Hello! This is KOWORK, a platform for foreign jobseekers in Korea. ✨
We often get asked two key questions from international students and jobseekers in Korea:
- “Are there certain majors that make it easier for foreigners to get a job in Korea?”
- “Do these majors also increase the chances of getting an E-7 work visa?”
The short answer is yes, there are majors that tend to lead more easily to jobs in Korea. However, it's not about popularity of the majors, but instead considering the actual demand from Korean employers, visa approval likelihood, and ability to adapt in the workplace.
Based on thousands of job consultations and real hiring cases on KOWORK, we’ve identified the Top 7 majors most likely to lead to employment in Korea for foreigners.
1️⃣ Computer Science, IT, Software & Data-Related Majors
When it comes to job opportunities in Korea for foreigners, the IT field stands out above all. Roles such as software developer, data analyst, and AI-related positions are often evaluated based on practical skills and technology stacks rather than nationality.
Korean companies generally have little resistance to hiring international talent for IT jobs, and these majors also match well with job codes used for the E-7 professional employment visa.
If you pair your major with a strong portfolio and basic Korean communication ability, this field offers very high competitiveness in the job market.
2️⃣ Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Semiconductor & Other Engineering Majors
Considering Korea’s manufacturing and industrial structure, engineering majors continue to have steady demand. Smaller and mid-sized manufacturing companies often hire foreign engineers, and roles include production management, quality control, and design support.
Many of these roles don’t require very advanced Korean language skills, meaning candidates with practical technical ability can succeed even if their Korean isn’t perfect.
In particular, employers tend to trust applicants who combine a Korean university degree with an engineering background, making employment connections easier.
3️⃣ Business, International Business, Trade & Marketing Majors
Some people think business majors are difficult to use for employment, but for foreigners in Korea, these majors can actually be strong assets.
Jobs in overseas sales, global marketing, and import-export management leverage foreign language skills and understanding of global markets - areas where many international jobseekers naturally excel. Korean companies also continue to have steady demand for talent in these roles.
That said, a business major alone isn’t always enough. It’s important to build work experience or internship history to increase your competitiveness.
4️⃣ Korean Language, Translation/Interpretation & Communication Majors
A major in Korean language still provides a clear advantage in the job market for foreigners.
Positions such as foreign customer support, overseas communication, global collaboration support, and content operations often value strong Korean language skills. In addition, candidates who understand Korean work culture are frequently viewed as better prepared and more adaptable by employers.
If you have advanced TOPIK scores, you may be even more attractive to hiring companies.
However, a Korean language major on its own doesn’t always guarantee E-7 visa approval. It’s important to clearly define your role - such as translation, communication, or operations, to align with job requirements.
5️⃣ Design, UX/UI & Content-Related Majors
Although design fields are often seen as competitive, in many real-world hiring cases, practical skills matter more than the major itself.
Recently, beauty, fashion, and content companies have increasingly hired foreign designers in roles such as UX/UI, brand design, and content creation. Employers tend to focus on portfolios rather than academic degree alone.
Many designers start out as freelancers or interns and later transition into full-time roles.
In this field, your portfolio and demonstrated experience are key factors in landing a job.
6️⃣ Healthcare, Nursing & Healthcare-Related Majors
As Korea’s population ages rapidly, demand for healthcare and caregiving roles continues to grow. Jobs in nursing, rehabilitation support, and medical assistance show increasing interest in foreign professionals.
If you hold relevant certifications, employment opportunities become even more promising. For example, having a medical coordinator certificate or caregiver license can make it easier to connect with jobs that support visa sponsorship.
This field requires preparation and clear qualifications, but it can lead to long-term career paths.
7️⃣ Education, Language & Foreign Language Majors
Majors in English and foreign language education are among the most common areas where foreigners begin their careers in Korea.
There is steady demand for foreign language-related roles in language schools, education content companies, and edtech. This area also has relatively low entry barriers.
Many foreign professionals start working under the E-2 teaching visa, gain experience, and later expand their careers into areas like education planning, content operations, and global communication.
Instead of focusing solely on long-term careers right away, this major can be an excellent way to build work experience in Korea, and to later transition from an E-2 to an E-7 visa.
Common Characteristics of Majors That Lead to Jobs in Korea
Looking across successful foreign jobseekers in Korea, we see three shared traits:
First, the major clearly connects to a job role.
It’s not enough to just have a major; you need to show how that major links to actual tasks.
For example:
- Computer science → backend developer, data analyst
- Business/trade → international sales, import-export management
- Korean language → foreign customer support, overseas communication
When employers can see this connection clearly, hiring chances improve.
Second, there’s a clear reason why the company wants to hire a foreigner.
Foreigners are most successful when their background is explained as a strength for the role, not just a box to check.
For example:
- Companies needing international customer support → foreign CS or overseas sales
- Companies entering global markets → marketing using English or native languages
- IT/engineering roles → skills matter over nationality
Third, career planning considers future visa transitions.
Success is more likely when candidates think beyond just landing a job. Think about how you can move from:
- D-10 → internship → full-time → E-7
- E-2 → education experience → planning/operations → E-7
When companies see a long-term fit, the burden of hiring a foreigner is much lower.
Ultimately, what matters most isn’t just the major itself, but how you connect that major to real jobs in Korea and to a visa path. This can feel complex, but with a clear direction and realistic planning, it’s entirely achievable.
KOWORK is here to support you from your first job in Korea through the next stages of your career. Good luck - we’re with you! 🍀
