Korean Visa Guide for Turkish Citizens

How does the EPS application process work for Turkish nationals?

Turkey's EPS partner agency is İŞKUR (Türkiye İş Kurumu). The process: ① Register with İŞKUR's EPS programme ② Pass the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test (offered periodically at designated centres in Turkey) ③ Pass skills assessment if applicable for your sector ④ Be matched with a Korean employer through the HRD Korea system ⑤ Receive Standard Labour Contract ⑥ Apply for E-9 visa at the Korean Embassy in Ankara. Total process: typically 6–18 months from test to departure. For updated schedules, check the HRD Korea EPS portal (eps.hrdkorea.or.kr).

Are Turkish degrees recognised for E-7 visa applications in Korea?

Yes. Turkish degrees from accredited universities are recognised for E-7 applications. The degree must be: ① authenticated/apostilled (Turkey is a Hague Convention member — apostille through the Notary Public or the relevant Ministry) ② accompanied by a certified Korean or English translation ③ relevant to the occupation code being applied for. Turkish engineering, computer science, and business degrees from top universities (METU, Boğaziçi, Bilkent, Istanbul Technical) are well-regarded. Some Korean employers may request a credential evaluation, but this is not always required.

Is there a Korean community in Turkey?

Yes, though relatively small. Around 2,000–3,000 Korean nationals live in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul and Ankara, working in trade, manufacturing, and diplomacy. Korean companies (Hyundai, LG, Samsung) have operations in Turkey. This creates a small but active bilingual professional community — Turks who speak Korean are highly sought after for liaison, translation, and business development roles at Korean companies in Turkey or for E-7 roles in Korea.

Can Turkish students work part-time in Korea on D-2?

Yes. D-2 students at accredited Korean universities can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and unlimited hours during official vacation periods, after obtaining a part-time work permit from immigration. Language school students (D-4) are limited to 10 hours per week. Part-time work is common among Turkish students as a way to improve Korean, build local experience, and offset living costs. GKS scholarship recipients who receive living stipends may have additional restrictions — check your scholarship terms.