▲ Convenience Store Part Time Job (Photo from Seoul News)

Due to the increase in the cost of living, more Dankookians (Students of Dankook University) are hoping to work part-time. However, before international Dankookians start working part-time in Korea, there is important information they must be aware of. The Dankook Herald (DKH) has brought information for them to provide crucial knowledge before starting a part-time job in Korea.

   According to Article 18 and Article 20 of the Immigration Control Act, foreign students residing in Korea must obtain a “part-time employment permit” in advance. The issuance of these permits may be restricted for those who do not meet specific criteria: insufficient Korean language proficiency or inability to maintain a balance between academic performance and work due to attendance and average grades. To be eligible for the permit, candidates should possess a valid residency status and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the previous semester. However, the allowed working hours vary depending on the grade level, Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) scores, and whether it is a regular semester or vacation period. On weekdays, the permitted hours range from 10 hours to 30 hours, while on weekends and during vacations, it varies from 10 hours to unlimited.

   To apply for a part-time employment permit, the following documents are essential: an integrated application form, a copy of a passport, a part-time employment confirmation letter, a copy of an alien registration card, an employment contract, a copy of a business registration certificate, and an academic transcript. As an additional submission, a valid TOPIK score within the expiration date is required. The required documents can be submitted to the Global Education Center 317, signed by the person in charge of international Dankookians affairs, and applied through the Immigration Office or Hi Korea website. For further details, you can visit the Hi Korea website or contact 1345.

   It is essential for international Dankookians to be well-informed and follow the proper procedures when seeking part-time employment in Korea. By doing so, you can enjoy a smoother and more rewarding experience while studying at DKU.