Useful Info

Can employers directly contact foreign workers to conclude employment contracts under the Employment Permit System?
Generally not possible
Under the Employment Permit System, direct contact between employers and foreign workers is restricted. The reasons are as follows.
Preventing illegal employment: Direct contact between employers and foreign workers is highly likely to lead to illegal employment.
Preventing sending corruption: To prevent corruption that may occur during the sending process and ensure fair employment.
Standard employment contract: It encourages fair and transparent contract conclusion through the standard employment contract provided by the Korea Industry Manpower Public Corporation.
Exceptional cases
◈ Holders of Visit and Employment (H-2) visas: Foreigners holding Visit and Employment (H-2) visas are not subject to the Employment Permit System, so they can directly conclude employment contracts with employers.
◈ Specific professional personnel: In the case of specific professional personnel such as highly skilled workers, there are cases where they can directly conclude hiring contracts with employers.
Why is direct contact restricted?
Preventing illegal brokerage: To prevent illegal brokers from intervening and taking unfair profits.
Language barriers: Due to difficulties in language communication, contracts with unfavorable conditions may be concluded.
Violation of working conditions: There may be cases where working conditions are not properly observed and unfair treatment is received.
Conclusion
Therefore, in general cases, it is not possible for employers to directly contact foreign workers to conclude employment contracts. If you wish to hire foreign workers, you must follow the Employment Permit System procedures.