How to go to South Korea from Pakistan for work: the EPS guide (2026)
Pakistanis go to South Korea for work through the Employment Permit System (EPS), a government-to-government programme run by OEC Pakistan and HRD Korea. You pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean test, enter a roster, and a Korean employer hires you on an E-9 visa. There is no agent, no fee for the job, and no shortcut around the test.
Written by Islamabad Korean Language Course teachers · Updated 24 October 2026 · Sources: oec.gov.pk, eps.go.kr, HRD Korea
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Learn Korean to EPS-TOPIK level
3–4 months: Hangul, 1,000+ words, the official EPS-TOPIK textbook (reading + listening). This is the only step fully in your control, so start before OEC opens a window.
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OEC pre-registration
The Overseas Employment Corporation (oec.gov.pk) announces a registration window, often with only 1–3 weeks' notice. Pay the challan (≈ Rs 1,000 at HBL) and submit online. Requirements: age 18–39, no criminal record, not previously deported from Korea.
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Lucky draw (ballot)
Because applicants exceed the quota, OEC runs a random draw. Only selected candidates proceed to the test.
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EPS-TOPIK computer-based test
20 reading + 20 listening questions, 50 minutes, 200 marks. Fee ≈ USD 24. Candidates are ranked by score, so aim for 120+. Results are announced by HRD Korea/OEC within a few weeks.
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Skills test and medical
A physical fitness test, basic skill tasks and a Korean self-introduction add points to your roster rank. Pass the medical examination at an OEC-approved hospital.
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HRD Korea roster (up to 2 years)
Passers are placed on the worker roster. Korean employers in manufacturing, agriculture, livestock, fishing and construction select workers; waiting time ranges from months to over a year.
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Contract, CCVI and visa
When selected, OEC sends your Standard Labor Contract. After you sign, Korea issues the Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI); you apply for the E-9 visa at the Korean Embassy in Islamabad.
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Pre-departure and arrival
Attend OEC pre-departure briefing, fly to Korea, complete HRD Korea's post-arrival training, and start work. Standard contract is 3 years, extendable to 4 years 10 months; faithful workers can re-enter.
Korea EPS from Pakistan: common questions
01What is the age limit for Korea EPS from Pakistan?
18 to 39 years at the time of registration.
02How much does it cost to go to Korea through EPS?
The government route is low-cost: OEC challan (≈ Rs 1,000), EPS-TOPIK fee (≈ USD 24), medical, passport, visa fee and air ticket (often arranged with the employer). Korean language training is the main expense. Anyone asking for lakhs of rupees for a 'guaranteed' Korea job is a fraud.
03What is the Korea EPS quota for Pakistan?
Pakistan's allocation rose from 2,400 (2024) to 5,400 (2025). Korea cut its total E-9 quota to 80,000 for 2026, so each round is competitive and a high EPS-TOPIK score matters.
04What salary do Pakistani workers get in Korea?
At least the Korean minimum wage (≈ KRW 10,320/hour in 2026, about KRW 2.15 million per month before overtime). Most EPS workers earn KRW 2.5–3.2 million with overtime; housing is usually provided.
05Can women apply for EPS from Pakistan?
Yes. The EPS agreement covers male and female candidates, though most Pakistani applicants so far have been men.
06Can I go to Korea without EPS-TOPIK?
Not on an E-9 work visa. Other routes (student D-2/D-4, skilled E-7, business) have their own requirements; TOPIK helps with those.
Step 1 starts today. The rest follows.
Our EPS-TOPIK intensive takes you from zero to test-ready in 45–60 days, on campus or online.