Category: Working deep in Korea

For decades, overseas Koreans living in Korea have shared a quiet but persistent frustration: their legal status depended not only on ancestry, but on country of origin. Two people with the same roots could face very different rights, work options, and futures—simply because one came from one country and the other from another. That system is now coming to an end.

On February 12, Korea officially implemented the long-awaited integration of overseas Korean visa statuses, unifying the H-2 (Working Visit) and F-4 (Overseas Korean) visas into a single F-4 status. According to Ministry of Justice, this reform is designed to eliminate nationality-based discrimination and create a fairer, more coherent system for the 860,000 overseas Koreans currently living in Korea.

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From “Where Are You From?” to “You Are an Overseas Korean”

Under the old system, visa eligibility and work rights differed sharply depending on country of origin. Some overseas Koreans could freely obtain an F-4 visa, while others—particularly from China or former Soviet states—had to meet additional income, education, or career requirements. If they failed to meet those thresholds, they were pushed into the H-2 system instead.

This division was widely criticized for years as discrimination based on birthplace and socioeconomic status, not on cultural or historical ties to Korea. Civil society groups, academics, and overseas Korean communities repeatedly warned that the system created a hierarchy among overseas Koreans themselves.

With the new reform, all overseas Koreans—regardless of nationality—are eligible for the same F-4 status. The government has explicitly stated that the reform aims to resolve long-standing disputes over unequal treatment.

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What the Integration Actually Changes

The integration is not symbolic—it has immediate, practical effects.

• H-2 visas will no longer be newly issued
• Current H-2 holders can switch to F-4 even before their stay expires
• Legal status is now unified under a single category: Overseas Korean (F-4)

This removes the structural divide that treated overseas Koreans differently depending on where they were born or which passport they held.

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Ending “Job Discrimination” Linked to Visa Type

Previously, even after upgrading from H-2 to F-4, many people faced a new paradox:
they gained long-term stability but lost the right to do the very jobs they had been doing.

The reform addresses this too.

Although some job restrictions remain, 10 simple labor occupations—including construction labor, manual packaging, cargo handling, and basic service roles—are now explicitly opened to F-4 holders. This marks a major policy reversal and acknowledges real labor market needs without dividing overseas Koreans into “acceptable” and “restricted” groups.

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Recognition of Long-Term Belonging, Not Temporary Labor

Beyond work rights, the policy also sends a deeper message: overseas Koreans are no longer viewed primarily as a temporary workforce.

To support long-term settlement:

• Residence periods will vary (1–3 years) based on Korean language ability and social integration
• Income requirements for permanent residency (F-5) will be relaxed for those with strong Korean skills or meaningful volunteer service

These incentives are meant to reward integration and contribution, not nationality or background.

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How Overseas Korean Communities Are Responding

Overseas Korean organizations have broadly welcomed the reform—calling it late, but historic. Some groups described it as the most significant change since the Working Visit system was introduced nearly 20 years ago. Many emphasized that this reform finally acknowledges what had long been argued: that dividing overseas Koreans by country of origin was an institutionalized inequality.

At the same time, community leaders are calling for next steps—clear guidance, consistent communication, further easing of job restrictions, and policies that reduce information gaps, which they argue can themselves become another form of discrimination.

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Why This Matters, Even If You’re Just Watching Korea

This reform is about more than visas. It reflects a broader shift in how Korea understands identity, fairness, and belonging in a globalized era. By formally removing nationality-based distinctions among overseas Koreans, Korea is taking a step—slow but meaningful—toward aligning law with lived reality.

For overseas Koreans, it changes daily life.
For future migrants, it reshapes expectations.
And for observers, it signals a rare moment when long-standing structural inequality is openly acknowledged—and corrected.

Korea is widely known for its strong public safety and low crime rate, but that doesn’t mean problems never happen. Minor theft, hit-and-run accidents, or unexpected traffic incidents can affect anyone—foreign residents included.

When something like this happens, many foreigners feel stuck, not because evidence doesn’t exist, but because they don’t know who to ask or how to ask. One of the most powerful tools in Korea is CCTV, and understanding how to legally access it can make a real difference.

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1. Can You Legally Request CCTV Footage in Korea?

