How Foreigners Can Work in Hotel Services in Korea (2025 Guide)

Your Complete Path to Becoming a Hotel Receptionist or Front Desk Agent in Korea

Starting in 2025, it has become much easier for foreigners to work in hotel service roles in Korea—particularly as receptionists or front desk staff. With relaxed employment requirements and new special rules for international students, the hospitality industry is now more open than ever to global talent.

1. Eligibility Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree or higher in hospitality or tourism
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus at least 1 year of relevant work experience
• Foreign students who majored in tourism or hospitality at a Korean university (associate degree or higher) can apply without experience
• Note: Applicants with only 5+ years of experience (without a degree) are not eligible

Visa Requirement:

• You must apply for an E-7 (Special Activity) visa
• This requires a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST)

2. Eligible Hotels for Employment

To hire foreigners, hotels must fall under one of the following categories:

• Tourist hotels
• Water tourism hotels
• Traditional Korean-style hotels
• Family hotels

And meet specific foreign guest ratio requirements (as of 2025):

• Seoul & surrounding areas: over 30% foreign guests
• Other regions: over 15%
• Declining population areas: over 10%

Each hotel can hire up to 5 foreigners (increased from the previous limit of 2), with a national cap of 400 positions per year.

3. Step-by-Step Hiring Process

1. Degree & Experience: Earn a degree in hospitality or tourism. Gain 1+ year of experience if required.
2. Job Search: Look for job openings on hotel sites, job portals, or university career centers. Prepare your resume and certificates.
3. Hotel Recruitment & Recommendation: Once hired, the hotel applies for the MCST recommendation letter.
4. Visa Application & Start Work: Submit the E-7 visa application with the recommendation and begin employment upon approval.

4. Job Duties & Required Training

Main Responsibilities:

• Front desk reception, reservations, guest services, check-in/check-out, and general hotel support

Mandatory Training:

• 45 hours of pre-arrival training on Korean culture, labor law, and basic language
• 2-night, 3-day on-site orientation after arrival

5. Special Benefits for International Students

Foreign students graduating from a Korean university in tourism or hospitality:

• Are exempt from guest ratio or employee number limits
• Still require the recommendation letter and E-7 visa

Summary

To work in a Korean hotel as a foreigner, you need a relevant degree, possible work experience, and must follow the hotel recruitment and E-7 visa process.

Thanks to relaxed hiring standards and new rules for international students, it’s now much easier for foreigners to enter Korea’s hotel industry and build a hospitality career.