Job hunting in a foreign country brings a mix of hope, confusion, and lots of late-night scrolling. In Korea, the process can feel even trickier. Language barriers, cultural norms, and visa policies all play a role in making things complicated for foreign job seekers.
As someone who's navigated job markets overseas myself, I know how frustrating and disorienting it can be to start from scratch in a new country. The first step? Knowing where to look.
This guide introduces seven job platforms that actually work for foreigners—plus practical tips to help you approach the search with more clarity and confidence.
🗂 Table of Contents :
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Why Finding a Job in Korea as a Foreigner Can Be Tough
Top 7 Korean Job Sites That Actually Welcome Foreigners
KOWORK
PeoplenJob
Seoul Global Center
LinkedIn
JobKorea
Saramin
Wanted
- Tips for Using These Sites More Effectively
Which Site Should You Try First? (By Situation & Personality)
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Final Thoughts From a Local Who's Been Abroad
Why Finding a Job in Korea as a Foreigner Can Be Tough
Even qualified foreigners often hit roadblocks when entering the Korean job market. Some of the key challenges include:
Language barrier: Many job posts—even for English-speaking roles—are written only in Korean.
Visa limitations: Not every employer can or will sponsor a work visa.
Cultural differences: Korean resume formats and interview styles differ from Western norms.
Visibility issues: Many foreigners simply don’t know where to look or end up using the wrong platforms.
Still, there are job boards and services designed specifically with foreigners in mind. Let’s dive into those first.
Top 7 Korean Job Sites That Actually Welcome Foreigners
Finding the right platform can make all the difference. The following sites are not just full of listings—they also offer tools and filters that make them much more usable for international job seekers.
🔹 KOWORK
One of the only platforms in Korea made specifically for foreigners.
Pros:
Entirely in English
Filters jobs by visa type and language level
Includes resume tools and templates
Cons:
Smaller pool of jobs compared to Korean sites
Most listings are entry to mid-level
Best for: First-time job seekers or those without fluent Korean
🔹 PeoplenJob
Focuses on global companies and bilingual professionals.
Pros:
Listings from international companies
Some filters and posts in English
Cons:
Interface mostly in Korean
Some jobs still require Korean fluency
Best for: Candidates with some experience looking for English-speaking or bilingual roles
🔹 Seoul Global Center
A government-run hub for foreigners living in Seoul. Visit global.seoul.go.kr for resources.
Pros:
Reliable, community-focused support
Offers legal/visa info, resume workshops, and job fairs
Available in multiple languages
Cons:
Listings are Seoul-centric
Smaller volume of job posts
Best for: Expats in Seoul looking for jobs and local support
International platform with growing relevance in Korea.
Pros:
Easy to apply in English
Great for networking and white-collar roles
Cons:
Not as widely used by Korean companies
Limited entry-level or local SME jobs
Best for: Professionals seeking roles at multinational companies
🔹 JobKorea
One of the largest job sites in Korea. All in Korean.
Pros:
Huge database of listings
Tools like company reviews and salary info
Cons:
Entirely in Korean
No specific support for foreigners
Best for: Korean-speaking job seekers or those with Korean friends to help navigate
🔹 Saramin
Very similar to JobKorea, but with a tech-friendly interface.
Pros:
Mobile-friendly UI
Company reviews and AI matching tools
Cons:
Korean-only interface
Requires understanding of local hiring culture
Best for: Tech-savvy job seekers who speak or read Korean
🔹 Wanted
Focuses on jobs in creative and fast-growing industries. Includes a referral bonus system.
Pros:
Salary is clearly listed
App is easy to use and visually modern
Cons:
Login required to view most listings
Listings mainly in Korean
Best for: Foreigners already in Korea who want to explore the startup scene
Tips for Using These Sites More Effectively
Even with the right platform, how you search matters. Here’s how to boost your chances:
Adjust your resume to local standards. Include a photo, date of birth, and a concise self-intro. Use Korean templates when possible.
Use Korean keywords. Even basic Korean can help you search more effectively. Try "마케팅", "디자인", or "개발자".
Don’t skip the cover letter. Korean employers expect a 자기소개서 (self-introduction).
Turn on alerts. Being one of the first applicants can help.
Update your LinkedIn. It’s used more than you’d expect, especially by foreign recruiters in Korea.
Join communities. Facebook expat groups and forums like Seoul Global Center often share job leads.
Which Site Should You Try First? (By Situation & Personality)
Different job seekers need different tools. Here’s a quick guide:
New to Korea? Try KOWORK or Seoul Global Center.
Recent grad? Wanted or PeoplenJob.
Want international work? LinkedIn or PeoplenJob.
Speak Korean? JobKorea or Saramin.
Looking for quick results on mobile? Wanted.
Not in Seoul? KOWORK and JobKorea offer regional filters.
Job hunting in Korea as a foreigner is not always easy, but it’s far from impossible. With the right tools, you can build a bridge into Korea’s workforce—even if it feels frustrating at times.
From personal experience, I know how draining it is to reframe your skills and experience in an unfamiliar system. Still, you’re not alone—and taking the first step is already a big win.
This guide is just a starting point. But hopefully, it gives you a clearer direction, some real options, and a reminder that you belong here, too. One job application at a time, you’re building something meaningful.