Yes. Under Korean law, if you yourself are captured in CCTV footage—for example, as a victim of an incident—you are considered an “information subject” and have the right to request access to that footage. This right is guaranteed under the Personal Information Protection Act. Importantly, police presence or a police report is not a legal requirement just to view CCTV footage.

The Korean National Police Agency has made it clear that CCTV managers (such as apartment offices or store owners) must allow victims to view footage in which they appear. If other people appear in the video, their faces or identifying features can be blurred or masked, but the footage itself cannot be refused simply because it contains other individuals.

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2. How to Access Public CCTV (Crime-Prevention & Traffic Cameras)

If the CCTV is installed in a public place—such as streets, alleys, parks, or intersections—the footage is usually managed by a local government office or police authority.

• Neighborhood crime-prevention CCTV (often labeled like “Safety-000” or “Children-000”) is typically managed by the local district office (gu office). You can request access through Korea’s official Information Disclosure Portal(정보공개포털).
• Traffic CCTV on main roads is often managed by the local police or a city traffic information center. Requests can be made through the relevant police station, especially if the footage is related to an accident.

In investigation-related cases, CCTV collected by police during an investigation can also be requested by the incident party, once your status as the information subject is confirmed. Any third parties appearing in the footage will be fully blurred, and in some cases, the cost of masking may be charged to the requester.

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3. Can Foreigners Request CCTV Footage? – Absolutely Yes.

Foreigners have the same legal rights as Koreans when it comes to accessing CCTV, as long as they meet basic residency conditions. The law explicitly allows information disclosure requests by foreigners who either (i) reside in Korea with a registered address, or (ii) are temporarily staying in Korea for academic or research purposes.

In practice, this means most foreign residents—workers, students, exchange students, and long-term visitors—are fully eligible to request CCTV footage through the same procedures as Korean citizens.

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4. Practical Tips Foreigners Should Know

Timing is critical. Many CCTV systems only store footage for about 30 days, sometimes less. If you think CCTV might be relevant, act quickly.

When viewing footage, it’s often allowed to record the screen using your smartphone, as long as other people’s faces are already blurred. This is a practical way to preserve evidence before the footage is deleted.

Also, don’t overlook private CCTV. In Korea, many small shops, cafés, parking garages, and convenience stores have their own cameras. If an incident happens nearby, it’s often effective to politely ask surrounding businesses whether their cameras captured the area. Store owners are generally cooperative, especially when you explain you are the victim.

Finally, if a CCTV manager unreasonably refuses access despite your clear appearance in the footage, they may face administrative fines under Korean law. Complaints can be filed with the Personal Information Protection authorities, though in most everyday situations, calm explanation and understanding of your rights are enough to move things forward.

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Knowing how CCTV access works in Korea turns uncertainty into control. For foreigners living here, this knowledge can be the difference between feeling helpless and confidently protecting your rights when something unexpected happens.

If you live in Korea, chances are you already step into a convenience store almost every day. What many foreigners discover a bit later—but quickly come to love—is convenience store parcel delivery (편의점 택배). In short, it’s a system that lets you send and receive packages directly through nearby convenience stores, without waiting at home or dealing with couriers during work hours. For anyone living alone, working full-time, or frequently using second-hand marketplaces, it’s one of those quietly brilliant Korean services that makes daily life much easier.

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1. What Is Convenience Store Parcel Delivery?

Convenience store parcel delivery allows you to drop off a package at a convenience store or receive a package at a convenience store instead of your home. Because stores operate 24/7 and are everywhere, you can send parcels late at night, early in the morning, or whenever it fits your schedule. For foreigners who may not be comfortable coordinating deliveries in Korean—or who don’t want their home address shared—this system feels especially practical and secure.

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2. Why Foreign Residents Find It So Useful

The biggest advantage is flexibility. You don’t need to wait at home, worry about missed deliveries, or explain complicated instructions to a courier. You simply pick up your parcel at a nearby store when it arrives. It’s also widely used for second-hand transactions, since you can avoid revealing your home address. On top of that, Saturday pickup is usually available, unlike traditional post office services.

That said, there are trade-offs. Delivery can be slower than premium courier services, sometimes taking several days or even a week. Packages may sit in a corner of the store until collected by the courier, so careful packaging is essential. Prices are reasonable for small, light parcels, but can rise quickly with weight and distance. It’s a convenient system—just not a rush service.

