Understanding South Korea’s Seasonal Worker Program for Filipinos

By Majella P. Pagayon

South Korea’s Seasonal Worker Program provides temporary employment opportunities for foreign workers, particularly in agriculture and fisheries. Many Filipinos apply for this program to earn a higher income, but not all succeed in completing their contract. Some workers run away from their employers due to various reasons, including harsh working conditions and a lack of experience in farm work.

This article will discuss:

✔️ How to apply for the program

✔️ Salary and working conditions

✔️ Why some workers run away

✔️ Consequences of leaving the job illegally

📍 How to Apply for the Seasonal Worker Program

The Seasonal Worker Program allows foreign workers to legally work in South Korea for a few months.

✅ Application Process

1️⃣ Check if your province in the Philippines has an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with a Korean municipality. Some provinces have official agreements with South Korean cities.

🔗 List of MOUs for Seasonal Workers (Philippines-Korea) ( please verify with POEA)

2️⃣ Submit your application through the local government. The LGU (Local Government Unit) in your province will announce when applications open.

3️⃣ Prepare the required documents:

Valid passport

Medical certificate

Employment contract provided by the employer

4️⃣ Attend an orientation to understand your work responsibilities and legal rights.

5️⃣ Wait for approval and visa processing. Once approved, you will receive a visa and flight details to South Korea.

🔗 Official Guide from POEA (Verify with official POEA website)

📍 Salary and Working Conditions

💰 Salary: ₩1.5M – ₩2.5M per month (₱60,000–₱100,000)

⏳ Working Hours: 10–12 hours per day, 6 days a week

🏠 Housing: Usually provided by the employer (shared dormitories)

🍽️ Food: Some employers provide meals, while others deduct food expenses from the salary.

🌤️ Work Environment: Hard labor in farms, greenhouses, or fisheries, often under extreme weather conditions.

🔗 Korea’s Minimum Wage & Labor Laws (Official website of Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor)

📍 Why Do Many Seasonal Workers Run Away?

Many Filipino seasonal workers leave their employers before their contract ends. Here are some common reasons:

🚫 Unrealistic Expectations – Some workers assume the job is easy, but farming requires physical strength and endurance.

🥵 Harsh Working Conditions – Long hours, extreme heat or cold, and repetitive manual labor cause stress and exhaustion.

💰 Salary Disappointment – After deductions for food and housing, some workers feel they are earning less than expected.

🔍 Better Opportunities – Some workers run away to find better-paying jobs, even if it means becoming undocumented.

📍 Consequences of Running Away

If a seasonal worker runs away, they become illegal migrants and may face:

🚔 Deportation and Ban – Illegal workers are blacklisted and cannot return to Korea in the future.

⚖️ Fines and Legal Consequences – The Korean government tracks and penalizes visa violators.

⚠️ Exploitation – Undocumented workers are at risk of low wages, abuse, and unsafe working conditions.

🔗 Korean Immigration Laws for Foreign Workers (Official website of Korea’s Immigration Office)

📍 Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?

The Seasonal Worker Program can be a great opportunity, but it requires hard work and discipline.

✅ Apply if you:

✔️ Are willing to do farm or fisheries work

✔️ Can endure long hours and tough conditions

✔️ Want a legal way to earn in Korea

❌ Do not apply if you:

🚫 Are not physically prepared for heavy labor

🚫 Expect an easy or high-paying job

🚫 Plan to run away and work illegally

What Are Your Thoughts?

Would you consider applying for this program? Share your thoughts in the comments below!