History and scholarship
Ravenstein's laws of migration (1885), Lee's push–pull theory (1966) and Sjaastad's (1962) human-capital view founded migration research; Borjas (1987, AER) analysed self-selection. Hofstede (1980) mapped cultural dimensions, Black et al. (1991) modelled international adjustment and Inkson et al. (1997) contrasted expatriate assignments with self-initiated overseas experience.
Key points
Typically: pick country and role → check work visas → localise CV and LinkedIn → language scores (IELTS etc.) → apply → contract and visa. Many visas need sponsorship. Laws, programmes, visa rules and hiring practice change; check official notices, current law and actual postings.
In practice
Use HRDK's WorldJob+ and compare going after domestic experience or via a working holiday. Beware of fraudulent brokers.
FAQ
- Can new grads go directly?
- Sometimes, but visas often require experience.
- Use brokers?
- Verify registration and terms.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26
References
- 월드잡플러스(한국산업인력공단). https://www.worldjob.or.kr
- Ravenstein, E. G. (1885). The laws of migration. Journal of the Statistical Society of London, 48(2), 167–235.
- Sjaastad, L. A. (1962). The costs and returns of human migration. Journal of Political Economy, 70(5, Part 2), 80–93.
- Lee, E. S. (1966). A theory of migration. Demography, 3(1), 47–57.
- Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture's Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values. Sage.
- Borjas, G. J. (1987). Self-selection and the earnings of immigrants. American Economic Review, 77(4), 531–553.
- Black, J. S., Mendenhall, M., & Oddou, G. (1991). Toward a comprehensive model of international adjustment. Academy of Management Review, 16(2), 291–317.
- Inkson, K., Arthur, M. B., Pringle, J., & Barry, S. (1997). Expatriate assignment versus overseas experience: Contrasting models of international human resource development. Journal of World Business, 32(4), 351–368.
- 고용24(고용노동부). https://www.work24.go.kr
- 국가법령정보센터. https://www.law.go.kr