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3. CU Convenience Store Parcel Service (CU 편의점택배)

CU is one of the most common convenience store chains in Korea, and its parcel service is very foreigner-friendly. You can register online, fill out shipping details at a kiosk inside the store, print a label, and hand the package to staff. CU also offers store-to-store delivery, meaning both the sender and receiver pick up packages at CU locations.

For foreigners, CU’s strength lies in accessibility. Stores are easy to find in residential areas, and the step-by-step kiosk process is relatively intuitive even with basic Korean. It’s a popular choice for personal shipments and casual online sales.

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4. GS25 Convenience Store Parcel Service (GS25 편의점택배)

GS25 operates a similar system and is equally popular. Like CU, GS25 allows 24-hour parcel drop-off, store pickup, and relatively affordable rates for small packages. GS25 is also widely used by small business owners and freelancers, since business parcel registration is possible even without large monthly shipping volumes.

For foreigners running side projects—selling handmade goods, trading items online, or managing small e-commerce operations—this can be surprisingly useful. You get business-level shipping rates without committing to high volumes, something that traditional courier contracts often require.

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5. A Few Things to Keep in Mind

One important limitation is that parcels must stay within the same brand: CU-to-CU or GS25-to-GS25 only. You can’t send from CU and receive at GS25, so it’s best to check which brand is near both you and the recipient. Delivery times can vary, and during strikes or logistics disruptions, delays may be significant. If you’re patient and value flexibility over speed, it’s a great option.

For foreigners living in Korea, convenience store parcel delivery is one of those “local life hacks” worth learning early. Once you use it a few times, it quickly becomes part of your everyday routine—quietly efficient, practical, and very Korean.

If you work in Korea — or plan to — 2026 brings several changes that may affect your salary, benefits, working hours, and holidays. Some are symbolic, others have very real impacts on your monthly paycheck and work–life balance.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what foreign employees should know about Korea’s labor-related changes in 2026.

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1. Higher Minimum Wage (and Why It Matters Even If You Earn More)

From 2026, Korea’s minimum wage increases by 2.9%, rising to 10,320 KRW per hour.

For a standard full-time schedule (40 hours per week, 209 hours per month), that means:

• Monthly pay rises from 2,096,270 KRW → 2,156,880 KRW

Even if you earn well above minimum wage, this matters because several benefits are linked to it, including unemployment benefits and parental leave payments.

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2. Higher Unemployment Benefits

If you qualify for unemployment benefits (구직급여), payouts increase in 2026.

Daily amounts:

• Maximum: 66,000 KRW → 68,100 KRW
• Minimum: increases automatically to maintain at least 80% of minimum wage

Monthly benefits (30 days, 8 hours/day):

• Minimum: 1,925,760 KRW → 1,981,440 KRW
• Maximum: 1,980,000 KRW → 2,043,000 KRW

This is notable because the maximum cap is rising for the first time since 2019, reflecting stronger income protection for workers.

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3. Higher Maternity Leave Pay

For foreign employees who qualify for maternity leave, benefits also increase in 2026.

How it works in Korea:

• First 60 days (75 days for multiple births): paid by the employer
• Remaining period: supported by the government

Changes in 2026:

• Maximum monthly benefit: 2.1 million KRW → 2.2 million KRW
• Minimum monthly benefit: rises to 2,156,880 KRW

Even employees already receiving maternity benefits will see the higher cap applied from 2026.

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4. Shorter Workweeks? Government Support for “4.5-Day Weeks”

Starting January 2026, the Korean government will financially support small and medium-sized companies that adopt a 4.5-day workweek.

Support details:

• Up to 600,000 KRW per employee
• If new staff are hired, subsidies can reach 800,000 KRW per month per new hire

This is part of a broader national goal to reduce average working hours to below the OECD average by 2030.

For foreign employees, this doesn’t guarantee shorter hours — but it signals a strong policy direction toward better work–life balance.

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5. “Workers’ Day” Becomes “Labor Day”

From 2026, Workers’ Day (May 1) will officially be renamed Labor Day.

Why this matters:

• The change reflects a shift toward a more worker-centered and value-neutral understanding of labor
• It aligns Korea more closely with international terminology

Practically, it remains a paid day off for most employees — but the renaming reflects changing attitudes toward work and labor rights.

