reside in South Korea for at least six months, according to the Health Ministry Tuesday. The tightened rule, which goes into effect Wednesday, comes as some foreigners have reportedly exploited the nation's health insurance system. Media reports have said some foreign nationals working in South Korea register siblings and other relatives as dependents and arrange temporary visits to South Korea for medical treatments. Previously, all foreigners could enroll their family members as dependents in the public health insurance program for employees upon meeting specific criteria, such as income and assets. There was also criticism regarding the fairness of the public health insurance program for foreign independent subscribers, as they already need to reside in South Korea for at least six months to qualify. The updated policy excludes spouses and children under the age of 19. Individuals with visas in the categories of D-2, D-4-3, E-9, and F-6, as well as those with permanent residency status, can also immediately qualify as dependents. Source: The Korea Herald

Work permits for foreigners at hotels&restaurants

With hotels in Korea suffering from dire labor shortages, the government has extended its work permit quota to accept 4,490 foreigners intending to work in the hotel and restaurant industries. It marks the first time that restaurants and hotels have become eligible to offer work permits to foreign workers, similar to those offered for factory and agricultural farm work. The Labor Ministry said it will extend its work permit quota to a total of 42,080 foreigners from April 22 to May 3. Most of the available work permits will be allocated to the manufacturing industry, with 25,906 places, followed by the agricultural industry, with 4,955 places. The service industry is the third most significant sector, having 4,490 issuable work permits for foreign workers. As businesses in the service sector have faced operational difficulties due to labor shortages, the authorities allowed the industry to bring in foreign workers starting this year. Each Korean restaurant can hire up to two foreign nationals on E-9 visas as kitchen assistants. Hospitality businesses in Seoul, Busan, Gangwon, and Jeju Island can employ up to 25 foreign nationals as cleaners and kitchen assistants depending on the number of Korean workers. Business owners wishing to hire foreign workers can apply for work permits at the ministry’s regional employment and labor offices or via the state-run website, www.work24.go.kr. The results of the work permit allocation will be announced on May 21. For the manufacturing and shipbuilding industry, permits will be issued from May 22 to 28. Permits for other sectors will be awarded from May 29 to June 4. The government is expected to hand out 165,000 foreign nationals this year to overcome the country’s labor force shortages. Source: LEE SOO-JUNG, Korea JoongAng Daily

FREE 200,000 won voucher for plays and musicals!

Are you someone born between 2001 and 2004, living in Seoul, and loves to watch plays, musicals, or other performances? Then try applying for the Seoul Youth Culture Pass! Basically, the Seoul Youth Culture Pass is a 200,000 won voucher issued by the Seoul city government. You can use it to buy tickets for plays, musicals, art exhibits, dance performances, classical music concerts, and gugak performances that are listed on the Seoul Youth Culture Pass website (https://www.youthcultureseoul.kr/youthCultureSeoul) throughout this year. Eligibility Not everyone is eligible for the voucher. To be able to apply, you must be: - Born between Jan. 1, 2001 ~ Dec. 31, 2004. - Your address must be officially registered as Seoul on your resident registration certificate or residence card. - Have income below 150% of the median income (based on how much you pay for health insurance as of Feb. 2024). - If you've used the voucher in the past, your income needs to be below 120% of the median income. Regarding income requirements, you can check if you are eligible in the table here. Deciphering the income requirement table might be a bit tricky, and to make it easier to understand — if you are a single-person household, you basically need to have income that's less than 3,343,000 won a month. This will mean that you pay monthly health insurance that's 61,984 won or lower. And your income requirements will be checked by the National Health Insurance Service, based on how much monthly health insurance you pay. If there are more applicants than the number of available vouchers, the Seoul city government will prioritize those who are applying for the voucher for the first time, and those with lower income. How can I apply? Applications start March 28 and are accepted until April 17 via Seoul's youth service website. (https://youth.seoul.go.kr/). You will need to make an account on the website to apply. APPLICATION LINK: https://youth.seoul.go.kr/cltrPass/step1.do?key=2311050002 Although there are income requirements, you aren't required to submit any documents as proof when applying. The National Health Insurance Service will be checking your income eligibility through its system. Whether you win the voucher or not will be announced via the website around early May. If you are selected, you will have to make a Shinhan Bank account and debit card. This is because you can only use up to 70,000 won worth of voucher points per ticket. If the ticket is more expensive than 70,000 won, you will have to pay the rest using money in the Shinhan Bank account that you created. Fortunately, a lot of the plays are much cheaper than 70,000 won, ranging around 50,000 to 60,000 won per ticket. Classical music performances and ballets are a bit more pricey, but you will still only have to pay 20,000 to 30,000 won more. Can foreigners apply? Short answer: Yes! If you satisfy all the eligibility criteria above (Seoul resident & income requirements), foreigners can also apply for the voucher. Buying tickets with the voucher: When you are using the voucher, you need to buy tickets through the Seoul Youth Culture Pass website, rather than starting from external ticket websites. First, log in to the Seoul Youth Culture Pass website using the ID you used to apply for the voucher. Then click the 포인트로 예매하기 (Purchase using voucher points) button of the performances you want to see. Then, you will be redirected to a ticketing website like Interpark or Yes24, which allows you to purchase the ticket using voucher points. You won't be able to access the voucher-purchase option when you directly go to the external ticket websites, so remember to always start from the Seoul Youth Culture Pass website! Source: K-campus

