Many students who come to study in South Korea start looking for ways to make money. But the problem is that Korean law regulates the labor activity of foreigners very strictly, especially if they are students. In this article, you can find answers to five of the most common questions international students have about working in Korea.
Can Foreign Students Work in Korea?
The answer is yes, foreign students are allowed to work in Korea, provided they meet the necessary requirements. There are a number of requirements you have to meet. For example, your class attendance score must be 90% or higher, and your GPA score must be C or higher.
In terms of what types of jobs are available for foreign students, there are many options. These include teaching English, internships, part-time jobs, etc. However, not all of the jobs that are offered to students in Korea are actually legal. You will often see part-time English teaching jobs offered to students. However, it falls under another visa type, so it is not legal to be a part-time English teacher on a student visa. It is important to note that some jobs may require additional visas or permits and that some jobs may not be available for all types of visas.
What kind of work restrictions do I have on a Visa D-4 or D-2 visa?
Even though foreign students with a visa D-4 or D-2 are eligible to work in Korea, there are certain restrictions on the hours they are allowed to work and the types of jobs they can do.
Those with a D-4 visa are limited to working no more than 20 hours per week and are only allowed to work in positions related to their field of study. Those with a D-2 visa are allowed to work up to 28 hours per week and can take any type of job as long as it does not interfere with their studies.
Can Foreign Students Work in Korea During Vacation?
Foreign students are allowed to work during their vacation periods in Korea; however, the type of employment they can take up is limited. Generally, foreign students are only allowed to take up part-time or temporary positions during their vacation periods.
In order to be eligible for these positions, foreign students must have a valid student visa and must also obtain a Letter of Permission from their university or college before they can start working. The Letter of Permission must be submitted along with the application form when applying for a work permit.
When Can Foreign Students Start Working in Korea?
Foreign students are allowed to start working in Korea as long as they have obtained the necessary work permit and have met all other legal requirements. However, the timing requirements for obtaining the permit vary depending on individual circumstances; for instance, it may take up to two months for international students to receive their work permits after submitting the required documents.
Apart from obtaining the permit, it is important to highlight that foreign language learners can hold a part part-time job 6 months after entering the country (for those entering on a visa), or 6 months after changing their visa status to D-4. [https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/popup/employment_regulations_part_en.jsp]
Do Foreign Students need TOPIK certificates to work in Korea?
In general, having a TOPIK certificate is not mandatory, however many workplaces may require it. Obviously, having a TOPIK certificate can be beneficial when applying for jobs in Korea. It can give you access to certain job opportunities that may not be available without one; many employers prefer applicants who have passed the test as it indicates that they have a good understanding of the language and culture of the country.
If you decide to request the permit to have a part-time job in the universityโs office, then the maximum work hours are 25 hours per week for those who have the certificate, while those who do not have it can work a maximum of 10 hours per week only.
Conclusion
Overall, there are some opportunities for foreign students to work in Korea legally and make money while gaining valuable experience and exploring new cultures. However, it is important for foreign students to understand the laws and regulations regarding working in Korea before making any decisions about taking a job. It will help to avoid any troubles with the migration office.
Want to know how to properly register a part-time job as a student in South Korea? Click Here!
