South Korea is experiencing a remarkable surge in its foreign workforce and international student population, setting new records in 2025 and reflecting the nation’s deepening ties with countries such as Vietnam. According to Yonhap, by May 2025, there were 1.69 million foreign residents aged 15 and over living in South Korea, marking an 8.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Of these, more than 1.1 million foreign workers were employed—a 9.8% jump from the previous year and the highest level since the Ministry of Data and Statistics began collecting such figures in 2017.
This influx is not just about numbers; it’s about opportunity and integration. The number of international students with jobs in South Korea soared by 23,000 people (a staggering 71.8%) to reach 56,000. This dramatic rise is largely attributed to proactive policies from local governments and universities aimed at attracting foreign students, as well as the expanding global appeal of Korean culture. As South Korea opens its doors wider, the tapestry of its workforce and student community is becoming more diverse—and more dynamic.
Vietnamese nationals are a prominent part of this shift. In 2025, 149,000 Vietnamese workers were employed in South Korea, an increase of 26,000 people (21.3%) compared to the previous year. Chinese workers also saw significant growth, rising by 12,000 people (27.8%) to 54,000. Ethnic Koreans from China made up the largest group of foreign workers at 341,000. These figures underscore the strong connections between South Korea and its Asian neighbors, especially as educational and professional pathways become more accessible.
The demographic breakdown of foreign workers reveals that about 33% are in their 30s, while 25.7% are aged 15 to 29, and 18.7% are in their 40s. Nearly 45% of foreign workers are employed in manufacturing and mining—sectors that remain the backbone of Korea’s industrial economy. Another 20.4% work in wholesale, retail, lodging, and food service, while 9% each are employed in agriculture and fisheries, and in construction. The recruitment rate for foreign workers stands at 65.5%, up 0.8% from the previous year, but the unemployment rate has also edged up by 0.7% to 6.4%.
Financially, more than half of foreign workers earn a monthly salary between 2 million and 3 million won (roughly 36 to 54 million Vietnamese dong), and 36.9% take home more than 3 million won per month. Satisfaction levels are high—nearly 70% of foreign workers say they are content with their current jobs in South Korea, according to Yonhap. Yet, there are challenges: 2.3% of surveyed foreign workers reported experiencing a work-related accident in the past year, with the majority attributing incidents to personal carelessness (66.1%) or inadequate safety equipment and protective gear (13.4%).
Amid these trends, the role of education as a bridge between nations has never been more apparent. On December 17, 2025, the University of Hoseo, a private institution established in 1978 with main campuses in Cheonan and Asan, held a major seminar in Hanoi to introduce its 2026 enrollment program. The event, attended by university representatives, the Hoseo Global Center in Hanoi, and dozens of Vietnamese study abroad partners, aimed to expand cooperation and promote the RISE Project—an initiative designed to encourage Vietnamese students to study in South Korea.
Hoseo University’s location—just 80 kilometers from Seoul and a quick 45-minute KTX train ride away—gives students easy access to South Korea’s economic heart. Asan city, where Hoseo’s main campus is based, is a major industrial hub with 14 large complexes, home to global giants like Hyundai, Samsung LCD, Samsung Electronics, and LG. This proximity allows students to participate in practical training, research, and real-world projects, giving them a significant edge in the job market.
One of Hoseo’s standout features is its strategic partnership with Samsung Group, particularly in the field of semiconductor training. Students have the chance to intern and work directly within Samsung’s sprawling production ecosystem, boosting their employment prospects immediately after graduation. Hoseo has also pioneered a special master’s program tailored for Vietnamese students in semiconductor and automotive electronics—fields in high demand in today’s labor market.
The RISE Project, central to Hoseo’s internationalization strategy, provides comprehensive support for Vietnamese students. It assists with application preparation, scholarship opportunities, study skills, cultural integration, and hands-on experience in South Korea. The Hoseo Global Center in Hanoi acts as the official representative for admissions consulting, student management, and coordinates with 45 study abroad companies in Vietnam to ensure smooth cooperation and effective program delivery.
Scholarships are another draw. Hoseo University offers a variety of financial aid options for international students, including full scholarships, merit-based awards, and special scholarships for STEM fields. These programs help reduce financial burdens and encourage students to develop specialized skills needed for the modern workforce. The university’s commitment goes beyond academics, fostering an environment where students can develop creative thinking, technological expertise, and crucial soft skills for global careers.
During the December event, Hoseo University signed a cooperation agreement with HSV Holdings to establish the RISE Project Center in Hanoi and celebrated the first anniversary of the Hoseo Global Center’s presence in Vietnam. The university also honored its study abroad partners and outstanding students who have contributed to the institution’s growing reputation. The event marked a new milestone, as Hoseo and its partners signed agreements with 45 Vietnamese study abroad companies, further expanding the network and strengthening educational ties between the two countries.
The growing presence of Vietnamese students and workers in South Korea is not just a statistic—it’s a testament to the power of international cooperation, the appeal of Korean education and industry, and the aspirations of a new generation seeking opportunity abroad. For many, choosing to study or work in South Korea is more than just a personal goal; it’s a strategic investment in their future careers, especially in cutting-edge fields like technology, engineering, and data science.
As South Korea continues to welcome more foreign workers and students, the country’s social and economic fabric is being enriched with new perspectives, skills, and ambitions. The partnership between institutions like Hoseo University and Vietnamese organizations is paving the way for even stronger connections, ensuring that the next chapter of Korea’s growth story is one that’s shared across borders and cultures.
