South Korea is ramping up its efforts to tackle labor shortages in rural and coastal regions by expanding its Seasonal Worker Program (SWP).
In a major move, the government has announced the addition of 22,731 foreign seasonal workers during the second half of 2025. Furthermore, this initiative aims to support critical sectors like agriculture and fisheries that are heavily impacted by workforce gaps, as reported by Kore.net.
Government Response to Labor Shortages
According to details, on June 27, South Korea’s Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries jointly revealed the expansion following a council meeting that reviewed SWP personnel distribution.
These additional workers will be dispatched to 100 local governments across the country starting in July 2025. With this new wave of seasonal labor, the total number of foreign workers under the program this year will hit 95,700—a 41% increase from 67,778 in 2024.
To facilitate communication and ensure worker well-being, the government will also bring in foreign language assistants, a new support measure designed to bridge language gaps between seasonal workers and local employers.
New Pilot Projects and Regional Funding
In addition to increasing headcount, the government is exploring new models for managing the SWP. If approved, the Ministry of Agriculture plans to implement publicly managed seasonal worker projects under regional funding schemes.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is preparing to launch its first seasonal labor project in Haenam-gun County, located in Jeollanam-do Province.
What Is the South Korea Seasonal Worker Visa?
South Korea’s Seasonal Worker Visa, officially referred to as C-4-5 (Short-term Employment Visa) or E-8-1 (Seasonal Agricultural Work Visa), allows foreign nationals to work in the country temporarily in agriculture and fisheries.
Key Visa Details:
- Visa Types:
- C-4-5 Visa: For short-term employment, including seasonal work (up to 90 days).
- E-8-1 Visa: Specifically for seasonal work in agriculture and fisheries (up to 5 months, extendable).
- C-4-5 Visa: For short-term employment, including seasonal work (up to 90 days).
- Eligibility:
- Age 30–50 (varies by region).
- Basic physical fitness and no criminal record.
- Typically recruited through MoUs between South Korea and sending countries (e.g., Vietnam, Philippines, Nepal, Indonesia).
- Age 30–50 (varies by region).
- Application Channels:
- Public Program: Managed by local governments.
- Private Recruitment: Through partner farms or fisheries with government authorization.
- Public Program: Managed by local governments.
- Visa Fee:
- Around KRW 60,000–80,000 (approx. $45–$60 USD), excluding other documentation and processing costs.
- Around KRW 60,000–80,000 (approx. $45–$60 USD), excluding other documentation and processing costs.
- Other Requirements:
- Valid passport.
- Employment contract with a registered South Korean employer.
- Medical clearance and sometimes language ability (basic Korean or English).
- Valid passport.
Why South Korea Is Expanding the SWP
Undoubtedly, South Korea is facing a rapidly aging population and urban migration trend, leaving rural regions with severe labor shortages. By expanding the SWP, the government aims to:
- Sustain agricultural productivity.
- Support the fishing industry.
- Prevent the collapse of local economies in low-population areas.
No doubt, the success of this expanded seasonal workforce initiative could also serve as a blueprint for long-term labor solutions across other industries.