Difficulties in getting Visa in Korea

Korea wants more skilled immigrants to come and boost its labor force, one of the fastest aging and shrinking in the world. But it's rather picky about who. "I wasn't able to work in Korea because I didn't fit into any of the categories for the visas," said Christin, a woman in her 30s from Germany, alluding to her most recent attempt to find both a stable job and a visa to let her stay longer than a few months at a time. At first glance, Christin's resume would fit Korea's search for a highly skilled foreign workforce. She speaks Korean and understands where the country has been historically and geopolitically, having majored in Korean studies in a master's program at a top university in Germany. With personal goals of settling down in the country and even expanding a family of her own — in which case she would be contributing to one of the world's lowest birthrates in the world — Christin came to Korea for the second time last year to try to find work and visa sponsorship. After over 20 job applications and numerous train rides between her residential city of Changwon, South Gyeongsang, and Seoul to engage with prospective employers, Christin was finally offered a position by a university in Seoul. But even before she could pop the champagne, another unforeseen visa requirement crushed her dreams of working in Korea. "The visa required a certain salary amount, which I was only 3 euros short, but the university refused to raise the offer," she said, speaking from her home near Berlin over a recent call with the Korea JoongAng Daily. Her story may have been different had she had a science, tech, engineering or mathematics (STEM) background. "A graduate with a STEM background is almost instantly offered the F-2 visa," said Jang Man-ik, a licensed immigration specialist in Seoul, referring to the five-year residency visa. To attract more scientists and engineers to boost its high-tech economy, Korea began offering long-term residency visas to graduates of top science and engineering schools in the country last year. It was a groundbreaking gesture given that the path to long-term and permanent residency in Korea is long unless one marries into a Korean family, is a descendant of overseas Koreans, holds refugee status, or has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into its economy. However, the unequal standards of the initiative have some experts questioning its sustainability. Starting last year, graduates of top science and tech schools of the country, including Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kaist), Unist and Korea National University of Science and Technology (Ust), were granted the F-2-7S residency visa as long as they were able to receive a recommendation from the university's president. The visa grants up to five years of stay in Korea regardless of one's employment status and can be transferred to an F-5-16S visa later, which grants permanent residency in Korea. At UST, where about 33 percent of the student body of around 1,400 students are foreigners, 45 graduates of foreign nationalities had received the F-2-7S visa as of last year. While the university does not keep tabs on whether all 45 recipients could find a job, it said at least six did through its program connecting the graduates with employers, including LG Energy Solution and Aekyung Chemical. The journey becomes notably difficult for applicants of humanities backgrounds. Paths to long-term residency exist for those who can get a type of E-7 visa, especially those who can get an E-7-1, a skilled worker visa. But fitting into one of its categories is difficult, even when one has a company willing to hire them. An American woman in her 30s with several years of journalism experience in New York has a company in Korea willing to hire her long-term. She and the company have been applying jointly for the E-7-1 visa for nearly a year. They've been rejected twice already. "Our only option, if we want to hire her for more than a few months at a time, is the E-7-1 visa," said the company's human resources officer recently, speaking on condition of anonymity. "But the role we want to hire her for does not exist in the visa scheme." The E-7-1 is granted to workers at a manager level or above or skilled in 67 areas designated by the ministry, which include life science, computer hardware and software development, telecommunications, big data, architecture, chemical engineering, robotics, nursing, education, law, public policy, finance, events coordinating, translation, news anchors or designers. "When we explained our situation to the immigration office, their attitude is basically, 'Why not just hire a Korean who can do the same job?'" said the HR officer. This a typical response for those with a humanities background, where the immigration office has the ultimate say on what roles companies are allowed to hire. "Unless you're a highly