There are 451 ethnic Koreans living in Jecheon with Overseas Korean (F-4) status (as of the end of June 2026). Since February 12, 2026, the statuses of stay for ethnic Koreans have been merged into a single status, F-4, so what you need to take care of to stay long term has changed.
If you hold H-2, start by changing to F-4
- H-2 visas are no longer newly issued. If you currently hold H-2, you can change to F-4 even if your period of stay has not yet run out.
- The fee for the change permit is waived until December 31, 2027 (the cost of issuing the domestic residence card is separate).
- You need to complete the Early Adaptation Program (5 hours). Graduates of Korean elementary, middle or high schools, people aged 65 or older, and those who have completed level 1 or higher of the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP), among others, are exempt, and if you have no record of violating the law, you can put it off until your next extension.
- If you do not change, you can stay only up to the maximum period of stay for H-2.
F-4 period of stay depends on Korean language ability
| Category | Period granted at one time |
|---|---|
| Korean language ability proven (or exempt) | Up to 3 years |
| Registered in or attending the KIIP | 2 years or less |
| Neither | 1 year or less |
The required level, based on the KIIP, will rise from level 1 in 2026 → level 2 in 2027 → level 3 in 2029. So that your period does not get shorter at each extension, it is a good idea to study Korean in advance.
What changes if you live in Jecheon
- The restriction on simple labor jobs is lifted. F-4 holders whose residence is in a region-specific visa project area like Jecheon are not subject to the restriction on simple labor occupations when working within Chungcheongbuk-do (Chungbuk) (Ministry of Justice Notice No. 2026-35). Gambling-related and adult entertainment businesses remain prohibited.
- Region-specific Overseas Korean (F-4-R): a status with the conditions of receiving a local government recommendation, actually living in Jecheon for a certain period, and working within Chungbuk. If you do not keep the residence condition, it will count against you in your stay, so be sure to check before moving or changing jobs.
Reports you must make
- If you move, report your change of residence within 14 days (at a community service center or on HiKorea)
- If you work in a restricted occupation or miss a report, fines build up, and if the amount becomes large, your extension may be restricted.
The path to permanent residence (F-5)
If you have stayed with F-4 for 2 years or more, you can apply for permanent residence for ethnic Koreans (F-5-6). As a rule, your income must be at or above the gross national income (GNI) per capita, but this was relaxed from February 2026.
- Strong Korean speakers (completion of KIIP level 5, etc.): 70% of GNI
- Outstanding volunteers (100 hours or more over 6 months): 80% of GNI
- Both: 60% of GNI
Jecheon Bareun Visa can help
- H-2 → F-4 change applications on your behalf (within the fee waiver period)
- F-4 extension applications on your behalf and review of documents proving Korean language ability
- Preparing F-4-R recommendation application documents and submitting them on your behalf (Jecheon City Hall), followed by the change application at the immigration office
- Review of requirements for permanent residence for ethnic Koreans (F-5-6) and applications on your behalf
- Reports such as change of residence
We review the requirements before you apply and tell you honestly about your chances. If you leave everything from document preparation to the application to us, you can reduce the burden of traveling to the Cheongju Immigration Office. Please contact us via Book a visit or Ask a question.
Related article: How H-2 ethnic Koreans can change to Overseas Korean (F-4) status
Sources
- Ministry of Justice implements the merger of statuses of stay for ethnic Koreans into F-4 — Ministry of Justice press release, 12 Feb 2026.
- 54% of ethnic Koreans on working visits switch to "Overseas Korean status"… Ministry of Justice removes discrimination and supports settlement — Ministry of Justice press release, 12 Aug 2026.
- Ministry of Justice establishes the "Regional Stay Support Division" and the "Overseas Korean Stay Integration Division" — Ministry of Justice press release, 2 Jan 2026.
- Implementation of the 2025 region-specific visa operation plan — Ministry of Justice press release, 20 Feb 2025.
- Ministry of Justice Immigration and Foreign Policy Monthly Statistics, June 2026 (법무부 출입국·외국인정책 통계월보), Notice on the scope of restrictions on employment activities for Overseas Korean (F-4) status (Ministry of Justice Notice No. 2026-35) (재외동포(F-4) 자격의 취업활동 제한범위 고시)
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.