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6. Constitution Day May Become a Public Holiday Again

July 17 (Constitution Day) may return as an official public holiday after 18 years.

Background:

• It was removed in 2008 when the five-day workweek was introduced
• It is the only national foundation day not currently a public holiday
• A bill to restore it has already passed committee review

If finalized:

• Total public holidays + weekends in 2026 increase from 118 days to 119 days

For employees used to tight schedules, even one extra public holiday can make a noticeable difference.

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7. More Days Off Overall in 2026

As it stands:

• 70 official holidays in 2026
• 118 total days off including weekends
• 119 days if Constitution Day is reinstated

For foreign workers used to fewer public holidays, Korea’s calendar may feel surprisingly generous — especially when combined with annual paid leave.

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What This Means for Foreign Employees

Not every change directly affects your contract, but taken together, 2026 shows a clear direction:

• Stronger income protection
• Gradual reduction of working hours
• More emphasis on work–life balance
• Symbolic and legal recognition of labor rights

If you work in Korea long-term, these changes are worth paying attention to — especially when negotiating contracts, planning family leave, or comparing work cultures across countries.

If you work in Korea, you will eventually hear the term “Year-End Tax Settlement” (연말정산). For many foreigners, it sounds complicated — but in reality, it’s a structured process that happens once a year and is largely handled online.

This guide explains what year-end tax settlement is, when and how to do it, and the special rules and benefits foreign employees should know.

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1. What is Year-End Tax Settlement in Korea?

Year-end tax settlement is the process of reconciling the income tax you already paid throughout the year with the tax you actually owe.

In Korea, employers withhold income tax from your salary every month. At the beginning of the following year, the tax office recalculates:

• your total annual income
• applicable deductions or tax benefits
• the final tax amount

If you paid too much, you get a refund.
If you paid too little, you pay the difference.

For most employees, this happens once a year, through their employer.

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2. When does it happen?

For income earned in 2025, the year-end tax settlement takes place in January–February 2026.

Typical timeline:

• Mid-January: Hometax “Simplified Service” opens
• January–February: Employees submit data to their company
• By March 10: Final withholding tax return deadline (handled by employer)

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3. How do you do it? (Hometax)

Most foreign employees use Hometax, the National Tax Service’s online platform.

The general flow is:

1. Log in to Hometax
2. Check your income and deductions via the Simplified Service
3. Submit documents or consent forms
4. Your company finalizes the calculation and files the return

Some companies download employees’ data in bulk (with your consent). Others ask you to download and submit the documents yourself.

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4. Are foreign employees treated the same as Koreans?

It depends on your tax residency status.

If you are a Korean tax resident

You are treated the same as Korean employees for calculation methods.

You are considered a resident if:

• you have an address in Korea, or
• you stayed in Korea 183 days or more in the year

However, some deductions and special tax rules differ, which is where foreign employees need to pay close attention.

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5. New and important benefits for foreign employees

(1) Housing savings deduction now available

From 2025, foreign employees can claim a housing savings deduction (for example, housing subscription savings) if they are the spouse of a non-home-owning household head.

Previously, foreigners were excluded because they could not be registered as household heads. This rule has now been expanded.

Conditions:

• Total annual salary: 70 million KRW or less
• Tax resident in Korea
• Spouse of a non-home-owning household head

Deduction:

• 40% of the amount paid
• Up to 3 million KRW per year

This is a major change for married foreign workers living in Korea.

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(2) Tax reduction for foreign technical professionals

Foreign employees with specialized qualifications may receive income tax reductions for up to 10 years.

You may qualify if you:

• provide technology under an engineering or technology-transfer agreement, or
• hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in science/engineering with overseas R&D experience

Benefit:

• 50% income tax reduction for up to 10 years

If you work for a designated strategic or specialized company (for materials, parts, or equipment industries), the reduction can be:

• 70% for the first 3 years

Highly skilled foreign talent under Korea’s advanced industry talent programs may also apply tax reductions to income received after February 28, 2025.