skilled robotics engineer or a technician of the like, or make two or three times the average income of Koreans, the company sponsorship holds little power in the visa decision," Jang said. For the American job-seeker, the constant visa rejections and not knowing where she will be a few months from today haven't been as rewarding as she had hoped for when she made a life-changing decision to come to Korea. "I'm trying to keep my expectations low, but it is still stressful," she said. "It's also been hard to understand why my applications are getting rejected when the people I work with — also not Koreans — have been more successful when we are doing the same type of work." Part of the problem is also in the arbitrary authority vested in the immigration officers, said Jang. "One of the key problems of the Korean immigration system is how much an applicant's fate depends on the arbitrary decisions of immigration officers," he said. "Two applicants of similar situations and backgrounds may end up with very different visa results because each immigration office seems to have their own interpretations of the guidelines. It's a constant problem, unfortunately." Korea's apparent "pick and choose" approach to skilled immigration is not an anomaly among advanced economies. "Labor immigration is an area where states are bound by fewer obligations from international law than in other areas, such as asylum and international protection, and have more leeway to design policies in their own fashion," said Martin Hofmann, principal adviser at International Centre for Migration Policy Development, a think tank founded by Austria and Switzerland. In addition to easing the requirements for long-term visas for STEM graduates, the government also expanded the annual quota for E-7-4 visas — granted to skilled workers in farming, manufacturing, and root industries (which make components from raw materials), all of which cannot run without foreign workers anymore — from 2,000 to 35,000 last year. But with aging populations trending in advanced economies worldwide, the tables may have turned in favor of the workers. "In times of real global competition over talent, attitudes will have to change," said Hofmann in his written comments to the Korea JoongAng Daily recently. "Migrants will be in a position to choose between countries, so conditions and welcoming treatment will become a factor." While policies conducive to creating a welcoming environment — higher visa quotas and easier processes — could make Korea an attractive destination for skilled workers, policies alone may not do the trick. "Korea is putting a lot of effort into change with regards to the inclusion of foreigners, both in terms of government policies and social culture," said Muhammad Zahak Jamal, a mechanical engineer at the Hyundai Motor Company's Robotics Lab. Jamal says he has high praise for the standard of work in his team and organization and would not have come this far without the support of Korean friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who were able to recognize his potential to produce good quality work. "However, unlike the U.S. or other Western countries where immigrants choose to stay and live the rest of their lives, it is found that many foreigners decide to leave Korea usually because they don't see it as a long-term option," he said. He cited differences in social and work culture and language barriers as some reasons foreign nationals choose to move on from Korea. If Korea wants to not only attract but also retain skilled workforce from abroad, aspects related to social life, integration and participation will have to be considered and adjusted, said Hofmann. Jonathan Chaloff, migration policy expert at OECD, also suggested in a recent interview with a local media outlet in Korea that the country could draw on a pool of potential migrants who have already invested in learning more about the country. "We've developed a strong emotional connection to Korea and our life here," says an American woman in her 30s, who has been living in Seoul with her husband since 2021. The couple, who met during their master's studies at a top-ranking university in the United States, have attained intermediate to advanced Korean language capacities, evidenced not only in their official language test scores but also in how they would have no problem taking care of real estate decisions and hospital appointments in the Korean language or making friends with local baristas, a group of Korean heritage dancers, a tattooist and the next-door elderly neighbor. They have recently decided to return to the United States after moving between various short-term visas that did not lead to more permanent employment. "If given the opportunity, we would definitely raise children here in Korea and want them to be immersed in Korean language and culture from the offset," she said. By Esther Chung, Korea JoongAng Daily

