Part-time and Freelancing

Options for flexible work arrangements, including part-time jobs and freelance opportunities.

Sections

1. Part-Time Job Categories in Daegu

Daegu, as South Korea's fourth-largest city, offers a variety of part-time job opportunities for foreigners. Common categories include:

a. Teaching and Tutoring

  • English Teaching: Many language institutes (hagwons) and private families hire native or fluent English speakers for part-time teaching or tutoring.
  • Other Languages: If you speak another language (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish), there may be opportunities to teach these as well.
  • Pay: ₩20,000–₩40,000 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

b. Hospitality and Service Industry

  • Cafes and Restaurants: Barista, server, or kitchen assistant roles are common in areas with a high concentration of expats or tourists.
  • Bars and Clubs: Bartending or working as a host in foreigner-friendly establishments.
  • Pay: ₩9,620 per hour (minimum wage as of 2023), though tips may supplement income in some cases.

c. Retail and Sales

  • Convenience Stores: Cashier or stock assistant roles in convenience stores like GS25 or CU.
  • Boutiques and Shops: Sales assistant roles in local markets or malls.
  • Pay: ₩9,620–₩12,000 per hour.

d. Event and Promotional Work

  • Event Staff: Assisting at trade shows, conventions, or cultural events.
  • Promotional Work: Handing out flyers or promoting products.
  • Pay: ₩10,000–₩15,000 per hour.

e. Freelancing Opportunities

  • Content Creation: Writing, editing, or translating content for local businesses or online platforms.
  • Photography and Videography: Freelance work for events, weddings, or businesses.
  • Graphic Design and Web Development: Assisting local businesses with branding or online presence.
  • Pay: Varies widely, typically ₩20,000–₩50,000 per hour or project-based.

2. Average Pay Rates

  • Part-Time Jobs: ₩9,620 (minimum wage) to ₩15,000 per hour, depending on the job type and your skills.
  • Freelancing: ₩20,000–₩50,000 per hour or project-based, depending on the complexity and demand for your skills.

3. Required Procedures for Foreigners

To legally work part-time or freelance in Daegu, you must meet certain requirements:

a. Visa Requirements

  • D-2 (Student Visa): Allows part-time work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and unlimited hours during vacations. You must get permission from your university and the immigration office.
  • H-1 (Working Holiday Visa): Permits part-time work in most industries without additional permissions.
  • E-2 (Teaching Visa): Typically tied to a specific employer, but you may be able to take on additional part-time work with permission.
  • F-2, F-4, or F-6 (Long-Term or Family Visas): These visas allow more flexibility for part-time and freelance work.

b. Alien Registration Card (ARC)

  • You must have an ARC to work legally in South Korea. Apply for one at the local immigration office within 90 days of arrival.

c. Work Permit

  • For part-time jobs, you may need to apply for a work permit through the immigration office. Your employer may assist with this process.

d. Tax Registration

  • Freelancers must register with the National Tax Service (NTS) to pay taxes on their income. Employers typically handle taxes for part-time workers.

4. Cultural Considerations

  • Language Barrier: While some jobs (e.g., English teaching) don’t require Korean proficiency, learning basic Korean phrases can significantly improve your job prospects and workplace interactions.
  • Workplace Etiquette: Punctuality, politeness, and respect for hierarchy are highly valued in South Korean workplaces.
  • Dress Code: Dress modestly and professionally, especially for teaching or office-related jobs.
  • Communication Style: Be mindful of indirect communication and avoid being overly assertive, as South Korean culture values harmony.

5. Common Platforms to Search for Work

Several online platforms and resources can help you find part-time or freelance opportunities in Daegu:

a. Job Portals

  • WorknPlay: Focuses on teaching and part-time jobs for foreigners.
  • HiKorea: Government-run site for visa and work-related information.
  • Albamon (알바몬) and JobKorea (잡코리아): Popular platforms for part-time jobs (Korean language proficiency required).

b. Freelance Platforms

  • Craigslist Korea: Often lists freelance and part-time opportunities.
  • Upwork and Fiverr: International platforms for remote freelance work.
  • KMong (크몽): A Korean platform for freelancers (requires Korean proficiency).

c. Social Media and Networking

  • Facebook Groups: Look for groups like "Daegu Jobs for Foreigners" or "Expats in Daegu."
  • LinkedIn: Useful for networking and finding freelance opportunities.
  • Meetup: Join local groups to network and find job leads.

d. Local Resources

  • Universities: Check bulletin boards or career centers for part-time job postings.
  • Language Institutes: Visit hagwons directly to inquire about teaching opportunities.
  • Foreigner Support Centers: Daegu has centers that provide job search assistance and other resources for foreigners.

6. Local Sites and Resources

  • Daegu Immigration Office: For visa and work permit-related queries.
    • Address: 130 Dongdeok-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu
    • Phone: 1345 (Immigration Hotline)
  • Daegu Global Center: Offers support services for foreigners, including job search assistance.
    • Address: 10F, Daegu Bank Building, 2310 Dalgubeol-daero, Jung-gu, Daegu
    • Website: Daegu Global Center
  • Daegu Employment Support Center: Provides job-matching services and career counseling.
    • Address: 2F, 10 Dongseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu

7. Tips for Success

  • Network Actively: Attend local events, language exchanges, or expat meetups to connect with potential employers or clients.
  • Polish Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.
  • Learn Korean: Even basic proficiency can make a big difference in finding and succeeding in part-time or freelance work.
  • Be Persistent: Job hunting can take time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t find something immediately.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the resources mentioned, you’ll be well-equipped to find part-time or freelance work in Daegu, South Korea. Good luck!