What to do in Korea after graduation?
As you toss your graduation cap high in the air, the world unfurls before you, and South Korea offers an array of enticing post-graduation paths. Should you dive headfirst into the bustling job market, whisk yourself away on a soul-soothing travel adventure across the Land of the Morning Calm, pack your bags and head home, or perhaps, spread your wings and explore a brand-new corner of the world?
In this article, we'll help you figure out what's best for you. If you choose to stay in Korea, we'll give you some important things to prepare for, like visas and finding great places to eat. Whether you're from here or another country, we're here to guide you through this exciting time in your life.
Step 0: Early Prep
Language Skills, Visa points, Networking
Planning ahead is crucial. If you're unsure about life after school or thinking of staying in Korea, using your time wisely is key. Join the KIIP program to learn Korean and earn visa points. Get involved in volunteering through 1365 or VMS for valuable experience and points. Connect with alumni and fellow expats to build a supportive network for your future endeavors. These steps pave the way for a smoother and more promising path ahead.
Step 1: Visa
Goes without saying that you need a visa in order to stay in Korea long-term. After graduation, you can apply for a D-10 (Job seeking) visa and transition to an E-series (Working) visa once you get employed. If you are a GKS graduate and have enough points, you can apply for an F-2 (Long-term resident) visa after getting a recommendation from the Ministry of Education.
Step 2: Job Application
•Resume: Be sure to have both a Korean and an English Resume or CV as many companies would have different requests. Check if your university offers workshops to improve your resume and get better chances in landing a job.
•Image Making: Korea is changing, but it still puts high value in "the image". Candidates have to look the part. Some larger companies look at all the details about the candidate from the hair styles, makeup, and color of the ties or clothes you wear. Be sure to research the company beforehand and learn more about their prefernces.
•Online Applications: Small-medium companies usually post their job ads on sites like Job Korea, Saramin, or Worknet. Applications happen all year round. Whereas for 대기업s, they usually have 1 or 2 recruitment seasons for entry level positions (상반기 and 하반기) and they are usually posted on their own respective recruitment websites.
•Job Fairs and Schedules: Job fairs in Korea also has seasons, but the ones for foreigners in Seoul are often scheduled during September or October in Coex. Make sure that your resume is ready and you look your best.
•Exams: Company entrance exams like the ones for 대기업s are intense. These companies offer high salaries and attractive benefits, so they naturally attract a large number of candidates. If you do get through the initial online screening, you will have to take an exam along with thousands of other applicants. It would be best to take a look at exam reviewers for each company you are interested in so there would be less surprises.
•Interviews: Korean interviews are diverse, there are 1:1 interviews, panel interviews, or even interviews where you are with several other candidates in the room.
Step 3: Work/Resident Visa
After you have landed a job and signed a work contract, you have to change your visa from a D-10 to an E visa (usually E-7 for skilled workers), and even possibly go for an F-2 visa if you qualify for it. Be sure to check the latest Immigration Manual for the requrirements and if the company is qualified to sponsor your visa.
Some of the basic requirements are:
• No more than 20% of the company's employees are foreigners
• The job you are doing is related to your major or your field of expertise (at least 5 years experience). You can look up the job code for E7 visa applicants on the immigration manual.
• The applicant must also have the salary of at least 80% of that year's GNI
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