Introduction to the Pohang Foreign Seasonal Worker Program

Hello! I’ve put together some information about the Foreign Seasonal Worker Program being offered in Pohang. This initiative aims to address the labor shortage in the agricultural and fishing sectors. Starting from 2025, foreign seasonal workers will have the opportunity to work in Pohang for up to eight months. Let’s dive into the details!

Who Can Apply?

Pohang is actively recruiting foreign seasonal workers, and the applicants can fall into three main categories:

Relatives of Multicultural Families: This includes a special invitation system that allows family members residing overseas to apply.
Parents of International Students: Families of foreign students living in South Korea are also eligible to apply.
Legally Residing Foreigners in South Korea: Those who are already living in the country and meet the criteria can submit an application.

It’s particularly interesting that, through the family invitation system for multicultural families, applicants can include relatives up to the fourth degree within their family tree.

Why Are Foreign Seasonal Workers Needed?

In South Korea, particularly in regions like Pohang, there is a significant shortage of labor in the agricultural and fishing industries. During the peak seasons for products like dried squid and gwamegi (a type of fermented fish), the need for additional manpower becomes even more critical. This Foreign Seasonal Worker Program has been established to provide a means for legally hiring foreign workers during these busy periods.

How to Apply?

Interested candidates should check the official announcement on the Pohang City Hall website for detailed information. The program is specifically looking for foreign seasonal workers to assist in the agricultural sector within Pohang and is open to relatives from multicultural families or cousins living abroad.

Here are the essential details for applying:

Industry: Agricultural sector
Application Method: In-person submission at the Citizen Service Center on the 2nd floor of Pohang City Hall
Required Documents:

One application form
Family relationship certificate for the marriage immigrant
Marriage certificate for the marriage immigrant
A copy of the worker’s passport (valid for at least one year)
(For naturalized citizens) A copy of the marriage immigrant’s residency certificate
(For naturalized citizens) A detailed basic certificate

Work Period: 5 months
Eligibility Requirements: Family members or cousins (including spouses) of marriage immigrants who have resided in Pohang for at least six months
Age Criteria: Applicants must be between 19 and 55 years old
Exclusion Criteria:

Individuals suffering from tuberculosis, syphilis, infectious diseases, or those with a history of drug abuse
Those currently pregnant or have given birth within the past year are not eligible to enter the country (visa issuance is not possible)

Once you’ve gathered the necessary documents, be sure to submit them within the application period. Notably, changes have been made this year regarding visa standardization and work periods, so please read the official announcement carefully.

Download Application and Announcement

Starting in October 2025, foreign seasonal workers will arrive to work at designated seafood processing companies and will receive the basic minimum wage. Depending on company requests, the stay duration may be extended up to eight months, so it’s crucial for parents of international students and multicultural families to prepare their documents thoroughly.

A Growing Opportunity

Since its inception in 2017, the Foreign Seasonal Worker Program in Pohang has welcomed many foreigners, significantly alleviating local labor shortages. For example, in 2024, a total of 367 workers were deployed in fishing villages, making a substantial impact. To date, 1,478 individuals from four countries, including Vietnam, have participated in this program.

Pohang City is committed to resolving labor shortages through the Foreign Seasonal Worker System, and there’s a fantastic opportunity for you to get involved as well. I hope this chance brings benefits to many! If you have any questions, make sure to check out the Pohang City Hall website!