There are 157 foreign nationals working in Jecheon with specially designated activities (E-7) status (as of the end of June 2026). Of these, 87 hold region-specific skilled worker (E-7-4R) status, and 58 hold skilled worker (E-7-4) status. E-7 is a visa tied to your company and occupation, so following the rules when you change companies or extend is the key to continuing your stay.
When you extend
- Extensions are granted in line with your employment contract period. If the company has problems such as unpaid taxes, the extension may be granted for a shorter period.
- 2026 wage standards (annual salary): professionals (E-7-1) KRW 31.12 million, semi-professionals and general skilled workers (E-7-2, E-7-3) KRW 25.89 million, skilled workers (E-7-4) KRW 26 million or more
- If you received skilled worker status with the Korean language requirement deferred, you must have the required Korean language ability by your first extension. If you do not, you will be given a shorter period of stay, and inviting your family will be restricted.
When you change companies
- With E-7-4 and E-7-4R, you must get permission before you change companies. If you work at a new company without permission, you may be punished, and if it happens repeatedly, you may be ordered to leave the country.
- You can change companies only if your contract ended normally or you left through no fault of your own.
- From June 2026, in cases such as business closure, unpaid wages or assault, if you changed companies through no fault of your own, your period of work at the previous company is also recognized as length of service.
- The company must report changes in employment, such as resignation or dismissal, within 15 days.
E-7-4R: the condition of living in Jecheon
- The condition is that you live and work in the region you were recommended for (Jecheon) for 3 years. After 2 years, you may move to another population decline area in Chungcheongbuk-do (Chungbuk).
- Industries you can work in: root industries, agriculture, forestry, livestock and fisheries, general manufacturing, construction, etc.
- You can bring your spouse and minor children, and your spouse can work in certain fields within the region.
- If you live in a population decline area for 3 years or more, you can switch to region-specific outstanding talent (F-2-R).
Chungbuk E-7-4R recommendation: until December 24
Chungcheongbuk-do is accepting E-7-4R recommendation applications under its 9th notice of 2026.
- Of the 542 places, 241 remain (as of the notice; applications close early once the places are filled)
- Applications: accepted at any time until December 24, 2026; in Jecheon, at the Future Policy Division of Jecheon City Hall
- Requirements: stay of 2 years or more with E-9, E-10 or H-2 status in the last 10 years, an employment contract of 2 years or more with an annual salary of KRW 26 million or more, and 200 points or more
- The special deferral of the Korean language requirement lasts until December 31, 2026
- As a rule, you apply yourself, but where it is unavoidable, an administrative agent or similar may apply on your behalf with a power of attorney. Acquaintances, coworkers and others who are not qualified cannot apply on your behalf.
E-7-4 holders working in Jecheon are also covered by the special 50% hiring limit and the bonus points (20 points) for working in a population decline area.
Jecheon Bareun Visa can help
- E-7 extensions of stay, and applications on your behalf for permission to change your place of employment
- E-9 or similar → E-7-4 or E-7-4R: point calculation, preparing recommendation application documents, submitting them on your behalf, and the change application at the immigration office afterward
- Review of the timing and requirements for switching from E-7-4R to F-2-R
- For employers: review of the number of foreign workers you can hire and the wage requirements, and reports of changes in employment
We do not introduce or broker jobs; we handle visa matters only. We first review the requirements and tell you honestly about your chances. Please contact us via Book a visit or Ask a question before the deadline.
Related articles: E-9 workers switching to skilled worker (E-7-4) status · E-7 work visa: what is checked before approval
Sources
- Hiring limit for foreign skilled workers in rural and fishing areas expanded to 50%… previous work experience also recognized when foreign workers change jobs due to 'unfair circumstances' — Ministry of Justice press release, 1 Jun 2026.
- Ministry of Justice announces the "2030 Future Strategy for Immigration Policy" — Ministry of Justice press release, 3 Mar 2026. (2026 wage requirements)
- Ministry of Justice implements the 2025 region-specific visa operation plan — Ministry of Justice press release, 20 Feb 2025.
- Chungcheongbuk-do Public Notice No. 2026-1279, "Region-specific visa project: notice on skilled workers (E-7-4R) (9th round, 2026)" (충청북도 공고 제2026-1279호)
- Ministry of Justice Immigration and Foreign Policy Monthly Statistics, June 2026 (법무부 출입국·외국인정책 통계월보)
The information above is as of the date of the Ministry of Justice press release. Actual requirements must be checked against the laws and guidelines in effect when you apply. If you have any questions, please leave them via Ask a question.