Ju An Jang

Yonsei GSIS Newsletter, Junior Editor

For many GSIS students, finding internships and career opportunities in South Korea can be challenging, not because opportunities are lacking, but because many are shared through platforms that remain unfamiliar to international students. While global websites such as LinkedIn are still widely used, students in South Korea often rely on local recruitment communities, startup platforms, and foreigner-focused job portals to discover internships, networking opportunities, and recruitment programs.

For students hoping to build careers in diplomacy, business, development, technology, or international organizations, knowing where to look can make a significant difference. This guide highlights some of the most useful resources available for international students seeking opportunities in Korea.

International Relations, Policy & Global Careers

Students interested in diplomacy, public policy, consulting, NGOs, development, or international business may find useful opportunities through the following platforms, many of which regularly post English-speaking positions and research opportunities.

• - LinkedIn Jobs Korea — https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/
  Still one of the most widely used global recruitment platforms, especially useful for multinational companies and English-language roles.
• - PeoplenJob — https://www.peoplenjob.com/
  One of Korea’s most foreigner-friendly job portals, featuring English-language listings across multiple industries.
• - Saramin Global — https://www.saramin.co.kr/
  A major Korean recruitment website offering advanced search filters and occasional English-language postings.
• - JobKorea Global / KLiK — https://www.jobkorea.co.kr/
  A comprehensive recruitment platform that recently expanded services for international talent through KLiK, a foreigner-focused recruitment service.Study in Korea – Work in Korea — https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/main.do
  - A government-supported portal providing visa guidance, internship information, and employment resources specifically for international students.
• KOWORK — https://kowork.kr/en
  Designed for foreigners seeking jobs and internships in Korea, including support for D-2 and D-10 visa holders.

UN, NGO & Development Sector

Students interested in sustainability, human rights, international development, or multilateral organizations can also explore opportunities through NGOs and international institutions based in Korea.

• - UN Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD) — https://unosd.un.org/en/content/internships
  Located on Yonsei University’s International Campus in Incheon, UNOSD offers internships focused on sustainable development and international cooperation.
• - UNcareer.net – Seoul/Korea — https://uncareer.net/country/South+Korea
  A useful aggregator of internships and vacancies from UN agencies, NGOs, and international organizations operating in Korea.
• - PSCORE — https://pscore.org/get-involved/join-us/
  A Seoul-based NGO focused on North Korean human rights and reunification, offering opportunities for students interested in law, policy, and international relations.
• - ACOPIA — https://www.acopia-world.com
  Provides internships related to NGO work, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
• - GoAbroad – South Korea NGO Internships — https://www.goabroad.com/intern-abroad/search/south-korea/internships-abroad-1
  Offers listings for structured internship programs across NGOs, education, and social impact organizations.

Startup, Business & Tech Opportunities

Many Korean startups and smaller companies recruit through local communities rather than international job boards, making these platforms especially useful for students interested in business and technology.

• - RocketPunch — https://www.rocketpunch.com/en-US/jobs
  Widely used within Korea’s startup ecosystem for internships, networking, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• - Wanted Korea — https://www.wanted.co.kr/
  Popular among startups and tech companies hiring for AI, marketing, strategy, consulting, and software development roles.
• - Linkareer — https://linkareer.com/recruit-home
  Frequently used by Korean university students for internships, competitions, networking opportunities, and recruitment programs.
• - Dev Korea — https://dev-korea.com/
  An English-friendly platform connecting international developers and engineers with Korean companies.
• - Job Bridge Korea — https://jobbridge.kr/
  A newer platform designed to connect international talent with Korean employers while helping bridge language and cultural barriers.

Foreigner-Focused Job Platforms & Networking Resources

In addition to job applications, researching workplace culture and building professional networks are important parts of Korea’s job market.

• - JobPlanet — https://www.jobplanet.co.kr/
  Provides company reviews, salary information, and interview experiences similar to Glassdoor.
• - Glassdoor Korea — https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/seoul-english-speaking-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,5_IC3021489_KO6,22.htm
  Useful for identifying English-speaking roles and companies with international work environments.
• - Seoul Global Center – Job Board — https://global.seoul.go.kr/
  Managed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, offering foreigner-friendly job listings and employment counseling services.
• - Yonsei GSIS Career Development Center — https://gsis1.yonsei.ac.kr/cdc/
  Provides career advising, alumni networking opportunities, and recruiter connections for graduate students.
• - KOTRA Global Talent Fair — https://globaltalentfair.kotra.biz/
  South Korea’s largest annual job fair for foreign professionals, featuring on-site interviews with Korean and multinational companies.
• - KOTRA Contact Korea — https://www.contactkorea.go.kr/
  An English-language recruitment platform supporting foreign professionals pursuing careers in Korea.

As South Korea continues to strengthen its efforts to attract global talent, international students are gaining access to an increasing range of career opportunities across various industries. For GSIS students, success often depends not only on academic qualifications, but also on understanding where opportunities are advertised and how Korea’s unique recruitment system works. Whether pursuing positions in international organizations, startups, NGOs, or large corporations, students who prepare early and build strong professional networks will be in the best position to succeed.