South Korean Work VISA Jobs for Skill Shortages

South Korea is at a point where chance and challenge meet in a world economy that is changing quickly. The country needs to hire more people right away, especially in high-demand fields like technology, healthcare, and industry, where people are living longer and having fewer children.

This is a great chance for skilled workers all over the world to look into exciting job opportunities in one of Asia’s most exciting countries. Imagine making a big difference in South Korea’s booming industries while also adding to groundbreaking technological advances or medical breakthroughs. You could also enjoy the country’s rich cultural tapestry and modern way of life.

This detailed guide talks about the most sought-after degrees and jobs, the different types of visas that can help you live and work in South Korea, and the best ways to find your dream job in this amazing country. South Korea wants people with skills like yours, whether you’re an engineer, a healthcare worker, an IT expert, or a skilled tradesperson. Are you ready to start this journey?

Big Factors Contributing to South Korean Skill Shortages

Two things make it hard for South Korea to find workers: its population is getting older and birth rates are low. Because of these things, there are big gaps, especially in the technology, agriculture, and industrial sectors. In response, the government has raised the number of visas available and pushed education in high-demand areas to bring in talented people from other countries.

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

The fast-paced economy and businesses that depend on new ideas in South Korea need skilled workers in many areas. Here is a thorough list of the degrees, jobs, and trades that people want, along with the average salary for each.

List of In-Demand Degrees in South Korea in 2024

South Korea is having a hard time finding people with the following degrees in 2024. That’s why the country is now letting private and public companies hire foreigners on work visas:

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 found serious skill gaps in the following three jobs, which has led to the hiring of foreign workers with funded 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

The three trades below are new to South Korea’s list of those with skill gaps, and foreign workers are now being hired with 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 has many types of work visas to get skilled foreign workers to fill in the gaps in its own population. Here is a list of the main types of work visas and the requirements to get them:

E-7 Visa (Specific Activities)

Subcategories:

• E-7-1: For people who have at least a bachelor’s degree and work in areas like medicine, engineering, law, education, and more.
• 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: On certain types of visas (E-9, E-10, or H-2) for skilled workers who have lived and worked legally in South Korea for at least four years.

Eligibility

• Job Offer: An official job offer from a South Korean company.
• Qualifications: The right kind of education and job experience.
• Clear Criminal Record: You must show proof of not having a criminal record.
• Health Check: You have to get a medical check.

D-8 Visa (Corporate Investment)

Eligibility

• Investment: putting at least USD 70,000 into a South Korean business.
• Active Participation: You must take an active role in running the business.
• Relevant Field: That Matters: The business must be in an area that matters because of the lack of skills.

D-9 Visa (Trade Management)

Trade Managers: This is for foreign trade managers who work for a Korean trading company or who are starting their own trading company in South Korea.

F-2 Visa (Residence)

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

Eligibility: Points System: You get points based on your age, schooling, work experience, and how well you speak Korean. To qualify, you need to get a certain number of points.

F-4 Visa (Overseas Koreans)

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

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

• Job Offer: Usually, you need a job offer from a South Korean company.
• Qualifications: You must meet the exact requirements for education and work experience for this type of visa.
• Background check for criminal records: must have no criminal records.
• Health Check: You must pass a physical test.
• Language Skills: Being able to speak and understand Korean may be needed for some types of visas, but it’s not always necessary.

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

South Korea’s growing economy needs people with skills like yours, whether you are an engineer, work in healthcare, IT, or trades. This article tells you how to find a job in South Korea. It lists the best job boards and recruitment companies to get you started.

South Korean Government Job Portals:

1. WorkNet (워크넷):The Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor runs WorkNet, which is an official job site. It has many job listings in many different fields, for people looking for work in the United States and other countries.
2. Seoul Global Center: The Seoul Global Center helps foreigners living in Seoul in many ways, such as by posting jobs, giving work advice, and helping them fit in.

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

• JobKorea (잡코리아): JobsKorea is one of the biggest job boards in South Korea, and it lists jobs in a lot of different fields. It is a great place for people from all over the world to find jobs.
• Saramin (사람인): Saramin is another big job site in South Korea that has a lot of job openings for people from all over the world. Recruiters and people looking for work both use it a lot.

Conclusion:

The way South Korea’s economy is changing is a huge chance for skilled workers around the world. Focusing on high-demand areas like healthcare, technology, and industry has made it easier for foreigners to find jobs and get visas. South Korea wants skilled people to work in its booming industries, whether you’re an engineer, a healthcare worker, an IT expert, or a tradesperson. This guide talks about degrees, jobs, visas, and job boards that are in high demand in one of Asia’s most exciting countries. Use them to start your career.

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