Gimpo City of Gyeonggi Province adopts expat seasonal worker program

Gyeonggi Province plans to adopt an expat seasonal workers program to relieve labor shortages in rural areas for this year’s farming season

Gimpo City of Gyeonggi Province plans to adopt an expat seasonal workers program to relieve labor shortages in rural areas for this year’s farming season.

With rural youths dashing off to metropolitan areas such as Seoul, Korean farming villages are facing severe labor shortages.

And foreigners residing in Gyeonggi Province are having difficulty finding jobs

University students in Korea can join ‘rural activity’programs (volunteer activities for rural communities), a long-established tradition of helping with farming every college break.
It is a win-win for all as villages gain working hands and students earn credits and volunteer hours.

In the same vein as rural activities, an expatriate seasonal worker program is being actively reviewed for actual use. Unemployed foreigners who live in Korea can assist with agricultural labor and receive pay.

Starting with Gimpo City, local governments are seeking to mitigate labor deficits. Healthy and physically active individuals who can engage in agricultural work satisfy the requirements and can apply for a position.

The doors are open to anyone without a job living in Gyeonggi Province, and this especially good news since employment opportunities are scarce due to COVID-19.

Gyeonggi Province

What is more, workers will be able to secure a monthly income of around KRW 1,910,000 because the minimum wage has been raised this year.

What type of agricultural work awaits the applicants?

The work mainly involves pest control to prevent blights, infestations, and weeds. Workers also engage in common farming tasks such as sowing seeds and harvesting crops, but this may vary depending on the season. Work will, of course, differ from one farming village to the next depending on farming conditions and cultivation methods.

Gimpo City plans to adopt this program this January and is enthusiastic about employment. The city said it will set up a department that liaises between expatriate applicants and farms and consults with employers.

What are the working conditions?

Local governments will abide by the Labor Standards Act by ensuring 1 hour of rest for every 8 hours worked in a day. It is best to go for a consultation as working periods, salaries, accommodations and such may vary.

Foreigners living in Gimpo City can contact the Gimpo City Agricultural Administration Team for more information. Be sure to check the application requirements!

The first and most important criterion is age. Applicants must be a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 55 years of age and capable of farm work. Other than physical fitness, there are further restrictions, but qualifications may vary depending on employer requirements.

As can be seen from the above, there are few restrictions. Applicants must thoroughly review the working period, salary, and other conditions before finalizing their decision.

Gyeonggi Province

It is a great opportunity to satisfy both agricultural curiosity and a slim wallet by engaging in Korean farming and receiving pay.

Besides Gimpo City, there are a lot of other farming regions in Gyeonggi Province that are working to connect with local governments.

As a program that offers relief both to short-handed agrarian communities and jobless individuals, expectations are high that the seasonal worker program will firmly take root in society.

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