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2 min read Expats in Korea

Not Just for Koreans: How Expats Can Break Into Tech Here

You don’t need fluent Korean or a computer science degree to break into tech in Korea. More expats are making the switch from ESL to tech — here’s how they’re doing it, and how you can too.
A foreign man working on a laptop in a café with a clear view of Seoul skyline and Namsan Tower in the background

Your Background, Language, or Major Isn’t a Dealbreaker

One of the biggest myths floating around in Korea’s expat circles is this: “You can’t break into tech unless you speak Korean fluently or have a computer science degree.”

We’ve heard it all before — at meetups, in Facebook groups, whispered between tired ESL teachers.

But we’re here to tell you: It’s wrong. Expats in Korea are transitioning into tech — right now — without fluent Korean or a STEM degree.

Here’s how.

Tech Is a Skill-Based Industry

Unlike jobs that rely on hierarchy or age (hello, hagwon contracts), the tech world is different. What matters most is:

  • What you can build
  • How you solve problems
  • Whether you can collaborate

That’s why portfolios matter more than pedigrees.

“My first job interview didn’t ask about my degree. They asked me to explain my GitHub repo.” — Habsida graduate

Many Korean Companies Want Global Talent

Korea’s startup ecosystem is going international:

  • More startups are building global-facing apps
  • Many work in English-first environments
  • Tech roles (especially remote) are less language-restrictive

There’s rising demand for:

  • UX designers who understand global users
  • Developers comfortable with clean, documented code
  • Data analysts who can visualize and explain trends

And yes — you can be all of those, even as an expat.

Your Teaching Background Isn’t a Weakness

Think you’re starting from zero? Think again.

Most ESL teachers already have:

  • Lesson planning → process mapping
  • Explaining concepts → strong communication & soft skills, which help you collaborate and clearly explain your work to clients and teammates
  • Adapting to student needs → UX empathy

Tech isn’t about math genius. It’s about clear logic and human-focused solutions — something you already do every day.

How to Start Without Burning Out

Here’s what not to do:

  • Try to learn coding alone through random YouTube playlists
  • Get stuck in tutorial purgatory
  • Quit your job with no roadmap

Instead:

  1. Get a structured curriculum built for beginners
  2. Focus on one clear path (frontend? UX? data?)
  3. Build a real project portfolio (not just certificates)
  4. Get comprehensive job search support from experienced professionals — free of charge.

It’s Not About Being Korean. It’s About Being Ready.

You don’t need to be fluent. You don’t need a tech degree. You need focus, a plan, and a place to start.

That place? Habsida.

👉 Download the free 2025 ESL-to-Tech Career Guide

👉 Book your intro call this week

👉 Or just ask questions — we’re here for the pivots, not the pressure

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