Jecheon is a designated depopulation area. If you live and work in Jecheon, you may qualify for special regional visas.
Students: F-2-R Regional Talent
- Who: graduates or soon-to-be graduates of Korean universities (Semyung Univ., Daewon Univ., etc.)
- Requirements: Korean associate degree or higher (or annual income at or above the Chungbuk living wage), TOPIK level 3 or KIIP level 3 or higher, live and work in Jecheon
- Graduates of Jecheon universities are recommended first. Family may join.
E-9, E-10, H-2 workers: E-7-4R Regional Skilled Worker
- Who: E-9, E-10, H-2 workers with 2+ years in Korea
- Requirements: employer recommendation, 2-year contract at KRW 26 million or more per year (agriculture, livestock, fisheries: KRW 25 million), 200 points or more
- The Korean-language requirement is deferred until 31 Dec 2026. Chungbuk applications close on 24 Dec 2026.
Overseas Koreans: F-4-R Regional Overseas Korean
- Who: overseas Koreans living in Jecheon (Koryo-saram, Korean-Chinese, etc.)
- You may work anywhere in Chungbuk Province, including simple labor.
- After 4 years (2 years for existing Jecheon residents) you may apply for permanent residence (F-5-6R) with a relaxed income requirement.
Families: F-3-1R · F-3-3R · F-3-2R
- Spouses and minor children of the visa holders above can stay together in Jecheon.
- Family members of F-2-R holders may work in Jecheon with permission.
Employers: F-2-R hiring exception
- Small businesses (manufacturing, wholesale/retail, restaurants) and farming corporations in Jecheon may hire one F-2-R worker even without Korean employees.
- Requirements: 3+ years in business, sales of KRW 100 million or more
- Period: until 31 Dec 2027
Please note
- Regional visas are granted on the condition that you live and work in Jecheon. Get permission before moving or changing jobs. Breaking the conditions may lead to cancellation of your visa.
- Requirements are as of October 2026 and may change. Approval is decided by the immigration office.
- There is no immigration office in Jecheon (it is under the Cheongju office). We can help from preparing documents to submitting your application.
Sources (in Korean)
- Ministry of Justice press release (11 May 2026)
- Ministry of Justice press release (20 Feb 2025)
- HiKorea stay permit manual (18 Sep 2026)
If you have questions, please leave them on our Q&A page or call 010-8230-8880.