Short-term work permits for foreigner's parents

The Korean government will operate a pilot program allowing foreign students to invite their parents to Korea to work at farming or fishing villages located in regions close to their schools, the Ministry of Justice said Sunday. According to the ministry, parents of foreign students who are enrolled in universities outside the greater Seoul area for more than a year, can work as seasonal laborers for up to eight months in the region where their children are studying. To be qualified for the pilot program, which will last until the end of the year, the parents should be 55 or younger and have no criminal records or health issues. Their children should also have no records of violating Korean laws and there should be more than two semesters left before they apply for the permit. Foreign students enrolled in university language courses are excluded from the program. Korea has been running the seasonal worker scheme to allow the legal hiring of foreign workers for a short period to address chronic labor shortages during the busy farming and fishing seasons. So far, the scheme has been available for the relatives of marriage migrants, residents of foreign local governments who have signed related memoranda of understanding with their Korean counterparts or those who have visas allowing seasonal work, such as the D-1, D-2 or D-4. The government's decision to extend the program to include the parents of foreign students is based on positive outcomes observed in previous participants, such as relatives of marriage migrants. These individuals exhibited early settlement capabilities and demonstrated a low likelihood of departing from Korea without proper authorization. "The Ministry of Justice will thoroughly analyze any difficulties during the operation of the pilot projects and improve the system, to assist 131 participating Korean local governments to operate the system smoothly,” a ministry official said. By Nam Hyun-woo, The Korea Times

Let's enjoy flowers in Seoul this spring!🌸

Seoul is getting ready to welcome a warm spring! Beautiful flowers will be blooming all over Seoul throughout spring! 🌷🌼 🌼 Changdeokgung Palace, Red Plum Blossoms 📍 Location: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul ⏰ Hours: 9:00 – 18:00 (Closed on Mondays) ✅ Blooming season: Mid-March – Early April 📸 Photo spot: Straight from the entrance of Changdeokgung Palace 🌼 Eungbongsan Mountain, Forsythia 📍 Location: 1540 Geumho-dong 4(sa)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul ✅ Blooming season: Late March 📸 Photo spot: Eungbongsan Mountain Summit, Yongbigyo Bridge 🌼 Namsan, CherryBlossoms 📍 Location: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul ✅ Blooming season: Late March – Early April 📸 Photo spot: Namsan Dullegil 🌼 Boramae Park, CherryBlossoms 📍 Location: 33, Yeouidaebang-ro 20-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul ✅ Blooming season: Late March – Early April 📸 Photo spot: Cherry Blossom Tree Road next to Boramae Park Air Park 🌼 SeoulForest, Tulips 📍 Location: 273, Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul ✅ Blooming season: Mid-April – Early May 📸 Photo spot: Seoul Forest Tulip Garden 🌼 Buramsan Mountain, Azaleas 📍 Location: 51-27, Hangulbiseok-ro 12-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul ✅ Blooming season: Mid-April – Early May 📸 Photo spot: Azalea Garden at Buramsan Butterfly Garden 🌼 Seoraeseom Island, Rapeseed flowers 📍 Location: Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul/Near Banpo Hangang Park ✅ Blooming season: May 📸 Photo spot: Various spots at Seoraeseom Island 🌼 JungnangRosePark, Roses 📍 Location: 375 Muk-dong, Jungnang-gu, Seoul ✅ Blooming season: May – June 📸 Photo spot: Jungnangcheon Rose Tunnel

Real-time translation at subway stations

Seoul Metro, one of two major operators of the Seoul Subway, has expanded real-time translation services for overseas travelers to 11 stations in Seoul to improve convenience for foreigners. Artificial intelligence-based translations, which allow foreign travelers and station staff to communicate in their respective languages while facing each other through a transparent OLED screen, were unveiled at Myeong-dong Station on Subway Line No. 4 in December last year for a trial run. After the trial, Seoul Metro began to offer real-time translation services at 10 more stations starting in late February: Jongno 5-ga Station on Line No. 1, City Hall Station, Hongik University Station, Euljiro 1-ga Station and Gangnam Station on Line No. 2, Gyeongbokgung Station on Line No. 3, Gwanghwamun Station, Gimpo International Airport Station on Line No. 5 and Itaewon Station and Gongdeok Station on Line No. 6. Translation services are available in 13 languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Spanish, German, Arab, and more. In addition to the translation service, travelers can also plan their route, search destinations, and see information on the storage system, subway fees, transfers, and travel time via the transparent OLED screen. “Hoping to provide more accessible, comfortable subway and travel experience to tourists from across the globe, Seoul Metro will make the most out of AI technology to enhance tourists’ convenience,” a Seoul Metro official said in a press release Thursday. Story by Lee Si-jin from The Korea Herald

