South Korea Work and Family VISA – Application Process

You’re having a hot cup of coffee at a cool café in Seoul while looking out at the city’s futuristic skyline. During the day, you’re a highly sought-after worker who does well in a fast-paced workplace. At night, you can check out busy markets, hike beautiful mountains, or enjoy Korea’s famous food scene. That sounds like a dream, right? The best part is that South Korea wants you.

There is a greater need than ever for skilled workers in South Korea because of its fast technological progress and booming businesses. People from all over the world are welcome to work in South Korea because they offer competitive pay, make it easy to get a work visa, and let you bring your family with you on the journey. You can get a work visa without much trouble, and there are a lot of possibilities whether you work in IT, engineering, healthcare, or research.

This article will talk about the job openings in South Korea that are caused by a lack of skills. It will also show you how to easily get a work visa, bring your family, and start living a life full of new ideas, excitement, and high earning potential. Are you ready to jump? Let’s jump right in!

Eligibility & Language Requirements for Skill Shortage Opportunities

In South Korea, people who want to get a skill shortage work visa must meet certain requirements, which are different for each job and visa type. Take a look at these general things:

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Job Offer:You need to get a job offer from a South Korean company in a field that needs more skilled workers.
2. Qualifications and Experience:
   • Generally, a bachelor’s degree or higher is required.
   • Relevant work experience (2-5 years) is typically necessary.
   • Some professions may require specific certifications or licenses.
3. Clean Criminal Record: You have to pass a security check and not have any criminal records.
4. Health Check: You need to get a medical test to make sure you meet health standards..
5. Sufficient Funds:You may have to show that you have enough money to pay for your stay during the first one.

Language Requirements

1. IT and Engineering:
   • A lot of the time, English is enough, but knowing Korean can help with blending.
2. Healthcare, Finance, and Legal Professions:
   • Most of the time, you need to know Korean to talk to clients, patients, or coworkers successfully.
3. Teaching:
   • English teachers don’t have to be skilled in Korean to do their job, but learning a little Korean might help them in their daily lives and when they teach.

To show that you can speak Korean well enough for a job, the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) test is often used. The amount of skill needed can change based on the job and industry.

List of Latest 2024 Skill Shortages in South Korea

There aren’t enough skilled workers in South Korea, especially in healthcare and businesses that depend on technology. Here is a list of important jobs and how much they usually make a year:

1. Information Technology (IT) and Software Development

• Professions: Software engineers, data scientists, AI specialists, blockchain developers, and cybersecurity experts.
• Average Salary: ₩50 million – ₩80 million (~$38,000 – $61,000 USD)

2. Engineering

• Professions: Electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, automotive engineers, and chemical engineers.
• Average Salary: ₩40 million – ₩70 million (~$30,500 – $53,500 USD)

3. Healthcare

• Professions: Nurses, general practitioners, medical specialists, and care workers.
• Average Salary:
  • Doctors: ₩60 million – ₩100 million (~$46,000 – $76,000 USD)
  • Nurses: ₩30 million – ₩50 million (~$23,000 – $38,000 USD)

4. Teaching

• Professions: English teachers (especially in private academies known as hagwons), and university lecturers.
• Average Salary: ₩24 million – ₩36 million (~$18,500 – $28,000 USD)

5. Finance and Accounting

• Professions: Accountants, auditors, financial analysts, and investment managers.
• Average Salary: ₩50 million – ₩90 million (~$38,000 – $68,500 USD)

6. Research and Development (R&D)

• Professions: Scientists in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental science.
• Average Salary: ₩60 million – ₩90 million (~$46,000 – $68,500 USD)

7. Renewable Energy

• Professions: Environmental engineers, energy consultants, and sustainability experts.
• Average Salary: ₩50 million – ₩75 million (~$38,000 – $57,500 USD)

8. Robotics and Automation

• Professions: Robotics engineers, process engineers, and automation specialists.
• Average Salary: ₩50 million – ₩80 million (~$38,000 – $61,000 USD)

Also Read: South Korea Digital Nomad Visa – A Guide

Where to Find South Korea’s Skill Shortage List?

Government websites and business studies have the most up-to-date information on South Korea’s skill gaps. These sites can help:

Korea Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL):

• Website: MOEL English Resources
• Description: MOEL puts out government reports and polls on jobs that are in demand and changes in the job market.

KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency):

• Website: KOTRA English
• Description: KOTRA gives information about industries that need more workers, job openings, and chances to spend.

Applying for South Korean Skill Shortages Work Visa with Family

In 2024, it will be easy to get a work visa for South Korea with your family if you follow these 5 steps:

Step 1: Find a Job in a Skill Shortage Sector

• Use Job Portals: Look for positions in sectors with skill shortages on job portals such as Job Korea, Saramin, and LinkedIn.
• Recruitment Agencies: Talk to specialized staffing firms that can help you match your skills with jobs that people want.

Step 2: Secure a Job Offer

• You can apply for jobs directly on company websites or through staffing firms.
• Make sure that the company is ready to help you get a work visa.

Step 3: Apply for the E-7 (Specially Designated Activities) Visa

• Eligibility: Must have a job offer in an area where people are short on skills and meet the requirements for education and work experience.
• Required Documents:
  • Valid passport
  • Employment contract
  • Degree certificates and professional qualifications
  • Criminal background check
  • Health check-up results
  • Completed visa application form

Step 4: Bring Your Family with You

• You can get an F-3 Dependent Visa for your husband and children. Your family can live with you in South Korea if you get this visa. Keep in mind that your partner can’t work with an F-3 visa, but they can apply for a work visa on their own if they find a job.
• Visa Links:
  • E-7 Visa Information
  • F-3 Dependent Visa Information

Step 5: Apply for Visas at Your Local Embassy

• Get all the paperwork you need and take your visa application to the South Korean office or consulate that is closest to you.
• Processing Time: Typically 2-3 months.

Top Recruitment Agencies in South Korea to Find Work Visa Opportunities

Robert Walters Korea
www.robertwalters.co.kr
Specializes in IT, finance, engineering, and HR roles.

HRnet One
www.hrnetone.com
Focuses on IT, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and engineering jobs.

Morgan Philips Korea
www.morganphilips.com
Experts in IT, life sciences, and financial services recruitment.

JAC Recruitment Korea
www.jac-recruitment.kr
Specializes in IT, supply chain, and engineering roles.

Kelly Services Korea
www.persolkelly.kr
Provides opportunities in engineering, technology, and life sciences.

Conclusion

There are many job possibilities in South Korea for skilled workers in many fields. It’s a great place to live and work for people who want to try new things and live a lively life because it has a strong job market, fair wages, and easy access to work visas. South Korea is open to people from all over the world who work in high-demand fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, and more. Start your trip right now and look into what it would be like to live and work in one of Asia’s most interesting countries.

Frequently Asked Questions