A record-breaking 66 cities ("시"), counties ("군"), and districts ("구") have been chosen for this year's regional immigration program (F-2-R) for a total of 3,291 foreign nationals. This marks a significant surge from last year's 28 regions and a quota of 1,500.
This presents a great opportunity for individuals seeking to settle down in Korea, offering a pathway with fewer qualifications compared to other types of visa and status.
The regional programs will offer two tracks: (1) for regional talents and (2) for Korean descendants. For the regional talents track, here are some of the minimum requirements:
1. Korean Language Proficiency: Minimum TOPIK Level 3 or KIIP Level 3;
2. Income or Education: Demonstrating either a minimum 70% GNI income (currently, KRW 29,750,000) in the preceding year or holding at least a Korean two-year associate degree;
3. Employment/Business: Confirmation of employment or business as of the application date, with the initial employment or business to be maintained for at least one year;
4. Residency: Commitment to reside in the initial region for a minimum of 5 years;
5. Application Restriction: Strict prohibition against applying for more than one region.
Here's the complete list of participating cities, counties, and districts for this year:
BUSAN METROPOLITAN CITY | 서구, 동구, 영도구 |
DEAGU METROPOLITAN CITY | 남구, 서구 |
GYEONGGI PROVINCE | 가평군, 연천군 |
GANGWON PROVINCE | 횡성군, 고성군 |
CHUNGCHEONG-BUK PROVINCE | 괴산군, 단양군, 보은군, 영동군, 옥천군, 제천시 |
CHUNGCHEONG-NAM PROVINCE | 공주시, 보령시, 논산시, 금산군, 부여군, 서천군, 청양군, 예산군, 태안군 |
JEOLLA-BUK PROVINCE | 고창군, 김제시, 남원시, 무주군, 부안군, 순창군, 임실군, 장수군, 정읍시, 진안군 |
JEOLLA-NAM PROVINCE | 곡성군, 고흥군, 보성군, 장흥군, 해남군, 영암군 |
GYEONGSANG-BUK PROVINCE | 안동시, 영주시, 영천시, 상주시, 문경시, 의성군, 청송군, 영양군, 영덕군, 청도군, 고령군, 성주군, 봉화군, 울진군, 울릉군 |
GYEONGSANG-NAM PROVINCE | 거창군, 고성군, 남해군, 밀양시, 산청군, 의령군, 창녕군, 하동군, 함안군, 함양군, 합천군 |
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to let us know.
