Korean Job Discussion Forums

[paul]

I'll just start by making this question very simple: How do western people open a small business in Korea? Specifically, in Seoul?

I've gone to three or four Korean Websites, such as the consulate, immigration, commerce and even the "Business Network" site and no luck. Very Strange, eh?

So if anyone has any direct experience with starting a small business I would be most grateful for your advice. Heck, even speculators with no personal exp. are welcome to respond to this thread.

Thanks in advance. Cheers

[dutchman]

Try this site : http://www.kisc.org/

Also, I've heard the Seoul City Hall has an office that provides answers for business start-ups but I haven't had a chance to check it out yet.

[Gord]

I spoke with the Korean embassy in Canada last year about what was involved in opening a business in Korea. Essentially it boils down to you need to form a corporation and half the company must belong to Koreans. Plus other things like an investment minimum and possible security deposits to guarantee workers wages should one close down unexpectadly.

In other words, it takes lots of money and you have to go big.

[itaewonguy]

you dont need any korean Partners!
what you do need is though

50 million won to be transfered from an outside account!
you must show this to get your D8 visa.
also
you need an office , or location space.. already rented.
then your own your way!
but the 50mill sure does make it hard huh..
if you wanted to do it through a korean, and you want a partnership or visa sponsorship though that business.. then you need to prove to immigration that a korean cant hold this job, and only you can so that way you will get a E6 or 7 I believe which is an specialist visa..

hope this helps dude..
but the 50 mill is the first thing you need to worry about if you got that the rest is downhill

[Universalis]

[mithridates]

I wonder how other Asian countries compare. I know it's easier to have a business in another country and later on start operating inside Korea than it is to start one from scratch inside Korea itself.
Japan, Taiwan, Singapore... China? Would China be feasible?

[peemil]

[Wangja]

[peemil]

You know what I want to start? A convenience store. There's just not enough of them in this country. I think there's a real market for a 24 hour sort of thing.

[Ya-ta Boy]

I always thought a coffee shop or a billiard room would go over big here. I don't think it is possible to have too many of those.

[peemil]

Or a BBQ restaurant... I think the market is ripe for one of those.

[Son Deureo!]

I have an idea. Koreans really want to learn English, so I'll open an English school!

[Derrek]

I've thought it would be interesting to open a kind of bar where older married Korean guys could oogle 19 to 22 year-old girls while they are served drinks. I'd charge a high price, because I know that Korean men basically get an allowance from their wives and must use company money to pay for it. Then, if the guy has the money, he can um.... buy more than just drinks.

I would do it, but as you know, Korea is such a Conservative society.

[rapier]

I want to open the first Stringfellows- style, socially acceptable lap dancing joint in Itaewon.

[The Man known as The Man]