College isn’t for everyone.
But not in Korea. It has one of the highest university enrollment rates on the planet.
Don’t let that stop you though. Having a special set of skills will help you get jobs that locals can’t or won’t do.
Here are some jobs you can get as a foreigner in Korea without a degree.
Top Jobs in Korea Without a Degree
- Model
- Actor
- Dancer
- Musician
1. Model
Yes, you too can be professionally really really good looking without a degree.
You don’t actually have to be that good looking to be honest. Just have the right look and be willing to live in a house with a bunch of fun-loving models.
2. Actor
There’s always a demand for non-Korean actors. How do I know? I worked as an extra for a few years. Your roles will be limited to soldier, English teacher or criminal though.
But, you get to meet a ton of Korean celebrities and be the envy of some of your friends.
3. Voice actor
Similar to the previous one except you can maintain your anonymity.
I know a few people who make decent money off voice acting gigs. The jobs tend to be shorter than film productions and pay more per hour worked.
4. Dancer
From cruise ships to theme park parades, Korea has jobs for foreign dancers.
There’s tons of work for good choreographers in the K-pop industry, especially after the hit dance competition show, “Street Woman Fighter”
5. Musician
I’ve known quite a few who make their living playing shopping malls, jazz clubs and anything else that comes along. Not a bad life. It helps to be really good though.
6. Computer programmer
One of the best paying jobs out there that doesn’t require a degree. Just be willing to learn on your own and sit inside for hours on end.
7. Startup internship
Startup covers a lot of ground and there’s all type of work on it. Just make sure to get paid. The law changed recently guaranteeing a minimum wage of around 1,500 USD a month plus benefits.
8. Server/bartender
The pay isn’t great, but you’ll learn a lot about the country and its people.
***Unsolicited Advice Warning***
At the risk of being preachy, unless you’re a wiz at an in-demand skill or super hot, getting any 4-year degree (even an online one from the University of American Samoa) will help you a lot in Korea.
If you think people judge those without degrees in your country, wait till you find out how it is in Korea.
9. Hospitality jobs
Hotels, cruises and amusements parks in Korea have moderate demand for hospitality personnel. You can make a decent living if you work your way up the ladder. Many international chains like Hilton hire expats.
10. Salesperson
Always be closing, worldwide! From real estate to wine, if you can get people to buy stuff, there’s work for you in Korea. It’s not considered a prestigious job in the country, but who cares?
This job is perfect for those who like to tie one on. Drinking may not be mandatory, but it’s strongly encouraged. Think a boozy episode of Mad Men.
11. Mechanic
Since blue collar work is stigmatized in Korea, there’s tons of opportunity for those who are good with their hands. It helps to be an expert in your field though.
11. Recruiter
English teachers are always in demand, so they need wranglers to go to unis and job fairs. But who will recruit the recruiters?
11. Study cafe host
You need a 4-year degree to teach English in Korea at an educational institute. But no one said anything about cafes.
It’s a super gray area loophole allowing you to earn money while hanging out at a study cafe and speaking your language to anyone who enters.
12. Athlete
Who needs degrees when you can ball?
If you’ve ever watched Korean baseball or basketball, you might have noticed some clearly non-local people on the teams.
13. Domestic helper/household assistant/au pair
The details are fuzzy, but the MOFA website says you can apply for humanitarian reasons such as looking after the elderly, young children and/or person requiring special assistance.
Wealthy families like to hire native English speakers to teach their kids the language.
14. Shipbuilder
Koreans make some serious boats. They need people to help out so there’s a special visa just for shipbuilders. You will most likely be living on the southern coast in Geoje or Ulsan.
The only ship I’m familiar with is friendship, but I’d imagine skills like welding are a big part of it.
15. Journalist
You just need proof that you’re on assignment and you’ll get a D-5 visa.
16. Factory/Farm worker
Remember that Pakistani guy from Squid Game? You can do that too minus the super-secret underground illegal gameshow.
What is the Korean job market like?
The Korean job market is a complex organism that’s hard to describe in a few paragraphs. I can divide it into two main parts: one for locals and one for expats.
It’s super tough for locals to get a job at a big company like Samsung, LG or SK. Successful applicants often must be the top of a top university (they actually check your GPA during the application process along with your picture). It is the Korean dream after all.
But, there’s far less interest in jobs at small to medium-sized businesses. They actually have trouble hiring enough people.
As an expat, finding a job can be super easy if you know the right people. Networking is even more key in Korea than it might be in your home country.
There’s always a demand for skills that aren’t covered by locals. Most positions have a high turnover rate, so they often need replacements. That means they’re always on the lookout for talented foreign workers.