NEW Kakao's Talk Student ID

Over 800,000 university students are using Kakao's Talk Student ID as of the fourth quarter of 2023, with the company partnering with more universities to allow additional students to use the feature. Kakao partnered with a further 21 universities in February to allow their students to use the Talk Student ID, according to the company on Wednesday. Universities such as Seoul National University and Inha University are part of the 21 added to the list. Students from over 400 universities can now use the Talk Student ID and the full list can be found on Kakao's website. Talk Student ID is a feature added to the KakaoTalk application in May last year. Users can register their student ID on KakaoTalk, using it to verify their student and graduation status. University students that have the Talk Student ID can get student discounts on Kakao Talk Shopping and at brands such as Daiso, McDonald's, Emart 24 and Gongcha. Both Korean and international students can use the Talk Student ID, although those who made their Kakao Talk account with an overseas phone number won't be able to do so. Users need to be full-time students at a Korean university and have Kakao's digital ID certificate, which requires a Korean phone number and a Korean bank account. The user's name registered on the university system and Kakao's digital ID certificate must also be the same. BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]

Food, hotel industries work permit for foreigners

The government will begin accepting employment permit applications for foreign workers in the food service, hotel, and condo industries starting in April. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Employment and Labor engaged in discussions with various ministries, industry groups, and 17 cities and provinces to explore ways of integrating foreign workers into different sectors and enhancing support mechanisms for them. This year, employment permits for foreign workers will be newly issued in four industries: restaurants, hotels and condos, forestry, and mining. Among them, owners of restaurants, hotels, and condos will be able to apply for permission to employ foreign workers starting in April. The initiative will begin on a trial basis, specifically targeting assistant roles in Korean restaurants that have been in operation for more than five to seven years. Foreign workers can also be employed as cleaners or kitchen assistants in hotels and condos in four regions — Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island, and Gangwon Province. The government plans to evaluate the pilot project in November and come up with an improvement plan based on the findings. Applications for employment permits in the forestry and mining industries will start being accepted in July. Permission for forestry is limited to reforestation, logging, and seedling activities, while mining permits are for operations with an annual production of 150,000 tons or more only. In response to labor shortages at industrial sites, the government increased the number of non-professional work visas (E-9) for foreign workers under the Employment Permit System to 165,000 this year, up 120,000 from last year. The expansion also includes an increase in the number of industries eligible for employment permits. This aims to address labor shortages in the hospitality industry as part of broader efforts to attract more foreign workers amid a declining birthrate. The labor ministry plans to conduct a survey on employment management in these four new industries and strengthen counseling services for foreign workers, collaborating with relevant ministries. Employment and Labor Minister Lee Jung-sik underscored that the ministry's efforts alone are insufficient to ensure a stable working environment amid a rapid surge in the number of foreign workers. "We need to enhance collaboration between related ministries, industry organizations, and local governments to create a stable working environment," Lee said. By Jung Da-hyun from The Korea Times

