Korea Metropolitan Visa Pilot Program (광역형 비자) — Incheon, Gwangju & Gangwon

The Gwangju metropolitan visa track is focused on the automotive and mobility industry, anchored by Gwangju's role as a major Korean automotive manufacturing hub (Kia, GM Korea production facilities).

Target students:

• International students in automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, EV technology, and advanced manufacturing programs at Gwangju-area universities (Chonnam National University, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology — GIST, Honam University, etc.)

Program benefits:

• Post-graduation career support: Students completing qualifying automotive/mobility programs are prioritized for D-10 job seeker visas and E-7 sponsorship at Gwangju-area automotive companies

• Expanded part-time work authorization: Work opportunities at automotive companies for hands-on training during studies (beyond standard D-2 work hours in some authorized programs)

• Quota: 240 international students per year

Pathway: Qualifying graduation → D-10 (job seeker in Gwangju automotive sector) → E-7 at a Gwangju automotive employer

The Gangwon metropolitan visa track targets three strategic technology fields:

• Semiconductors — linked to the SK hynix Icheon fab expansion and regional semiconductor supply chain development in Gangwon

• Biotech/life sciences — linked to Gangwon's biotechnology clusters (Wonju Medical Valley, Spring biotech parks)

• Mobility/EV — linked to Gangwon's emerging electric vehicle component manufacturing

Target institutions: Hallym University, Kangwon National University, Yonsei University Wonju Campus, and specialized programs at GIST equivalent institutions in Gangwon.

Program benefits:

• Strategic field study visas with extended stay and work permissions

• Post-graduation employer matching with Gangwon-based strategic industry companies

• Regional housing support (lower cost of living than Seoul is a key advantage the program promotes)

Regional vs. metropolitan distinction: Unlike the 지역특화형 program, the Gangwon track under the metropolitan pilot is specifically for university-based programs, not general employment in depopulation areas.

The metropolitan visa program does not use a separate visa type — participants enter on standard D-2 (student), D-10 (job seeker), or E-7 (specialty worker) visas. The 'metropolitan' designation unlocks specific benefits (expanded work hours, quota prioritization, tuition structures).

For students:

1. Apply directly to one of the qualifying universities in the participating metropolitan program
2. The university confirms your enrollment and notifies immigration of your metropolitan program participation
3. When applying for your D-2 visa, the university's international student office provides documentation confirming metropolitan program enrollment
4. Upon arrival in Korea, register ARC and confirm metropolitan status at the local immigration office in the relevant region

For post-graduation job seekers:

The D-10 issued after graduation from a metropolitan program university is tagged to the relevant regional track, giving priority in D-10 renewal and E-7 placement within the metropolitan area.