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A lot of people commenting on my blogposts and emailing me asking “How to apply as a factory worker in Korea?”. and although I am not authorized to hire people to work here in Korea, I feel obligated as a blogger to share the information on how people in the Philippines apply as a factory worker here. Interested applicant must go through the process of EPS or Employment Permit System.

So here’s a guide for everyone out there who are interested to work in a manufacturing industry. This is based on the agreement between the Ministry of Employment and Labor of the Republic of Korea (MOEL) and the Department of Labor and Employment of the Philippines with regards to the MOU on the Sending of Workers.

There are three rounds you must pass in order to be hired as Factory worker in South Korea. Every round has corresponding points, and the points that you will acquire along the way will help you open the door of opportunity to South Korea. So what are these three rounds?

First Round: Korean Language Test

The announcement of EPS-TOPIK is usually posted in the POEA website (www.poea.gov.ph). There is no definite date of posting of announcement. While waiting for the announcement, I recommend you start learning Korean language. You need to pass the exam in order to be listed in the roster of applicants.

 For the qualifications, please check the list below:

Registration venues will soon be posted.

Go to the respective testing venue on a specified date on the announcement and take the EPS-TOPIK exam. You must pass the exam, if not, you cannot work as a factory worker in Korea.

The exam is consists of two types, the Listening and the Reading. There are 25 items for listening and 25 items also for reading.  You must answer that in 70 minutes. Test type is multiple choice.

You will be informed about the date of the announcement of test result. All you need to do is wait (usually about 7 days) for the announcement which can be found on POEA website. Once you see your name on the passer’s list, you can now submit the requirements to POEA. Please note that passing the exam does not guarantee employment, but basically, you are halfway there.

Second Round: Skills Test

Once you see your name on the passers’ list, report to POEA in your area immediately. You must bring the photocopy and original copy of the following:

1. WORK EXPERIENCE/ CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT
2. LICENSED CERTIFICATE (NATIONAL)
3. VOCATIONAL TRAINING CERTIFICATE MULA SA TESDA O SA TESDA ACCREDITED
TRAINING CENTERS

The POEA will advice you to take the Skills test. Venue and date will be announced. The skills test will further measure your ability to speak and understand Korean Language. It's actually an interview using Korean as a medium of communication.

In this test, you will also receive instructions in Korean and you must do what is asked by the interviewer to pass this test. Commands, like arranging things, identifying colors, lifting objects and whatnot, will be asked in Korean language and you must do it all perfectly.

Third Round: Certifications

The certifications from your previous job experience can gain you more points for this opportunity. If you have no work experience, you can still be listed in a roster as long as you passed round 1 and round 2, but certifications will earn you the following points:

Work Experience (1 year and more) : 3 points
Licensed Certificate (1 year and more): 1 point
Vocational Training Certificate (1 year and more): 1 point

The employers in South Korea will choose the name in the roster based on the points gathered by the hopeful applicants. So it is important you have accumulated good amount of points every round.

How much does it cost?

In peso, it is approximately PHP35,000.

That’s it. It’s not rocket science. You just need patience and the guts. For more information about working here in Korea in general, you may want to check my other posts regarding the current minimum wage for factory workers in Korea, type of jobs in manufacturing industry and a lot more HERE.