How Bangladeshis Can Work in Korea (EPS Guide)
If you’ve ever wondered how a Bangladeshi friend ends up working in Korea, the most common route is through Korea’s Employment Permit System, or EPS.
This is a government-to-government program designed to bring workers from Bangladesh and other partner countries to meet labor demand in Korea’s manufacturing and other industries.
As a Korean who sees this playing out in everyday life from factories to fish markets I’ll walk you through how it really works.
What Is the Employment Permit System (EPS)?
At its core, the EPS is a legal program that allows non-specialized foreign workers to come to Korea to work under contract with Korean employers. Bangladesh is one of the partner countries in this system, along with about a dozen others.
It started in 2008 after an agreement between the Korean and Bangladeshi governments. The designated agency in Bangladesh that manages this system is Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL).
Under this program, workers typically go to Korea for jobs that local workers may not be filling, often in sectors like manufacturing and shipbuilding. Recently, fisheries and construction sectors have also opened up for Bangladeshi job seekers, which means a broader range of employment opportunities than before.
Step 1: Eligibility and Basic Requirements
Before you can begin the process, there are a few basic eligibility requirements you need to know:
- Most applicants are between 18 and 39 years old.
- You must be medically fit and free of certain legal restrictions that could stop you from going abroad.
- You cannot have been previously deported from Korea or banned from returning.
- There must be no legal restriction from the Government of Bangladesh on your travel abroad.
These requirements are part of making sure workers meet the basic criteria before starting the EPS process.
Step 2: EPS-TOPIK The First Big Step
The first official step to working under EPS is passing the EPS-TOPIK test a special Korean Language Proficiency Test for employment eligibility.
This isn’t the same as the academic TOPIK used by students and professionals. It’s a test focused on practical language skills relevant to work and daily life in Korea. Passing this test is essential because it shows Korean employers and authorities that you can communicate on the job and live in Korea reasonably well.
Each year, the Korean Embassy in Bangladesh announces test dates and the number of job quotas available per sector. For example, in recent years, Bangladesh has had positions in manufacturing, shipbuilding, fisheries, and construction open to applicants through the EPS-TOPIK system.
Step 3: Selection and Job Offer
Once you pass the EPS-TOPIK test, you are placed into a selection pool managed by BOESL. Korean employers can then choose candidates from that pool based on their needs.
The number of available jobs allotted to Bangladesh changes each year depending on Korea’s labor demand and Bangladesh’s historical performance under EPS.
For instance, there have been record allotments in recent years, such as an 11,500 job quota for Bangladesh reported for 2024, the highest ever, showing strong demand from Korean employers.
After selection, you receive a job offer, and once paperwork and medical checks are complete, you can prepare for your flight to Korea.
Step 4: Arrival and Work Life in Korea
When you arrive in Korea, your employer and local support teams will help you settle in. Under EPS, you are employed directly by the Korean company that selected you, and you are a legal worker with a visa tied to your job category.
You receive wages based on Korea’s labor laws, and you’re typically enrolled in national insurance systems like health insurance and workers’ compensation.
Working conditions vary by sector, of course. Manufacturing might involve shifts on a factory floor, while fisheries or construction work can be more physically demanding and outdoors. Many workers say that adapting to life in Korea involves learning local work culture and everyday Korean.
Important Things to Remember
Here are a few real-world pointers from Koreans who’ve seen EPS workers succeed:
Language matters more than you think. While standardized at the EPS-TOPIK level, being able to navigate daily life buying groceries, using transport, reading instructions makes your first months much smoother.
Commitment counts. Many Korean employers value loyalty and hard work highly, especially if you are willing to work with your first employer for the duration of your contract.
Prepare financially and mentally. Although some costs are supported by agencies, moving abroad for work is a big step. Being ready for culture shock, weather changes, and different food habits helps you settle faster.
Final Thoughts
For many Bangladeshis, working in Korea under the EPS system is a gateway to better income and global experience. It’s a structured, legal process that has been growing steadily since 2008, and more sectors are opening up, such as fisheries and construction.
If you’re curious about this path, start with the EPS-TOPIK and understanding the quota and application dates each year. With preparation and determination, moving to Korea to work under EPS can be a life-changing opportunity.