In terms of your job prospects, there’s an overwhelming number of highly trained college graduates in Korea who can handle most fields.
Anything language-oriented will give you an advantage such as translation, global marketing, proofreading and copywriting in English.
Korean visa types that don’t require a 4-year degree
There are more visa types in Korea than you can shake a stick at. Here are the most popular ones you can get without a 4-year degree.
E-6
Culture and entertainment visa
Covers everything including music, art, literature, sports, entertainment (e.g., acting, musical performances), advertising and fashion modeling.
D-4
Korean study visa
You get to study Korean for as long as the course allows. A great way to try out the country and see if you want to live there long-term.
H-1
Working holiday visa
Gives you a year to travel in Korea and work any type of non-skilled job. The only downside is it has a yearly quota.
Did we miss anything?
Let us know your thoughts or questions about moving to Korea without a degree!
Wow, I appreciated the way you answered my questions.
Thank you,
Hi Judith,
You’re very welcome. I’m glad I could help!
am really willing to work in Korea as a domestic helper,, please any connection
Hi Marcus,
I don’t know anyone hiring but I hope it works out for you!
How to I apply for a job as a caregiver? Do you have a link?
Hi Susan,
Yes, here’s a website that seems to have positions (https://www.aupair.com/en/job/seoul-south-korea-2111172.php). I’d also recommend joining an expat group on Facebook and searching for jobs there. Best of luck!
I realy want to work
Best blog I’ve read so far and your humor is to die for!
I’m Kenyan and I got an Associate’s degree and I would love to work in SK but I’m worried I would be disadvantaged because I’m not from a Western country. Is there any hope for me and if there’s, do you have any links or more information for modelling or translation or voice acting/acting jobs ( basically the entertainment industry jobs)?
Last thing, since you have experience from the translation business, is it ok if you can email me so I can ask more about it and feed my curiosity?
I would appreciate that a lot. Thank you.
Hi Vickie,
Thanks a lot! I do try:)
Sure, you can check out this article (https://linguasia.com/korean-model-agency) for a list of modeling agencies and see the “acting/casting networking seoul” group on Facebook. I will send you an email as well.
Please how can i get a Music Band to play for, i am a Drummer and I sing as well. Thank you
Hi Otunba,
I’d recommend networking a bit by going to local performances in Korea. It also might be a good idea to record yourself performing and put it up.
I hope this helps!
Can i would be dancer i know belly dance
And how mch amount or charges u intake
Hi, while I’ve never seen a belly dancer in Korea, that doesn’t mean there’s no interest. Maybe you can contact your country’s embassy in Korea?
Can the people from wealthy families in south Korea allow Africans who are English speakers to teach English to their children?
Hi Luwedde, that’s a good question.
You technically need an E or F visa to teach English in Korea legally, but it’s possible for a wealthy family to sponsor your visa. It would probably take some connections, so I’d recommend networking. There is a west African community in Korea and perhaps you can contact your consulate in Seoul?
Best of luck!
how can I apply for job in korea as an actor or a care giver
I’m from Nigeria and just finished high school.
I’m 19 yrs old
I don’t have visa or anything.pls how can I get a job in korea
Hi,
Here’s an article on acting in Korea (https://linguasia.com/act-in-korea).
Try joining a Facebook group for jobs in Korea. You can also contact your consulate in Seoul.
Best of luck!
Hello sir my brother want to come Korea for job my brother is a car of painter sir do I want to ask he’s come Korea or not
Hi Abdul, that’s a good question. While there will be opportunities for your brother, there will be a lot of challenges. I’d recommend contacting your embassy in Korea and getting some advice.
Hi,
I need a job at a farm or factory. Is it possible?
Yes, I’ve met people who worked at factories, but it’s a tough job.
Hello sir..
I want to ask you that can mechanical engineering diploma of 3 years is acceptable in manufacturing sector in korea…I mean I have done my bachelor’s degree in arts but now I’m thinking to pursue diploma in mechanical…Is there a for me in korea in this sector or in some kind of factory?
looking forward to your answer..
Hi Harpreet,
That’s a good question.
You should be able to find a job in manufacturing depending on your skill level. I’d recommend contacting your country’s consulate in Korea and joining a Facebook Group to find out if there are jobs for people with your qualifications.
Best of luck!
My two friends are in need of a job as house helpers. Is it possible to get one?
Thanks in advance.
I need job
I wanna come to korea please help me
Good day my name is Melissa and I am from south African I am English spoken and a qualified caregiver I am seeking employment abroad and in possession of a passport and willing to relocate.
Hi Melissa, we’re not an agency, but perhaps you can check some FB groups or job sites where they’re hiring caregivers? Best of luck!