South Korea EPS Program from Nepal: Complete Application Guide 2026

Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) is operated government-to-government between Korea and Nepal. It is among the most transparent migration routes available to Nepali workers. EPS workers receive wage equality with Korean workers (minimum KRW 9,860/hour in 2024), full National Health Insurance, Employment Insurance, and a severance payment on completion. This guide covers the full EPS journey for first-time applicants.

Why EPS is special

• Government-to-government channel. Recruitment runs through EPS Centre Nepal and HRD Korea, not private agencies. No service charge above the regulated limit.
• Wage equality with Korean workers. Your salary is set by Korean labour law, not migrant-worker exceptions.
• Strong worker protection. The Korean Labour Standards Act applies in full. Overtime premium, mandatory rest and severance pay are all guaranteed.
• Re-entry programme. After completing the 4-year-10-month contract, returning workers can re-enter under the Sincere Worker scheme.
• Top salary among Asian destinations. A typical Nepali EPS worker earns NPR 230,000–300,000 a month.

The EPS journey in 7 stages

Stage 1: EPS-TOPIK language test

A mandatory Korean-language test (TOPIK, the Test of Proficiency In Korean, EPS variant). Two sessions run per year, registered through EPS Centre Nepal in Buddhanagar, Kathmandu. Test fee: around NPR 28,000. Preparation typically takes 4–6 months of structured study, costing NPR 25,000–60,000 at private institutes.

Stage 2: Skill test (sector-specific)

After passing EPS-TOPIK, you take a skill test in your chosen sector (manufacturing, agriculture, fishery, construction). The test verifies practical competence, and a pass certificate is mandatory for roster registration. Fee: around NPR 5,000–10,000.

Stage 3: Roster registration (UMS submission)

Your scores and profile are uploaded to the UMS (User Management System), the central database Korean employers use to select candidates. EPS Centre Nepal manages the submission.

Stage 4: Employer selection

Korean employers browse the UMS roster and select candidates based on test scores, experience and preferences. This is the longest-waiting phase. It typically runs 6–18 months between roster listing and being selected by an employer.

Stage 5: Contract signing and medical exam

Once selected, your contract details (employer, sector, wage, location) are sent to you via EPS Centre. You attend mandatory pre-departure preparation, a medical examination at a Korea-approved clinic, and biometric registration.

Stage 6: Pre-Departure Training (PDT)

A 45-hour PDT covering Korean workplace culture, labour rights, safety, basic Korean conversation, banking, and emergency contacts. Held at EPS Centre Nepal or partner facilities. A completion certificate is mandatory for departure.

Stage 7: Departure and arrival training in Korea

The flight is typically arranged by HRD Korea. On arrival, you undergo a 3-day orientation at HRD Korea in Incheon covering Korean labour law, workplace safety, banking setup, emergency contacts and NHI enrolment. You're then transferred to your employer.

Total cost from start to flight

• EPS-TOPIK course: NPR 25,000–60,000
• EPS-TOPIK test fee: around NPR 28,000
• Skill test fee: around NPR 5,000–10,000
• Medical examination: around NPR 8,000–12,000
• Welfare fund, PDT and minor admin: around NPR 8,000–12,000
• Total: around NPR 75,000–120,000

This is substantially lower than most Gulf or European routes. The air ticket is typically arranged through HRD Korea and cost-recovered from salary, often as a few months of small deductions.

Sectors you can apply for

• Manufacturing (the largest sector). Factory production lines, assembly, electronics, food processing. Typical salary NPR 230,000–300,000/month.
• Agriculture. Vegetable farms, livestock, greenhouse work. Rural locations.
• Fishery. Coastal and marine work, fish-processing plants.
• Construction. Limited but possible, with higher physical demand.

Contract terms

• Duration: 4 years 10 months on an E-9 visa (the maximum allowed).
• Working hours: 40 hours/week standard, with overtime up to 12 hours additional.
• Wage: Minimum hourly wage (KRW 9,860 in 2024) multiplied by hours worked, with a 50% overtime premium past 40 hours.
• Benefits: National Health Insurance, Employment Insurance, Industrial Accident Insurance.
• Annual leave: 15 days after 1 year of service.
• Severance: 1 month's wage per year of service, paid on contract completion.
• Return-airfare allowance: Provided on contract completion.

The Sincere Worker re-entry programme

Workers who complete the 4-year-10-month contract without disciplinary issues qualify for the Sincere Worker scheme. They can re-enter Korea after a 3-month waiting period, at the same employer or a similar role, for another 4 years 10 months. This makes a 10-year Korean career realistic for disciplined workers.

How to start

1. Register your interest at EPS Centre Nepal, Buddhanagar, Kathmandu.
2. Enrol in a Korean-language preparation course at a reputable institute (cost NPR 25,000–60,000).
3. Take the EPS-TOPIK test at the next available session.
4. After passing the language and skill tests, your profile enters the UMS roster.
5. Wait for employer selection (typically 6–18 months).
6. Complete pre-departure formalities and fly.

EPS recruitment is government-run, so private agencies cannot directly "place" you in a Korean job. Glocal Workforce Nepal's role is advisory: we help you choose the right preparation path, connect you with proven language schools, and provide pre-departure counselling. Visit our Battishputali office for a free EPS counselling session.