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(3) Optional 19% flat tax for foreign employees

Foreign employees can choose between:

• the progressive tax rates (6%–45%), or
• a flat tax rate of 19%, for up to 20 years from their first working year in Korea

Important points:

• You must choose one — you cannot mix them
• If you choose the flat tax, no deductions or tax credits apply
• Not available if you work for a company in which you own 30% or more shares

This option can be attractive for high-income earners who do not rely on deductions.

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(4) Income tax exemption for foreign language teachers

Some foreign teachers may be fully exempt from income tax under tax treaties.

If:

• Korea has a tax treaty with your home country, and
• the treaty includes a teacher or professor exemption clause,

then income from teaching or research may be exempt for a certain period.

Treaty rules vary by country, so this must be checked individually.

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6. What if you are a non-resident?

Even if you are not a Korean tax resident, you must still settle Korean-source employment income.

However:

• Most deductions are not available
• Family-related deductions and special credits usually do not apply

In these cases, settlement is simpler but less favorable.

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7. Practical tips for foreign employees

• Do not assume your company will automatically choose the best tax option for you
• Compare flat tax vs. progressive tax carefully
• Check whether you qualify for technical expert reductions
• Married employees should review housing deductions starting this year
• Keep records, even if you use the Simplified Service

The National Tax Service also provides:

• English guides on its website (National Tax Service – English)
• Multilingual manuals (English, Chinese, Vietnamese)
• English hotline: 1588-0560

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Final thoughts

Year-end tax settlement in Korea is not just a formality — it’s a chance to recover overpaid taxes or reduce your tax burden, especially if you are a foreign employee with special eligibility.

The key is understanding which rules apply to you and making informed choices — particularly when it comes to flat tax options and special reductions.

Understanding what happens financially when you leave a job in Korea is especially important for foreign employees. Korea offers strong statutory protections around severance pay, and in certain cases, an additional system called Departure Guarantee Insurance (출국만기보험) may also apply.

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I. Statutory Severance Pay in Korea (퇴직금)

1. Severance pay is a legal right, not a benefit.
Under Korean law, any employee—including foreign employees—who has worked for one year or more is entitled to statutory severance pay. The basic formula is approximately one month’s average wage for each completed year of service. This entitlement applies regardless of how or why the employment ends, meaning resignation, contract expiration, redundancy, or even termination for misconduct do not affect the right to receive severance.

2. The rule applies equally to foreign employees.
A common misconception among foreign workers is that severance pay is limited to Korean nationals or permanent residents. In reality, statutory severance is a mandatory entitlement under Korean labor law and applies equally to foreign employees who meet the minimum service requirement. Visa type or nationality does not change this basic rule.

3. Employers can pay severance directly or through a pension system.
Companies may comply with severance obligations in one of two ways. The first is paying severance directly at the end of employment based on the statutory formula. The second is adopting a retirement pension plan, in which case severance is paid according to the pension plan instead of a lump-sum calculation at termination.

4. Understanding DB and DC retirement pension plans matters.
If your employer uses a retirement pension system, it is crucial to confirm which type applies.

A Defined Benefit (DB) plan guarantees a severance amount calculated based on salary and years of service, with the employer bearing investment risk.

A Defined Contribution (DC) plan, on the other hand, involves regular employer contributions to an individual account, where the final payout depends on investment performance. Foreign employees should always check which system their company uses and manage DC accounts carefully, as investment choices directly affect the final severance amount.

5. Practical takeaway for foreign employees.
Always confirm your company’s severance or pension structure when joining a Korean company. Regardless of the reason for leaving, severance pay is not discretionary—it is legally protected. Knowing how it will be paid allows you to plan tax, remittance, and departure timing more effectively.

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II. Departure Guarantee Insurance (출국만기보험) for Foreign Workers

1. What is departure guarantee insurance?
Departure guarantee insurance is a system designed specifically to ensure that foreign workers receive their severance pay when leaving Korea. Instead of paying severance directly at termination, the employer purchases an insurance policy for the foreign employee, which pays out when the employee departs Korea after employment ends.

2. Who is required to enroll in this insurance?
This insurance primarily applies to employers hiring non-professional foreign workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS). Employers must enroll eligible foreign employees in the insurance within 15 days from the effective date of the employment contract, naming the foreign employee as the insured or beneficiary. The obligation applies where the foreign worker has one year or more remaining in their permitted employment period.

