Can foreigners work in Korea?

Yes, but only with a status of stay that allows employment. Working without one can lead to prison or a fine.

Depends
Source: Immigration Act, Art. 18(1) · Easy Law (Ministry of Government Legislation)Open the official source ↗
Checked Nov 1, 2026Re-check due Jan 30, 20273 sources

What the law says

Under Article 18(1) of the Immigration Act, a foreigner who wants to be employed in Korea must hold a status of stay that allows employment activities. Where a status designates a workplace, you may not work anywhere else (Art. 18(2)).

Our summary. Read the full text in the official source above.

Which statuses allow work?

Korea's Easy Law site lists these statuses of stay as work-eligible. What each one lets you do is set out in the Enforcement Decree of the Immigration Act.

C-4Short-term employmentE-1ProfessorE-2Foreign language instructorE-3ResearcherE-4Technical instructorE-5ProfessionalE-6Arts & entertainmentE-7Specially designated activitiesE-8Seasonal workerE-9Non-professional employmentE-10CrewF-2ResidentF-4Overseas KoreanF-5Permanent residentF-6Marriage migrantH-1Working holidayH-2Working visit

What this means for you

Tourist or visa-free visitorNoVisitor entry is not on the work-eligible list.
StudentCheckingStudent status is not on the list. Part-time work may be allowed with prior permission. We are confirming the current limits with HiKorea.
Employer-sponsored work visa (E-series)YesFor the job and workplace your visa covers.
Spouse of a Korean citizen (F-6)YesF-6 is on the work-eligible list.
Permanent resident (F-5)YesF-5 is on the work-eligible list.

The penalty

A foreigner who works without a work-eligible status can face up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to KRW 30 million (Immigration Act, Art. 94(8), as summarized by Easy Law, checked Nov 1, 2026).

Common questions

Can I work on a tourist entry or a K-ETA?

No. Visitor entry and K-ETA are not on the work-eligible list above. A K-ETA only lets you enter the country.

Which law covers this?

The Immigration Act, Article 18, and Article 23 of its Enforcement Decree.

Who can I ask if I am unsure about my status?

Check HiKorea or call the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 before you start a job.

Sources

  1. Easy Law, Ministry of Government Legislation: foreign workers' status and employment (checked Nov 1, 2026).
  2. Immigration Act, Arts. 17–18, English translation, Korea Legislation Research Institute. The English page we read shows an older amendment date, so we rely on Easy Law for current details.
  3. HiKorea, the Immigration Contact Center site (the 1345 helpline for foreign residents, as Easy Law names it).

Next questions

Not legal advice. Rules change, so check the official source before you act. Found a mistake? Tell us and we will correct it and update the date.

댓글

댓글 쓰기

이 블로그의 인기 게시물

Do I need a K-ETA to visit Korea?

It depends on your nationality. Countries on the temporary exemption, including the United States, do not need a K-ETA through Dec 31, 2026. CHECKED 02 NOV 2026 Depends Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, notice posted by the Consulate in Hagatna (Dec 29, 2025) Open the official notice ↗ Checked Nov 2, 2026 Re-check due Dec 1, 2026 Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs What the notice says The Ministry of Justice extended the temporary K-ETA exemption by one year. It now runs from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (KST). The extension applies to all countries currently covered by the exemption, including the United States. Our summary of the notice dated Dec 29, 2025. Read the full notice in the official source above. Check your own nationality Open the K-ETA application. Use the official K-ETA website or the K-ETA app ( store links ). Select your nationality. The notice says travelers from covered countries then see a pop-up that reads “K-ETA Exempt.” No pop-up? Then the exemp...
자세한 내용 보기

How do I buy and use a T-money card?

Buy a T-money card at a convenience store or subway station, top it up with cash, and tap it when you get on and off. CHECKED 01 NOV 2026 Guide Source: Tmoney's official English blog (Aug–Oct 2026) · Korea Tourism Organization Checked Nov 1, 2026 Re-check due Dec 31, 2026 Sources: Tmoney, Korea Tourism Organization, Seoul Metro Which card should I get? Prices are “about” figures from Tmoney's own English guide, checked Nov 1, 2026. Special designs can cost more. T-money card about ₩3,000 The most widely used transit card. The balance is loaded separately. Sold at convenience stores and subway station machines. Tmoney Travel Card about ₩4,000 Works like the regular card and adds tourist discounts. Sold at the Incheon Airport bus ticket counter. Travel Card Plus about ₩6,000 Adds currency exchange and IC payment, and links to the WOWPASS app. Climate Card Tourist Pass (Seoul) ₩5,000 · 8,000 · 10,000 · 15,000 · 20,000 For 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days. Sold at the Myeongdong and Seoul To...
자세한 내용 보기