Jobs opportunities for foreigners

Skilled jobs (that come with visa sponsorship)

If you’re going to Korea on a Working Holiday Visa, then this section likely doesn’t concern you. These jobs recruit foreigners to executive-level or skilled positions in targeted sectors such as research, marketing, technology, and innovation. They require relevant work experience and a strong educational background. Since these are full-time demanding roles, they’re not a great fit for most WHVers.

Low- or unskilled jobs (common among H-1 visa holders)

These jobs do not allow for subsequent visa sponsorship (such as the E-7), but they are suitable for people who already hold a visa that allows them to work, such as the H-1 visa (Working Holiday), F-6 visa, student visa (under certain conditions), etc. These are jobs that do not necessarily require a high level of Korean or specific qualifications.

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of jobs that are easily accessible without speaking Korean and without any minimum qualifications. These positions are only available if you are already in Korea with a visa that allows you to work. These are not jobs that qualify for a sponsored work visa (except possibly the E-6 visa).

1. Cleaning staff

One of the most common jobs among working holiday makers. There are many accommodation businesses in South Korea (hotels, Airbnbs, hostels), which means many cleaning job offers. No Korean or even English is required. You just need to be available and flexible. However, it’s physically demanding and requires diligence.

Where to find: Online listings (specialized websites, Facebook groups, Craigslist).

2. Restaurant jobs (waiting, dishwashing, kitchen assistant)

Restaurants hire heavily for part-time jobs. Waitstaff may need some Korean or at least fluent English. For kitchen jobs, English is usually enough.

Where to find: Online ads, or walk-in visits, especially to foreign restaurants in Itaewon, Seorae Maeul, and tourist areas like Myeongdong, Insadong, Ikseondong.

3. Kids café staff

These cafés are play areas for children with staff who supervise them. Many hire foreigners to speak English with the kids. No Korean is needed, but English is required.

Where to find: Online ads or walk-in visits.

4. Private language tutor (native)

You may not legally work in an educational institution without a proper visa, but private tutoring is allowed (outside of any formal company or online platform). Offer private lessons in your native language (English or otherwise).

Where to find: Post on Craigslist Seoul, Naver Cafés, or university bulletin boards. Attend language exchanges via Meetup to meet potential clients.

5. Babysitter or au pair

Many families (expat and Korean) look for babysitters who can speak English to their kids.

Where to find: Online ads, Facebook groups, or networks like “Foreigner nanny in Seoul Korea.”

6. Pet-sitter

Some pet owners look for help watching their pets while away.

Where to find: Check out groups like PET SITTING IN KOREA / Little Friends – Pet Sitting Services S.Korea / Korea Pet Owners. Also browse specialized sites like House & Pet Sitters.

7. Volunteer at a guesthouse as guest-staff

Hostels often take volunteers for cleaning or reception in exchange for accommodation (no salary).

More info in Volunteering with WWOOF, Workaway, or HelpX.

Less common jobs and one-time gigs

1. Voice-over/dubbing

You can do voice work for films, ads, or other content. Clear native diction is a must.

Where to find: Online listings, or contact Korean dubbing agencies directly with a demo.

2. Model/extra

Appear in ads, dramas, movies, or photo shoots. This work usually requires an E-6 visa. If you get several gigs during your working holiday, you might consider applying for it to extend your stay. The industry is competitive.

Read how Alexis from France became a model in South Korea.

3. Translator/proofreader

Knowing Korean helps but isn’t always required. Tasks may include translating books, instructions, or proofreading written or spoken content in your native language.

Where to find: Online ads or apply to translation agencies. For example, Flitto regularly hires foreigners. Contact: [email protected].