Seasonal Worker Visa in South Korea

South Korea offers a special visa program called the Seasonal Worker Visa to address labor shortages in rural farming and fishing communities. This visa allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in Korea during peak agricultural or fisheries seasons, primarily assisting in planting, harvesting, seafood processing, and similar tasks.

1. What is the Seasonal Worker Visa?

The Seasonal Worker Visa is a short-term visa program that allows foreign workers to stay in Korea for a limited period, up to five months (150 days), for seasonal agricultural and fisheries work. It is designed to benefit both Korean farmers, who face serious manpower shortages, and foreign workers, who gain lawful temporary employment opportunities.

2. Visa Types

• E-8-1: For workers dispatched under agreements between Korean local governments and their partner foreign governments.
• G-1-5: For invited family members of foreign residents in Korea, based on personal invitation (family-based seasonal work).

3. Eligibility Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older
• Physically fit for labor-intensive work
• Citizen of a country that has signed a seasonal labor agreement with Korea
• No criminal record or history of illegal stay in Korea

4. Length of Stay

The maximum stay allowed under the Seasonal Worker Visa is 150 days (approximately 5 months). Extensions or conversions to other visa types are generally not permitted. Workers must return to their home countries after the visa expires.

5. Applicable Job Fields

• Agriculture: planting, harvesting, sorting, and packing of crops
• Fisheries: aquaculture work, seafood processing, cleaning, and packaging
• Related fieldwork that supports agricultural or fishery operations

6. Application Process

• Local Korean governments recruit employers needing seasonal workers
• Partner countries nominate eligible workers
• Workers apply for a visa through the Korean embassy
• Successful applicants are issued a visa and enter Korea to begin work

7. Important Notes

• Workers must only work for the designated employer (no transfers allowed)
• Overtime, unauthorized part-time work, or working in restricted industries is prohibited
• Employers must provide proper housing, wages, and labor conditions
• Violation of visa conditions may lead to visa cancellation and deportation

8. Benefits and Goals

The Seasonal Worker Visa helps resolve chronic labor shortages in Korea’s rural areas and provides economic opportunities for foreign workers. It also promotes international cooperation between Korea and participating countries. From a national perspective, this program plays a key role in supporting agricultural sustainability and rural development.

9. Conclusion

The Korean Seasonal Worker Visa is a well-regulated program that benefits both local employers and foreign workers. Those who wish to participate must follow the legal procedures and comply with the terms of the visa. Governments and applicants should work closely to ensure proper recruitment and management of seasonal labor under this important visa program.