Out-of-the-Box Thinking in Your Job Search

Traditionally, many foreigners in Korea search only for jobs that are explicitly open to foreigners. Why? Because most English-language job boards feature positions posted by companies already intending to hire foreign employees.

But here is the reality: it is not that Korean companies are opposed to hiring foreigners.

In fact, outside of certain sectors such as manufacturing or agriculture, many Korean companies simply have never considered hiring a foreigner. It is not a matter of rejection, it is a matter of awareness. They often do not know whether they can hire a foreigner or how the process works.

Among the companies we have spoken with, 9 out of 10 are willing to hire a foreign worker, even if their job postings do not explicitly mention foreign applicants.

That is exactly the idea behind Diego’s job listings, updated on a daily basis.

Instead of limiting opportunities, each page is structured by visa category:

• Jobs (Managers): E-7-1

• Professionals: E-7-1

• Associate Professionals: E-7-2

• Skilled Workers: E-7-3

• Established Skilled Workers: E-7-4

• Healthcare Workers: E-7-1 & E-7-2

  
  

This structure allows you to explore roles that are legally eligible for your visa category, even if the employer has not specifically stated they are looking for foreign candidates.

One caveat: while each page is carefully curated to match visa eligibility, we cannot fully control misclassified postings. For example, if an employer lists an assistant role under a CEO category, it may appear on the Managers page.

If you find a role that interests you, you can apply directly or consult with me via online booking or at hakim@diego.kr.

Don’t confine yourself to jobs that merely “look” open to foreigners. Expand the market instead of shrinking your options.

Sometimes the opportunity is not missing. It is just not labeled!