How to Find a Job in Korea in 2025
The Ultimate Survival Guide for Foreigners
So, you want to live the Seoul dream. You want to finish work, grab a beer by the Han River, and maybe bump into a BTS member at a convenience store.
But there is a small, pesky problem standing between you and that dream: Money.
Unless you have a secret trust fund (in which case, adopt me?), you need a job. The good news? In 2025, Korea is more open to foreign talent than ever before due to the shrinking population. The bad news? It is still incredibly competitive.
Forget the outdated advice from 2015. Here is the real, updated guide on how to land a job in South Korea as a foreigner in 2025—without losing your mind.
1. The “Golden Ticket” (Visas Come First)
Let’s rip the Band-Aid off immediately. You cannot just fly to Incheon Airport and start handing out resumes. Korea has strict visa laws.
The E-2 (Teaching) Visa: The classic gateway. If you are from a native English-speaking country and have a degree, teaching English is still the easiest way to get your foot in the door.
The E-7 (Professional) Visa: This is for the corporate warriors. You need a company to sponsor you. This is “Hard Mode.”
The “Workcation” / Digital Nomad Visa: This is the game-changer for 2025. If you already have a remote job back home that pays well (roughly $65k+ USD/year), you can live in Korea for up to 2 years without needing a Korean boss. It’s the ultimate cheat code if you qualify.
2. Where the Jobs Are Hiding (Websites You Need)
Don’t just scroll LinkedIn. While LinkedIn is growing in Korea (especially for tech and startups), the locals use different battlegrounds.
Saramin & JobKorea: These are the giants. The catch? They are 100% in Korean. If you can navigate these sites, you pass the first test of working here.
PeoplenJob: The holy grail for foreign companies in Korea. If you want to work for Google Korea, Nike, or Chanel, look here first.
Craigslist: Yes, it still exists. It’s mostly for teaching gigs or modeling, but be careful of scams. If they ask for money upfront, run.
3. The “TOPIK” Trap (Do You Need Korean?)
Here is the harsh truth: Can you find a job speaking only English? Yes (mostly in IT, marketing, or teaching). But will your life be 100x easier if you speak Korean? Absolutely. If you are aiming for a traditional Korean company (Chaebol like Samsung or LG), they will expect a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) score of Level 4 or 5. Even if the job description says “English Required,” the office gossip and the printer instructions will be in Korean. Start studying now.
4. Networking: The “In-Maek” Culture
Korea runs on In-Maek (connections). Many of the best jobs for foreigners never make it to the job boards. They are filled through recommendations.
Action Plan: Join “Expat in Korea” Facebook groups, go to networking events in Gangnam or Itaewon, and join KakaoTalk Open Chats related to your industry. A friend of a friend is your best bet for bypassing the resume filter.
5. The Korean Resume Style (It’s Personal)
Western resumes are usually “blind” (no photos, no age). Korean resumes are the opposite. Standard Korean CVs often ask for a headshot photo, your age, and sometimes even your family background. While modern startups are moving away from this, traditional companies still prefer it.
Pro Tip: If you are applying to a Korean company, adapt to their format. If you are applying to a global startup in Seoul, stick to your clean, Western-style resume. Know your audience!
6. The Rise of K-Startups
If the thought of wearing a stiff suit and bowing to your boss scares you, look at the Startup scene. The Korean government is pouring money into the “K-Startup Grand Challenge” to globalize the economy. These companies are desperate for foreign talent to help them expand overseas. They are often more relaxed, offer flexible hours, and—miracle of miracles—might actually let you go home at 6 PM.
Final Thoughts Finding a job in Korea in 2025 is a marathon, not a sprint. You will face rejections. You will struggle with the language. But if you have a marketable skill and the grit to survive the hustle, working in Seoul is an experience that will change your career forever.
Polish that resume, download the Papago translation app, and good luck!