3. Expansion of coverage to small workplaces.
Previously, severance-related obligations were limited mainly to workplaces with five or more employees. However, since 2010, the retirement benefit system—including mechanisms like departure guarantee insurance—has been expanded to cover workplaces with fewer than five employees, significantly strengthening protection for foreign workers in small businesses.

4. How the insurance works in practice.
The employer pays insurance premiums during the employment period, and when the foreign employee leaves Korea after employment ends, the insurance pays out an amount corresponding to statutory severance. This system reduces the risk of unpaid severance due to employer insolvency or disputes at the time of departure.

5. Enrollment and administration process.
Employers can enroll in departure guarantee insurance through employment training institutions, designated insurance providers, insurance company call centers, or regional customer support centers. From the employee’s perspective, it is important to confirm early on whether this insurance has been properly set up, as it directly affects how severance will be received later.

6. Why this matters for foreign employees.
For foreign workers planning to leave Korea after their contract ends, departure guarantee insurance offers an added layer of security. Instead of negotiating severance at the final stage of employment, the payout is structured in advance, reducing uncertainty and administrative stress during departure.

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Final Thought for Foreign Employees in Korea

Korea’s system is distinctive in that statutory severance pay is guaranteed regardless of nationality, and additional mechanisms like departure guarantee insurance further protect foreign workers. By understanding both systems—standard severance rules and insurance-based protection—you can better safeguard your earnings and make informed decisions about employment, contract renewals, and your eventual departure from Korea.

Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an exchange student in Korea. Your housing will shape not only your daily routine, but also how deeply you experience campus life and Korean culture.

From budget-friendly options to more private living, Korea offers several distinct housing styles—each with clear pros and trade-offs. Below are four common housing options for exchange students, explained from a foreigner’s perspective.

1. University Dormitory (기숙사)

University dormitories are often the first choice for exchange students, and for good reason. They are usually the cheapest option and located right next to campus, saving both time and transportation costs. Living in a dorm also makes it easy to meet other international and Korean students, especially during your first semester.

However, getting a spot is not guaranteed. Many Korean universities have limited dorm capacity, and competition can be high—even for exchange students.

Another important point is that Korean dorms often have rules that may feel restrictive to some foreigners. Curfews, guest limitations, and shared rooms are common, which can be inconvenient if you value flexibility or privacy.

2. One-Room Apartment (원룸)

A one-room apartment is the most expensive option, but it offers the highest level of independence and privacy. You get your own space, your own bathroom, and full control over your daily schedule. For students who value quiet time, remote study, or personal routines, this option can feel the most comfortable.

That said, costs can add up quickly. In addition to rent, you may need to pay a security deposit, utilities, and sometimes maintenance fees. Finding a one-room also requires more effort, often involving real estate agents and Korean-language contracts. Still, for those who can afford it, this option provides the closest experience to living like a local.

3. Goshiwon (고시원)

Goshiwons are small, private rooms originally designed for exam takers, but they have become popular among students and short-term residents. They are usually one of the cheapest housing options and work well if your stay is short or your plans are not fixed. Most goshiwons are fully furnished, and some include free rice, noodles, or even basic meals.

The downside is space and comfort. Rooms are very small, and noise can be an issue due to thin walls. Bathrooms may be shared, depending on the building. While goshiwons are practical and budget-friendly, they can feel cramped over time—especially for students staying a full semester or longer.

4. Hasukjip (하숙집)

Hasukjip is a traditional Korean boarding house, often run by a local family. This option is ideal if you want to experience Korean daily life more closely. Many hasukjips include home-cooked meals (usually for breakfast and dinner), which can be a big advantage if you’re not used to cooking in Korea and ready to try various home-cooked Korean dishes.

On the other hand, privacy can be limited. Bathrooms are sometimes shared, and house rules may apply. Since you’re living in someone’s home, the experience depends heavily on the host family’s style. For students who value cultural immersion over independence, a hasukjip can be a meaningful and memorable choice.

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Koodeep Tip

There’s no single “best” option—only what fits your budget, personality, and priorities. Dorms are great if you get in, one-rooms offer freedom, goshiwons save money, and hasukjips provide cultural depth. Before choosing, think about how you study, socialize, and recharge. Your housing choice will quietly shape your entire exchange experience in Korea.