Before turning a business idea into work in Korea
A company registration, a business course and immigration permission answer different questions. Put them on separate lines in your plan.
By Seemile · Sources checked
Describe the business precisely
- Write down what you will sell, who will pay and where the work happens.
- Check whether your current residence status permits those activities.
- Ask the relevant adviser about sector-specific licensing before taking premises or accepting orders.
Use support before committing money
- Seoul Global Center offers business education and consultation programmes; check current recruitment and eligibility.
- Prepare a one-page plan and a list of concrete questions for the session.
- Confirm whether any programme is advice, training or financial support rather than assuming it funds the business.
Separate your next decisions
- Check immigration requirements with the responsible authority.
- Get accounting and tax-registration advice for your actual business model.
- Keep estimates for rent, setup and running costs separate from revenue you have not yet earned.
A little Korean goes a long way
- 창업 상담을 받고 싶어요. — I would like a business startup consultation.
- 이 활동이 제 체류자격으로 가능한가요? — Is this activity permitted under my residence status?
Official information
- My Seoul+ · Employment and business support — Seoul Metropolitan Government
- My Seoul+ · Change of residence status — Seoul Metropolitan Government
- Korea Visa Portal · Visa Navigator — Ministry of Justice
Keep going
Looking for work in Korea: start with permission
A promising vacancy is only useful if the role fits your residence status. Check that first, then spend your time on a focused application.
Read your employment contract before day one
The conversation at an interview is easy to forget. A written contract gives you something clear to check against the work and pay that follow.
When your wages have not arrived
Begin with dates and evidence. A short, organised record makes it easier for a labour adviser to understand what happened and what you are asking for.
Can an international student take a part-time job?
Check before the first shift, including a trial shift. Student work permission depends on your course, status and the proposed job, not simply on being enrolled.