Do you dream about working in another country? South Korea is a good place for new work and a better life. In 2025, South Korea needs many workers in hotels and houses.
Housekeeping jobs are one of the best chances for foreigners. This guide will show you simple steps to apply for a visa, find a job, and start working in South Korea.
The South Korean Hospitality Boom: Why Housekeeping is a Top Opportunity
South Korea is very famous now. People all over the world love Korean food, K-pop, K-drama, and culture. Because of this, many tourists visit South Korea every year.
Hotels, guest houses, and resorts are full of people. They need more workers to clean and take care of rooms.
Housekeeping is very important. It is not only cleaning the floor or bed. It is also about helping guests feel happy, keeping rooms safe, and giving good service.
If you work hard, have good energy, and care about details, you can do well in this job.
Beyond Hotels: A New Horizon for Housekeepers
Before, foreign workers could only work in hotels, factories, farms, or construction. But now, South Korea has started a new program.
This program allows foreign helpers to work in private houses in big cities like Seoul.
Families in South Korea need help because many people work long hours. They need housekeepers and domestic workers.
This means more chances for foreigners. Now you can find jobs not only in hotels but also in family homes.
Visa Pathways: Your Key to Working in South Korea
To work in South Korea, you must have a work visa. Without a visa, you cannot work legally.
For housekeeping jobs, there are two main visas:
- E-9 visa (basic worker visa)
- E-7 visa (special skills visa)
The E-9 Visa: The Most Common Route
The E-9 visa is the most popular. It is for workers in jobs where South Korea needs more people. This includes farming, construction, and now also service jobs like housekeeping.
Requirements for E-9 visa:
- You must be from a country that has an agreement with South Korea.
- You must pass the EPS-TOPIK test. This is a simple Korean language test.
- Sometimes you also need a skills test.
Steps for E-9 visa:
- Apply through your government office. For example, in Pakistan, it is Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC).
- Register for the test.
- Take the Korean language test.
- Wait for an employer in South Korea to choose you.
This process is slow but safe. Many foreign workers use this visa.
The E-7 Visa: A Specialized Pathway
The E-7 visa is for workers with more skills or higher positions.
For example, if you worked for many years as a supervisor in a hotel, you may apply for this visa.
To get this visa:
- You must have a job offer from a Korean employer.
- You must show proof of your skills or education.
- The employer must sponsor you.
It is harder to get than the E-9, but it gives more chances for professional work.
New Pilot Program for Household Service Workers
South Korea also has a pilot program for foreign helpers in homes.
This program is only in some cities like Seoul. It is still being tested and checked by the government.
But in the future, it may give many new jobs for foreigners as housekeepers in private houses.
To stay updated, check announcements from:
- The Ministry of Justice
- The Ministry of Employment and Labor
Step-by-Step Guide: Your Job Application Process
Here are the simple steps to apply for housekeeping jobs in South Korea.
Step 1: Get Your Documents in Order
Before searching for jobs, prepare your papers. Most employers ask for:
- A valid passport (at least six months left before expiry).
- Your national ID card.
- A resume (CV) with your experience in cleaning, teamwork, or customer service.
- Certificates from school or training (if you have).
- A passport photo with white background.
Keep copies ready. This will help you apply faster.
Step 2: Find a Job and a Sponsor
You need a Korean company or employer to sponsor you.
Two main ways to find jobs:
- Through EPS (Employment Permit System) – Safe and official for E-9 visa.
- Through recruitment agencies – Some agencies help foreigners find jobs in hotels and housekeeping.
Look for jobs in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. These places have many hotels and resorts.
Step 3: Prepare for the Interview
When you get an interview, practice well.
Employers want workers who are:
- Careful with cleaning.
- Physically strong.
- Good at managing time.
Be ready to talk about your past work. Tell them about cleaning rooms, doing laundry, or helping guests.
Show you are serious, honest, and hardworking.
Working as a Housekeeper: Roles and Salary Expectations
Housekeeping is more than cleaning rooms. Your work may include:
- Making beds.
- Cleaning bathrooms.
- Replacing towels and soap.
- Checking safety and hygiene.
- Reporting broken items.
- Working with a team.
You must be quick but also keep good quality.
Housekeeping Salary in South Korea for Foreigners
Money is an important part.
In 2025, the minimum wage is about ₩10,000 per hour. If you work 40 hours a week, you can earn around ₩2,000,000 per month before tax.
Some hotels give free food and a free room. This helps you save more money because life in South Korea can be costly.
If you work extra hours, you will get overtime pay. This can increase your salary.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Your Career Awaits
South Korea is a great place for workers from other countries. Tourism is growing fast, and hotels need many housekeepers.
To get the job, you must:
- Prepare your documents.
- Take the language test (for E-9).
- Find an employer.
- Apply for a visa.
It may take time, but it is possible.
When you work in South Korea, you will get good pay, new experiences, and a chance to live in a modern and exciting country.
Housekeeping is not only a job. It is also a chance to build a new life.
A new chapter is waiting for you in South Korea.