I looked through a few pages of previous posts on Korea, and I didn’t see this specific topic. Mods spare me idk where else to get information on this.

So I work remotely in a field in the US that has plenty of job prospects for me. Employment isn’t the issue. However I have been learning Korean and will be staying there for a month next summer. If I like it I would prefer to make it my permanent residence. I did some research on digital nomad visas and general work visas, but the information is mixed and I don’t see much information on long term stays regarding US employment of a US citizen in Korea for extended periods. I don’t want to jump around in AirBnBs for 3+ years, I want all the normal stuff: leases, taxes, health insurance, car ownership, just normalcy. What is the best way to go about this? Is there specific Visa requirements? Should I get a visa sponsorship for my employer, or is this more of an issue between me and the Korean government, vs. my employer and the Korean government.

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I need a starting point so I can set this plan up for success. I don’t think Ill have an issue getting my company behind it.

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Thanks

  • BenjiKor@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    the easiest way will be for u to get an official visa.

    from all the places i’ve been a DN, korea is one of the ones that is toughest as a DN.

    for example, u can’t use the biggest food delivery app, you can’t use coupang (equivalent of amazon), you couldnt use the taxi app (now uber is available so it’s fine), etc.

    • akshaynexus@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      You can use kakaotaxi as a foreign visitor (used it myself with cash I think although it’s a hassle to get it working)

  • CrowdGoesWildWoooo@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I need a starting point

    Marry a local.

    PR requires residency which can come in the form of local job or study and you have neither of those.

  • thekwoka@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    The virtual work visa isn’t actually available yet.

    If you are recently out of university, you can get an H-1 visa.

    car ownership

    Well, you won’t want that in Seoul.

    Should I get a visa sponsorship for my employer,

    If your employer is a not a SK registered employer, how do you expect them to sponsor you?

  • darned_socks@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    A resource recommendation - the people behind the channel The Suitcase Designer on YouTube have stayed in Korea for several years (as American citizens), and are doing so at the moment on tourist visas. I imagine some of their past videos might be helpful resources to see how they got the right approvals.