Discounted Climate Cards to young commuters

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Wednesday, commuters between the ages of 19 and 34 can top up the capital’s unlimited transit pass at either 55,000 won ($41) a month for unlimited subway and bus rides, or 58,000 won, inclusive of the capital’s public bicycles, Ttareungi. Currently, all commuters pay 62,000 won for unlimited rides on subways and buses or 65,000 won also to use the city's public bicycles. The cheaper pricing scheme comes as people in their 20s and 30s have accounted for approximately 50 percent of pass purchases. Young commuters who will benefit from the cheaper option will still need to pay the same as others during the Climate Card scheme’s pilot period, which lasts through June 30. However, they can apply for reimbursements. Purchasers who buy and register the card from next Monday through June 30 can apply for reimbursement, receiving as much as 7,000 won per month. Those who begin using the card on June 30 can receive refunds after using the card for a month through July 29. Mobile card users will not need to apply for reimbursement. Physical card users can apply for a refund on Tmoney’s website starting in July. The discounted amount will be returned to users’ bank accounts within 30 days of the application. From July, purchasers can directly top up the monthly payment at discounted prices. According to the city government, around 430,000 Climate Cards have been sold since its launch on Jan. 27. It plans to add more benefits for pass users, including discounted use of cultural and sports facilities. Credit and debit cards will also be available for topping up physical Climate Cards within the first half of the year. Currently, these cards can only be topped up with cash at subway platforms. The metropolitan government expects around 36 billion won will be additionally spent annually on the discounted Climate Card scheme for young commuters, according to Lee Jin-gu, director of the city’s transportation policy division. Physical versions of the transit pass can be purchased for 3,000 won in cash from information centers set along subway lines No. 2 to 8 in the capital. Along subway line No. 1, the cards are sold between Seoul Station in downtown Seoul and Cheongnyangni Station in eastern Seoul. They can also be purchased at convenience stores near subway platforms along subway line No. 9, Ui-Sinseol Line, and Sillim Line. BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]

OASIS-1 Recruitment

📢 OASIS-1(Intellectual Property Basic Course) Recruitment!! Seoul Global Center provides the intellectual property basic course for foreigners who wish to start a technology Start-up in Korea. It is also possible to obtain OASIS scores to meet visa requirements, so don't miss this opportunity! ✅ Schedule: 7th~8th, Mar. 10:00-17:00 ✅ Application Period: 20th, Feb ~ 4th, Mar. ✅ Location: 402, 4F, Seoul Global Center (38, Jong-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul) ✅ Curriculum - 7th, Mar.: Understanding of the Korean society(Basic), Understanding of immigration laws and OASIS, Introduction to intellectual property regulations. - 8th, Mar.: Invention and problem-solving, Sharing ideas and presentation (Practice), How to write invention application and drawing (Practice) ✅ Apply: Click on the link below! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDiPd_qXPbNUiVfePI1wi0ea_hOVX4p5cvhOlE6jy6Gu2TJg/viewform ✅ Inquiry: sgc.oasis@gmail.com This course is conducted in English.

English Counseling Service in Seoul(some for FREE)

Whether you're dealing with work/academic stress, personal challenges, or need someone to talk to.🌟 Take a breather and head over to these Counseling Service Centers in Seoul(some are even for FREE!) [English Counseling Service in Seoul] 1. Seoul Foreign Resident Center
 - Resolving mental health & emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety, and interpersonal relationships among foreign residents in Seoul.
 - Available languages: Korean, English, and Chinese. - Service includes FREE 1:1 psychological counseling, 5 sessions over 7 weeks(50 minutes per session)
 - Offline service only!
 - Contact: Counseling Operation Department, Kim Yoonji 02-2229-4900, 4912
 - Address: 40, Dosin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea 2. Adaptable Human Solutions
- Provide counseling services for individual and employee development for organizations.
 - Service costs range from 90,000KRW ~ 390,000KRW.
 - Online & offline service available.
 - Contact: 02-749-7915, Email: ahskorea.com
 - Address: Seoul office building 101 Lotte Castle, Pyeongtaek office 46 Anjeongsunhwan-ro 104 beon-gil 3. Seoul Counseling Center
 - Available language: English, Korean, Hebrew, and Spanish.
 - Service costs range from 60,000KRW ~ 330,000KRW.
 - Online & offline service available.
 - Contact: 02-542-5553, Email: seoulcounseling.com
 - Address: [Seoul branch] 7th Floor, 35 Gangnam-daero 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 4. Korea Psychological Group
 - Available languages: English, Korean, and Spanish.
 - FREE 15-minute consultation if you make a reservation from the website.
 - Online & offline service available.
 - Contact: 010-2615-4357, Email: koreapsych.com
 - Address: [Pyeongtaek office] 1st floor, 40-22, Sinheungbukro29beon-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do 5. You&Me Psychological and Counseling Services(YPCS) Korea
 - Available languages: English, Korean, French, and Chinese.
 - Service costs range from 80,000KRW ~ 300,000KRW.
 - Online & offline service available.
 - Contact: 02-6929-3014, Email: ypcskorea.com
 - Address: [Seoul Branch] 3rd floor, 68, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 6. Seoul Central Mental Health Clinic
 - Available language: English
 - For foreigners residing in South Korea. - Offline service only!
 - Contact: 02-779-7660, Email: en.seoulcentralmhc.com
 - Address: 5th floor, Jogwang building, 11 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul 7. [For emergencies, call 119 immediately!]
 - Available languages: English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese.
 - Or, head to the nearest hospital’s Emergency Room. Stay safe everyone! :) Source: @daewoongfoundation

