A degree in economics will not get you a work visa in South Korea — but this one will

In May 2025, the number of foreign workers in South Korea reached an all-time high since 2017, increasing by 9.8% to over 1.1 million.

There was even a 71.8% (56,000) increase in international students with jobs, all thanks to government policies and Korean cultural appeal.

The thing is, obtaining a work visa in South Korea isn’t exactly easy. It’s complex. There’s an employer-sponsored process with strict requirements, various visa types depending on your job, and a need for a valid job offer, as well as qualifications and compliance with Korean immigration laws.

And there’s yet another problem. 

“For every five Korean employees, there can only be one foreign hire,” Danara Kizzy Kuhn, Founder and CEO of BrandUp Korea, shares. “And because I’m already the one foreigner, I would have to hire 10 people before I can hire another foreigner.”

Kizzy, however, has found a workaround by hiring foreign interns or part-time employees. 

“I can register international students who are looking for a job in South Korea if they meet requirements,” she explains. “And if they have their own F-series visa and don’t require visa sponsorship, then I can hire them without any problems.”

Kizzy is a Master’s in International Commerce graduate from Korea University. Source: Danara Kizzy Kuhn

Trying to get a work visa in South Korea? Get a Master’s in International Commerce 

Before founding her company, Kizzy was an international student in South Korea.

And before that, she was pursuing a Bachelor’s in Global Studies, International Business, and Economics, with minors in Psychology and Neuroscience at Cedar Crest College, a private liberal arts women’s college in the US.

It was then that she participated in a two-year exchange programme at Seoul Women’s University. 

Studying in South Korea was no doubt the best choice for her. And as an economics student, the country had what she wanted. The government itself is renowned for its economic development, and she was particularly interested in “Saemaul Undong”, a political initiative launched on April 22, 1970, to modernise the rural economy. 

So, Kizzy enrolled on a Master’s in Economic Development at Korea University. However, she learnt that pursuing that field of study won’t give her a work visa in South Korea post-graduation. 

“I found out there were no visa paths,” Kizzy explains. “Work visa in South Korea is based a lot on your major. So, I found out that international commerce has a lot of overlapping classes with economic development, so I made the switch — and it was an easy switch, making me eligible for the work visa.”

Kizzy is a Bachelor’s in Economics and International Business graduate from Cedar Crest College. She was also an exchange student at Seoul Women’s University. Source: Danara Kizzy Kuhn

What is international commerce?

Think of exchanging goods, services, capital, people, technology, data, and intellectual property across national borders — that’s what international commerce is.

“The degree covers policy and how you do business, plus it leans more on the practical side compared to economics,” Kizzy explains. “It teaches you the fundamentals of business and how actually to sell things on top of economics.”

Key components of the study are:

• International trade
• Importing and exporting 
• Financial operations
• Logistics and supply chain
• Technology and IP
• International e-commerce

This study is key for countries as it drives economic growth, creates jobs, expands consumer choice for diverse goods, fosters innovation, boosts overall prosperity and global integration, builds international relations, and makes nations more resilient.

Why do international commerce degree graduates get work visas?

Well, it’s simple — international commerce graduates are listed as “skilled foreign talent” in South Korea.

The country seeks them to help fill gaps in growing sectors, especially in finance, tech, and services, with degrees from reputable universities (especially Korean ones). 

If you are on a Study (D-2) status, you’ll be granted a Specific Activities (E-7) visa if all the required qualifications are met and if your field of employment is related to your major.

Kizzy has been living in South Korea for over 10 years. Source: Danara Kizzy Kuhn

The truth about getting a job in South Korea

Kizzy managed to break into the South Korean workforce. She held various roles, including Social Media Manager, Customer Experience and English Operations Specialist, Editor-in-Chief, Office Manager, and International Marketing Manager. 

However, she realised that her pay was not reflecting her job scope.

“I was managing a team of Korean staff, and learnt that I was actually the lowest paid on the team despite being the manager,” Kizzy recalls. “I found out during salary negotiations for the team.”

She began searching for jobs, but to no avail; no companies were willing to hire a Korean-educated foreigner for a managerial position with a salary commensurate with the job’s scope.

“They were instead hiring people from abroad to come to South Korea and paying them a higher salary,” Kizzy shares.

To earn extra money, she began taking on freelance jobs. (Disclaimer: Kizzy had a residency visa that allowed her to take up additional jobs) 

Kizzy earned enough to quit her office job. As relieving as it seemed, it was a heartbreaking experience. 

“Most companies have to pay you a certain amount to hire you, and sadly, many companies just meet the benchmark, rather than paying you what you’re really worth,” Kizzy shares. “It comes off as if foreign workers in South Korea are the cheaper alternative to a Korean who speaks multiple languages.” 

With this, Kizzy decided that joining another Korean company was not the answer. 

Instead, she founded BrandUp Korea, a consulting and marketing agency that helps Korean companies expand overseas and supports foreign-owned businesses in navigating the Korean market.

While starting her own business as a foreign entrepreneur has its own hardships, Kizzy wouldn’t have it any other way.