Jecheon is one of the 89 population decline areas, so special visa rules that do not exist in other areas apply here.
Region-specific visas
- F-2-R (outstanding talent): recommendation from the head of the local government + living, working or starting a business in a population decline area for 5 years or more
- F-4-R (ethnic Koreans): recommendation from the head of the local government + 2 years or more of residence. Simple labor is allowed in population decline areas
- E-7-4R (skilled workers): 2 years or more of stay as E-9, E-10 or H-2 + recommendation from the head of the local government + living and working in a population decline area for 3 years or more
Each local government has an allocated quota, so first check how many places are left for Jecheon.
New: Regional Vitality Small Business Hiring Exception (May 18, 2026 – December 31, 2027)
Small businesses and agricultural corporations in population decline areas can hire one foreign national with F-2-R status even if they have no Korean employees.
- Eligible: small businesses (manufacturing, wholesale and retail, restaurants) or agricultural corporations
- Requirements: in business for 3 years or more, and sales of KRW 100 million or more in the previous year (the average of the last 2 years is also accepted)
- Procedure: employment contract → recommendation letter from the provincial governor → immigration approval → employment
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.