South Korea | Metropolitan Visa Program open for 2027-28 applications, effective Aug. 24

South Korea’s Ministry of Justice announced that the Metropolitan Visa Program is accepting applications for the 2027-28 program year from Aug. 24 through Nov. 10, 2026.

Key takeaways:

Following a successful two-year pilot program, the Metropolitan Visa Program is accepting applications from local governments for the 2027-28 program year.

The program is intended to attract foreign talent to study or work in South Korea’s metropolitan regions under the D-2 study visa or the E-7 specific-activity work visa, respectively.

According to the 2027-28 Metropolitan Visa Program announcement:

• Local governments may choose to offer the D-2 study visa, the E-7 specific-activity work visa or both visas concurrently.
• The visa quota per metropolitan local government will be 200 people.
• If offered concurrently, the combined visa quota must be within 200 people.
• The Jeonnam-Gwangju integrated special city may apply for up to 250 people.
• The total program quota will be 3,000 people.
• Study visa-holders may transition to a specific-activity visa following graduation based on industry demand.
• Spouses of foreign workers with a specific-activity work visa are eligible to work in the same region.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.