Master the Korean resume (이력서) for Seoul, Busan, and Incheon employers — photo, family info, and how to format for chaebols vs startups.
Photo Expected
Yes
Resume Length
1-2 pages
Date Format
YYYY.MM.DD
Region
Asia
Korean resumes (이력서) follow a strict structured format, often submitted alongside a separate self-introduction essay (자기소개서). Include a professional photo (passport-style, business attire, plain background) in the top-right corner — this is non-negotiable for chaebols (Samsung, LG, Hyundai). Education is listed reverse-chronologically with full Korean and English institution names. Language proficiency is anchored to standardised test scores: TOEIC for English (700+ is competitive, 850+ for chaebols), HSK for Chinese, JLPT for Japanese, OPIc for spoken English. Korean nationals also list their gun complete status. The 자기소개서 is a 4-section essay (growth process, personality, motivation for applying, future aspirations) — each section ~500-700 Korean characters. Startups in Pangyo and Gangnam are more flexible; large chaebols expect the full traditional format.
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