Planning a trip to the picturesque South Korea but unsure about the logistics? Not to worry! In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the intricacies of applying for a South Korea visa and everything you need to know to make your dream trip a reality. From the application process for a work permit visa to the various travel options available, let’s delve into the details of how to embark on your journey to South Korea.
Ways to go to South Korea 2024
Every year, a significant number of Bangladeshi workers secure employment opportunities in South Korea’s industrial sector through the Employment Permit System (EPS). The Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL) oversees the selection and deployment of these workers.
According to BOESL’s data, over 5,000 Bangladeshi workers went to South Korea for employment in the previous year. It is anticipated that between 3,000 to 4,000 Bangladeshi workers will be able to secure employment in South Korea in 2024.
Speaking with Bangladeshi workers currently employed in South Korea, it has been revealed that their minimum monthly income is 180,000 Bangladeshi Taka. With overtime opportunities, their income can reach up to 300,000 Bangladeshi Taka per month. Additionally, companies provide accommodation along with the salary. Many workers are able to remit up to 100,000 Bangladeshi Taka per month to support their families back home.
If you’re considering employment in South Korea, it’s crucial to understand the requirements and costs involved. Let’s explore in detail what it takes to embark on this journey and the financial aspects associated with it.
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What does it take to go to South Korea?
If you’re considering applying for a South Korea work permit visa, it’s essential to gather the necessary documents to facilitate the application process. Here’s a comprehensive list of the documents required:
- Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months or more from the intended date of travel.
- South Korea Work Permit: Obtain the necessary work permit issued by the relevant authorities.
- Medical Report: Provide a medical report indicating your fitness for employment.
- Certificate of Korean Language Proficiency: Depending on the nature of the work, a certificate demonstrating proficiency in the Korean language may be required.
- Proof of Work Ability: Present documents or certifications showcasing your skills and abilities relevant to the job.
- Copy of National Identity Card: Submit a copy of your national identity card for identification purposes.
- Color Vision: Ensure you do not have color blindness as it may affect certain job requirements.
- BOESL Fee: Pay the required fee to the Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL) for processing and deployment services.
- Bail in BOESL: Fulfill any necessary financial requirements or provide a bail as per BOESL regulations.
Image Source: BOESL Website
United States Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery 2025 Application Process
Additionally, there may be other important documents or requirements specific to your employment opportunity or visa application process.
Once you have gathered the necessary documents and paid the visa processing fee along with any deposits required by BOESL, you’ll be on your way to South Korea. It’s worth noting that staff recruitment for South Korea occurs annually, offering opportunities for individuals to earn between 150,000 to 250,000 Bangladeshi Taka per month, with the potential to earn more through overtime. Many workers are reported to earn up to 300,000 Bangladeshi Taka per month through overtime work.
Traveling to South Korea is often considered more affordable compared to other destinations. According to insights from a worker currently employed in South Korea, the total cost of obtaining a work visa and necessary arrangements can be broken down as follows:
- Initial Deposit: Approximately 34,000 Bangladeshi Taka, including service charges for BOESL.
- Security Deposit with BOESL: Previously 1 lakh Bangladeshi Taka, now increased to 3 lakh Bangladeshi Taka. However, this deposit can be refunded in full upon completion of the work contract and the return to the home country.
- Airfare: Around 50,000 Bangladeshi Taka.
- Additional Expenses: Including passport fees, visa processing fees, and other incidentals, it may total around 1.5 lakh Bangladeshi Taka.
Taking into account the increased security deposit with BOESL, the total expenses for securing a South Korea work permit visa could amount to approximately 4.5 lakh Bangladeshi Taka.
It’s important to note that while the initial costs may seem relatively low, individuals should consider the overall expenses and financial commitments associated with living and working abroad before making any decisions.
The Six-Step Way to Travel to South Korea
To begin your journey to South Korea, follow these six steps for a smooth and efficient process:
Step 1 – Online Application
To initiate your application process for South Korea, visit the BOESL Website and complete the online application form. The application period typically opens in March-April each year. Once the registration period closes, a lottery is conducted to select candidates. Successful applicants selected through the lottery gain the opportunity to proceed with their plans to go to South Korea.
Step 2 – Korean Language Proficiency
After being selected through the lottery, candidates are required to learn Korean within a two-month period. Following this preparation period, candidates must undergo a Korean language proficiency test administered by HRD Korea. The test consists of two sections: reading and listening, each worth 100 marks, with a total test duration of 50 minutes. Upon completion of the language test, candidates may also undergo a skill assessment.
Step 3 – Skill Test and Verification
Following the Korean language proficiency test, candidates undergo a skill test administered by HRD Korea representatives. This test assesses the candidates’ abilities to perform tasks relevant to their intended work in South Korea. Typically, candidates are required to demonstrate their proficiency in specific skills, such as machining parts quickly or completing other job-related tasks.
Additionally, applicants may undergo verification to determine if they are color blind, as certain jobs in South Korea may have specific requirements regarding color vision. This verification ensures that candidates meet the necessary criteria for employment in their respective fields.
Step 4 – Medical Examination and Police Clearance
Upon successful completion of the language and skill tests, candidates proceed to undergo a medical examination. This examination is conducted at the office of the Civil Surgeon in their respective districts. The medical tests typically include blood tests, tuberculosis screening, and hepatitis B tests, among others.
Once the candidates have passed the medical examination, they are required to obtain a police clearance certificate from their respective police stations. This certificate serves as verification of their criminal record and is an essential document for their visa application process to South Korea.
Step 5 – BOESL Fee and Security Deposit
Upon completion of the previous steps, candidates are required to pay the BOESL fee and security deposit. Previously, a security deposit of Tk 1 lakh was required, but it has now been increased to Tk 3 lakh. Additionally, candidates must pay the BOESL fee, which is approximately Tk 34,000.
It’s important to note that the security deposit is refundable upon the completion of the work contract and the return to the country. However, if the candidate decides to renew their contract with another company after the initial contract period, the security deposit may not be refunded. This policy has led to calls from South Korean expatriates for a change in the rule regarding the return of the security deposit in such cases.
Step 6 – Purchase Flight Tickets
After completing all the necessary steps, the final task is to purchase flight tickets to South Korea. The cost of a flight ticket typically ranges from 50,000 to 70,000 Bangladeshi Taka. Once the ticket is secured, individuals can proceed with their journey to South Korea.
Upon arrival in South Korea, workers have the potential to earn around 3 lakh rupees per month, including overtime, which amounts to approximately 1.5 lakh rupees. With personal expenses estimated at 15,000 to 20,000 rupees per month, workers have the opportunity to save a significant portion of their earnings.
Additionally, accommodation and food expenses are often covered by the employing company, further contributing to potential savings.
To embark on this journey and seize the opportunity to earn a substantial income in South Korea, it’s essential to apply as soon as the lottery registration opens and complete all the aforementioned steps outlined in this post. By following these steps diligently, individuals can pursue their aspirations of working in South Korea and potentially earn significant income every month.
Conclusion
Indeed, by following the detailed steps and procedures outlined in the post, individuals can successfully navigate the process of going to South Korea for work. From applying online through the BOESL website to completing language and skill tests, undergoing medical examinations, and fulfilling financial obligations such as BOESL fees and security deposits, each step is crucial in securing a work permit visa for South Korea.
Furthermore, purchasing flight tickets marks the final step in the process, allowing individuals to embark on their journey to South Korea with the potential to earn a substantial income, especially through overtime opportunities.
By adhering to these steps and diligently following the outlined procedures, individuals can pursue their aspirations of working in South Korea and make the most of the opportunities available in the country.
