New HiKorea Employment Reporting System for Foreigners
South Korea’s Ministry of Justice on January 2, 2026 unveiled its Advanced Online Reporting System for Foreigners’ Employment Information — HiKorea Employment Reporting — which significantly improves convenience for foreign nationals residing in the Republic of Korea by allowing employment information to be submitted online, rather than through paper-based procedures at Immigration Offices.
Pureum Law Office is here to help you better understand this update, which supplements the employment information reporting obligations that have been in place since September 25, 2020, and reflects the government’s continued efforts to modernize immigration administration.
Who Is Required to Report Employment Information?
Under the Enforcement Rule of the Immigration Act (Articles 47 and 49-2), all foreign nationals engaged in for-profit activities in Korea must submit an Employment Information Report, including details such as:
- Occupation
- Industry
- Annual income
In addition, any changes to previously reported employment information must be reported within 15 days through an Employment Information Change Report.
Applicable Visa Types Include (but are not limited to):
- E-1 Professor
- E-2 Foreign Language Instructor
- E-3 Research
- E-4 Technical Instructor
- E-5 Professional
- E-6 Arts and Performance
- E-7 Special Occupation
- E-8 Seasonal Work
- E-9 Non-Professional
- E-10 Maritime Crew
- F-2 Resident
- F-4 Overseas Korean
- F-6 Marriage Migrant
- H-2 Work and Visit
- D-7 Intra-Company Transferee
- D-8 Corporate Investor
- D-9 International Trade
What Has Changed With the New Online System?
Previously, many foreign nationals raised concerns about the inconvenience of paper-based reporting, including repeated visits to Immigration Offices and extensive document preparation.
To address these issues, the Ministry of Justice has upgraded the system so that employment information can now be submitted online through the HiKorea website (hikorea.go.kr).
When making a visit reservation on HiKorea for services such as:
- Extension of stay
- Change of status
Foreign nationals are now required to submit or update employment information online in advance, before visiting the Immigration Office.
Through HiKorea’s e-Application service, foreign nationals can:
- Submit their initial Employment Information Report immediately after completing foreigner or residence registration
- File an Employment Information Change Report whenever changes occur
These system improvements are expected to minimize unnecessary office visits, reducing administrative burden. The new arrangement also lowers the risk of missing deadlines.
At the same time, the Ministry of Justice will use this data to systematically manage and analyze foreign employment information, aiming to prevent negative impacts on Korea’s labor market.
How Pureum Law Office Can Help
Navigating Korean immigration rules, especially with new system changes, can be confusing and stressful. Pureum Law Office provides professional legal support for foreign nationals with their expertise in visa and status changes, residency applications, and other compliance issues.
If you are unsure whether your employment information has been properly reported or updated, or if you are preparing an immigration application through HiKorea, our legal team can guide you every step of the way.
Please reach out to schedule a consultation, and we’ll help you review your legal options fully and efficiently.
