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Good morning, Seoul Sip readers! ☕ Here’s your curated dive into the latest on job and internship opportunities in South Korea — especially geared toward international candidates who might not speak Korean fluently. Let’s get into it.
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Internships in Seoul: English-Friendly Openings
If you’ve been wondering whether you have to speak Korean to intern in Korea, there’s good news: many programs in Seoul explicitly do not require Korean language proficiency. For example, some internships are conducted fully in English.[link]
There are platforms listing dozens of English-language internships: e.g., over 60 listings for internships “for English-speakers” in Seoul.[link]
What it means:
Non-Korean speakers have a clear path into the South Korean job/ internship market — it’s not limited only to Korean-language specialists.
That said: Many of the top domestic companies still prefer Korean proficiency (or at least some) — so if you’re aiming for a major Korean-company placement, language still helps.[link]
For interns and early-career roles, especially in international companies or in Seoul’s global hubs, English-friendly roles are growing.
Watch this space:
Internships at global or regional HQs of multinational firms in Seoul (finance, tech) that are open to English speakers.
Fields that are more “friendly” for non-Korean speakers (e.g., IT, global marketing, media).
Visa/permit considerations (more on that below).
” When the contestant “Bag Decorating” was unmasked as Minami from rookie girl‑group RESCENE, STAYC member Sumin – a panelist on the show – excitedly declared Minami her “bias.” The segment, reported on 4 Aug 2025, highlighted how the show blends mystery with raw reactions and how industry peers become fans themselves. [link]
Jobs Beyond Internships: Real Roles for Non-Korean Speakers
While full-time “jobs” (not internships) without Korean language skills are admittedly tougher, they do exist — especially in international firms, start-ups, or roles where English is the primary working language.[link]
recommending Busan and the public bike‑sharing system “Ddareungi”. Jennie’s campaign, with the catchphrase “Absolutely In Seoul,” includes videos featuring her song “Seoul City” from her March 2025 solo album and highlights sites such as Gyeongbokgung and Seongsu. [link]
Reasoruces for Internship in Seoul
# | Resource Name | Type (Intern / Job / Both) | Key Notes / Why Useful | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | iAgora – Internships for English-speakers in South Korea | Internships | Specifically lists internships “for English-speakers” in Korea. (iAgora) | |
3 | KOWORK – Jobs for foreigners in Korea | Jobs | Platform tailored for foreign-residents / non-Korean speakers. (코워크 KOWORK | No.1 외국인 구인구직 플랫폼) | |
4 | Dev Korea – Tech jobs in Korea (English-friendly) | Jobs | Tech-specific platform “English-friendly” for Korea. (dev-korea.com) | |
5 | Seoul Global Center (Foreign Portal) – Job opportunities for foreign residents | Jobs | Government-linked bulletin board for foreigners in Seoul. (global.seoul.go.kr) | |
6 | Go Overseas – Internships in South Korea | Internships | Lists international internships in Korea (broad fields). (Go Overseas) | |
7 | Absolute Internship – Internship program in Seoul | Internships | Program placements with support, housing, etc. (Absolute Internship) |
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