What to do during Seollal holiday?

During the Lunar New Year holiday period from the 9th to the 12th, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Jongmy Shrine, the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty will all be open to the public free of charge. 🧚🏼Tips not to be missed! Especially Jongmyo Shrine usually operates on a reservation basis, it will be freely accessible during the Lunar New Year holiday. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, there will be a changing of the guard ceremony at 10:00 and 14:00. Following this ceremony, there will be an event where visitors can receive a special painting called "Sehwa", which depicts a dragon background with the guard. "Sehwa" was traditionally shared during the Joseon era to celebrate the beginning of a new year, symbolizing wishes for peace and prosperity. It will serve as a beautiful souvenir to commemorate the Lunar New Year.

Seoul Goods Pop-up Store "Seoul Life" will open

From February 1st to 4th, the Seoul Goods Pop-up Store "Seoul Life" will open in Seongsu-dong! [Seoul Goods Pop-up Store in Seongsu Scène] 📆Date: Feb. 1 (Thu) to 4 (Sun), 1 PM~9 PM General admission available from 6:00 PM on Feb. 1 (Thu) 📍Location: Seongsu-dong Scène (20 Yeonmujang 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul) [Experience Center] ✨1F Seoul Night Zone - Photomatic X SEOUL LIFE Booth - LED displays of Seoul night views - desserts using Seoul brand pictograms 💖2F Seoulite Zone - Seoul Quiz Kiosk - postcard making, photo zone - goods exhibition & sales 🍜Outdoor Zone - tasting event of #SeoulRamyeon developed in collaboration with Pulmuone Company Participate in various experience programs in the pop-up store for a chance to win random Seoul goods and Seoul Ramyeon tasting vouchers, which are being introduced for the first time! See you in Seongsu!👋🏻

Seoul Global Center OASIS Annual Schedule

📣Seoul Global Center OASIS Annual Schedule Seoul Global Center announces the schedule of non-Korean (pre-) entrepreneurs to "2024 Overall Assistance for Startup Immigration System(OASIS)". ❓What is OASIS? OASIS provides both startup support and startup visa (D-8-4, D-9-1) to foreigners who decide to launch business in Korea based on our standing ideas and technology. 🤔Who can participate? Foreign residents who with to get visas and establish their corporations or startup in Korea (Only OASIS-2, Foreign (pre) entrepreneurs who completed OASIS-1) 📖What kind of education is provided at Seoul Global Center? We are offering OASIS-1,2 / OASIS-4+ / OASIS-5 / OASIS-7 / OASIS-8 program. 📆When will the program be conducted? Please check the card news for details and schedules. For more information, check out https://seoulglobalcenter.startup-plus.kr

Accessible Bus with Climate Card

Some of my friends asked if they can take the red bus using the Climate Card. So, here is a list of Seoul buses you can use the Climate Card for boarding. The Climate Card, allowing unlimited access to public transportation within Seoul for a monthly fee of 62,000 KRW, has been introduced. If these buses connect Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, you can still use the Climate Card for boarding and alighting in Gyeonggi Province. The Climate Card cannot be used for boarding on Red buses, Airport buses, and buses with licenses from other regions. 🤔What kind of Bus You can board with a Climate Card? ✅Blue bus with 3-digit number(ex. 143, 710) ✅Blue Night bus with 3-digit number(ex. N13, N30) ✅Donghaeng (Accompanying)Bus with 2-digit number(ex. 서울02, 서울03) ✅Green Bus(ex. 1164, 7211, 서대문05)