Do you want to work as a security guard in South Korea? This job is not simple for foreigners. It is very different from other easy jobs like factory or farm work.
Security work in Korea is very controlled by the law. Only people with the right visa, license, and skills can do it. Koreans usually do these jobs, but in some cases, a foreigner can try.
This guide will show you in very simple steps how to try for a security guard job in Korea.
1. Understanding the Right Visa for the Job
The visa is the most important step. Without the correct visa, you cannot work in Korea as a guard.
Most foreigners cannot get a simple security job. Only special visas work for this career.
The E-7-1 Visa: The Main Visa
The E-7-1 visa is the best way for foreigners. This visa is for skilled workers with high training. To get it, you must:
- Have a university degree in security, criminal justice, or a similar subject. If not, you need five years of work experience in security.
- Get a job offer from a Korean company. The company must say why they need you and why a Korean person cannot do it.
- Have a salary above the government minimum. In 2025, this is about 28,670,000 KRW per year.
This visa works for jobs like security consultant or close protection officer.
Other Visas
- E-7-4 visa: This is for people who already worked in Korea on an E-9 visa for at least 4 years. But this is not really for security work.
- F-6 visa (marriage visa): If you marry a Korean citizen, you can get this visa. With this, you can work more freely, even in security, if you pass all rules.
2. Essential Skills and Certifications
Visa is not enough. You also need skills, training, and certificates to work in Korean security.
Korean Security Guard License
All guards in Korea need a license. This license is hard for foreigners. The test is in Korean. You must:
- Speak and understand Korean well.
- Study Korean laws and safety rules.
- Pass the national exam.
This is not easy, but it is required by law.
Physical Fitness
You must be healthy and strong. Some companies test your running, strength, and stamina. If you are not fit, you cannot work as a guard.
Clean Criminal Record
You must show you have no crimes. You need a police clearance paper from your home country. Without this, your visa is not possible.
Language
Korean language is very important. You must talk to people, write reports, and follow orders. English is good for some jobs, but Korean is necessary for all.
3. The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
This job is not like simple jobs. You must follow clear steps.
Step 1: Find a Job Offer
The first step is to get a company that wants to hire you. This is not easy. Look for:
- International security companies in Korea.
- Special Korean security firms that protect embassies, VIPs, or foreign workers.
Search online or use LinkedIn. Try to connect with recruiters.
Step 2: Employer Applies for Visa
If a company hires you, they will start the visa process. They must:
- Apply to Korean Immigration Service for a CCVI (Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance).
- Write to the government and explain why you are needed.
- Send your resume, training papers, and work proof.
Step 3: Apply for Your Visa
After CCVI is ready, you can go to the Korean embassy in your home country. You must:
- Take your passport and CCVI number.
- Show your police clearance and all other documents.
- Wait for visa approval.
If approved, you get your visa in your passport and can travel to Korea.
4. FAQs: Common Questions
Can I work as a guard with an E-9 visa?
No. The E-9 visa is only for factory, farm, or construction jobs. Not for security.
Can a foreigner get a Korean guard license?
Yes, but it is very hard. The exam is in Korean. You must speak Korean very well.
What kind of security jobs can foreigners get?
Q3: What kind of security jobs can foreigners get?
Foreigners usually cannot do simple guard jobs like building patrol. Those are for Koreans.
Foreigners can do:
Security consultant jobs.
Close protection officer jobs.
Security manager jobs in global companies.
Conclusion: A Hard but Good Path
Being a security guard in South Korea as a foreigner is very difficult. You need:
- The right visa.
- Good education or many years of experience.
- Korean language skills.
- Fitness and clean record.
You also need to find a company that wants to hire you. This is the hardest part.
If you follow all steps, it is possible. The job is not for everyone, but for strong and skilled people, it can work.
Working in Korea is a big reward. It is a safe and modern country. Security workers are respected.
If you are serious, start now with study, training, and Korean language. With time and effort, you can reach your goal.