Why Learning to Code in Korea Makes Sense in 2025

Especially If You’re an Expat Looking for Long-Term Options

If you’ve been teaching English in Korea and feel stuck, you’re not imagining it. The ESL market is shifting: salaries are stagnant, visa rules are tightening, and long-term career growth is almost nonexistent for many expats.

But there’s a surprising solution — and it doesn’t require leaving the country: learning to code right here in Korea.

Here’s why 2025 might be the best year to start.

Korea’s Tech Ecosystem Is Booming

Even as the ESL market plateaus, Korea’s tech industry continues to expand.

With government initiatives aimed at boosting digital transformation, startups are thriving in cities like Seoul, Busan, and Songdo. Many are looking beyond Korean-only hires — especially for roles in development, UX/UI, and data.

“Korea has thousands of job listings where the only language requirement is clean code and teamwork.”

You Don’t Need to Leave Korea to Re-Skill

Unlike some programs abroad, Habsida is built for expats in Korea. That means:

• All instruction is in English
• You can study while maintaining your visa
• Projects focus on building real-world, portfolio-ready skills

“I kept my job while studying part-time. Six months later, I landed a freelance dev gig. That transition would’ve been 10x harder back home.” — Habsida graduate

Tech Skills Give You Visa Independence

Many expats rely on E2 or D visa types tied to their employer. But what if your visa came from your skills, not your school?

Korea offers other pathways — including D-10, E7, D-8, and F-series visas — for freelancers, startup founders, and skilled workers. And guess which field checks all the boxes? Tech.

 It’s Actually Less Risky Than ESL

At first, it may seem like jumping into tech is riskier than sticking with what you know. But the long-term reality?

• ESL: capped income, contract churn, few raises
• Tech: upward mobility, remote work options, global job market

Plus, most beginners start earning through freelance or internships long before they’re “expert-level.”

“In ESL, I was getting older and poorer. In tech, I’m getting better and more in-demand.” — Alex, former business English teacher

How to Start

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

👉 Schedule a free intro call with Habsida

👉 Explore beginner-friendly tracks: Frontend, UX/UI, Data

The best time to pivot is before you hit burnout. And the best place to start? Right where you already are — in Korea.