Introduction
Over the past few years, South Korea has become one of the most popular countries for foreigners to live in. While most people who move to the East Asian country teach English or find an office job, a career in nursing is a viable way of supporting yourself there.
Pursuing a career as a foreign nurse in South Korea is challenging, but with the right plan and plenty of determination, it can be done. In this article, we will discuss the easy steps to become a nurse in South Korea and explore the benefits of working in the country’s state-of-the-art medical system.
Study Nursing (Probably in South Korea)
To become a nurse in South Korea, you’ll need to have your university degree approved by the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute or KHPLEI. Unlike some other countries, Korea has a limited list of approved universities, which you can find on the Ministry of Health & Welfare’s (MOHW) website.
If you hold a nursing degree from an approved university, you’ll need to have it approved by the KHPLEI’s licensing board. The amount of time this takes varies, but you should budget for a few months to be sure.
The board will review your credentials and notify you of their decision via email. Note that your documents will need to be translated into Korean to be accepted.
The most straightforward way to ensure that your degree will be accepted in South Korea is to study nursing there. As a rule of thumb, you’ll need to be fluent in Korean for this, although universities have recently been adding classes in English.
As a nurse in Korea, your day-to-day language will be Korean. Being fluent in English is also a valuable skill, though, as there are many foreigners in the country who might need medical attention. Some universities you should consider are Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Korea University.
Most large universities in Korea have affiliate hospitals, giving you a real-life setting to learn about nursing and apply what you’ve learned.
Learn Korean to Become Nurse in South Korea as a Foreigner
Knowing how to speak Korean is an essential step to become a nurse in South Korea. The Korean licensing exam, nursing university courses, and day-to-day work are all conducted in the local language. Thus, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency to become a registered nurse.
The most popular way to validate your Korean proficiency is the Test of Proficiency in Korean or TOPIK. This test is available both in South Korea and overseas and is entirely written. In contrast to most other language tests, in which you take a different exam depending on your level, all TOPIK examinees take a single test and are assigned a level based on their score. There is no set requirement by the KHPLEI, but you should aim for at least a level 4 or 5.
Korean, like many Asian languages, can seem intimidating to learn, especially if you’re from the West. Luckily, the recent popularity of South Korea’s pop culture has meant that the demand for learning the language has risen too. There are many online and print resources available to non-native speakers.
Take the KMLE
The Korean Medical Licensing Examination, or KMLE, is the test you need to take to practice medicine in South Korea. This test is not just for nurses but for all other medical professionals as well. It is an essential step to become a nurse in South Korea. This is the same test that local Koreans take.
As mentioned, it is administered entirely in Korean, so be sure to brush up on your language skills first. The KMLE was recently reformed to make it more practical.
While it still involves memorizing medical terms and procedures, there is now a greater emphasis on case studies and problem-solving.
Apply for a Work Visa
To get a work visa in Korea, you’ll need to find a company to sponsor you. In the case of nurses, this is the hospital or care facility you work in. As a medical professional, you should apply for an E-5 or E-7 visa.
If you’re still looking for a job, there are a number of short-term visas available. Once you’ve obtained a visa and are working in the country, you’ll need to apply for an Alien Residence Card or ARC. This will allow you to get a SIM card and access other services.
Find a Nursing Job in South Korea
Finding a job in South Korea as a foreigner isn’t as challenging as it used to be. Hospitals are increasingly looking for staff who can communicate in English and other languages, which gives you an advantage from the start.
If you studied nursing in the country, your first job will likely be with your university’s affiliate hospital. You’ll probably work there to some degree as a student, and if you do well, you’ll find many longer-term opportunities. Besides this, you can also apply through regular job portals like Glassdoor, Indeed.com, and LinkedIn.
In conclusion, South Korea is an excellent destination for anyone who wants to pursue a career in nursing. The country’s rich cultural experience combined with its state-of-the-art healthcare system makes it an attractive choice for aspiring nurses.
Although the process of becoming a nurse in South Korea may be challenging, it is certainly achievable with the right plan and determination. By studying nursing, learning the Korean language, taking the KMLE, obtaining a work visa, and finding a job, you can embark on a fulfilling nursing career in South Korea.
FAQs
1. How much do nurses get paid in South Korea?
Nurses in South Korea are paid approximately 3.8 million won per month. For a single person, this salary is enough to cover housing and living costs. However, if you have to pay rent yourself, saving money may be more challenging.
2. What is the expected annual salary for nurses in South Korea?
According to SalaryExpert, nurses in South Korea can make as much as 56,840,996 won per year (equivalent to 42,871.38 USD).
3. Are there English-taught nursing programs available in South Korea?
While the primary language of instruction for nursing programs in South Korea is Korean, some universities have started offering classes in English to accommodate international students. It’s advisable to check with the universities directly for information on English-taught programs.
4. What is the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)?
The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is a widely recognized examination for assessing proficiency in the Korean language. It is used by various institutions, including the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute (KHPLEI), to determine language skills.
5. Can foreign nurses work in hospitals in South Korea?
Yes, foreign nurses can work in hospitals in South Korea. With the increasing demand for staff who can communicate in English and other languages, hospitals are actively seeking foreign nurses to join their teams.