Want to work legally in Korea with good salary and benefits? The Employment Permit System (EPS-TOPIK) is your pathway. This complete guide covers everything you need to know: requirements, exam, timeline, costs, and reality of working in Korea.
📥 Download Complete EPS-TOPIK PDF ChecklistWhat is EPS-TOPIK?
EPS-TOPIK (Employment Permit System - Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the official program that allows Filipinos to work legally in Korea in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fishing, and service industries.
- Over 21,000 Filipinos currently working through EPS
- 3-year contract (renewable up to 4 years 10 months total)
- Legal protection, health insurance, pension included
- Managed by Korean and Philippine governments (legitimate program)
Why Choose EPS-TOPIK vs Other Countries?
✅ Korea (EPS)
Middle East
Am I Eligible? EPS-TOPIK Requirements
Basic Requirements:
- Filipino citizen with valid passport
- Age 18-38 years old at time of application
- No criminal record in Philippines or Korea
- No deportation history from Korea
- Physically and mentally fit (will undergo medical exam)
- No tattoos visible in short sleeves (some companies strict on this)
Educational Requirement:
Minimum: High school graduate or equivalent. No college degree required, though having one doesn't hurt your chances.
Who CANNOT Apply:
- Previously worked illegally in Korea
- Deported or blacklisted from Korea
- Failed background check
- Serious medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure requiring medication, etc.)
The EPS-TOPIK Exam: What You Need to Know
Exam Structure:
- Total Questions:50 questions
- Time Limit:70 minutes
- Sections:Reading (25 questions) + Listening (25 questions)
- Passing Score:80 points out of 200 (40%)
- Format:Multiple choice, computer-based
What Level of Korean Do I Need?
Good news: Basic conversational level is enough. The exam tests:
- Reading simple workplace signs and instructions
- Understanding basic workplace conversations
- Common vocabulary (about 800-1000 words)
- Simple grammar structures
Exam Schedule 2025:
EPS-TOPIK is held 2-3 times per year in the Philippines. Exact dates announced by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Typical schedule:
- March-April: First exam cycle
- August-September: Second exam cycle
- November-December: Third exam cycle (if needed)
Where to Check Official Updates: DMW Philippines website and Facebook page
Complete Timeline: Application to Korea
Here's what happens after you pass the exam:
Complete Cost Breakdown
Budget realistically—here's what you'll actually spend:
| Expense | Cost Range | When to Pay |
|---|---|---|
| EPS-TOPIK Exam Fee | ₱5,000 - ₱6,000 | During registration |
| Korean Study Materials | ₱0 - ₱3,000 | Before exam (can use free resources) |
| Medical Exam | ₱8,000 - ₱12,000 | After job offer |
| NBI Clearance | ₱150 - ₱300 | After job offer |
| Document Processing | ₱2,000 - ₱5,000 | After job offer |
| Passport (if new/renewal) | ₱950 - ₱1,200 | Before application |
| PDOS Seminar | ₱500 - ₱1,000 | Before departure |
| OWWA Membership | ₱0 | Usually covered by employer |
| Airfare | ₱0 | Paid by Korean employer |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED | ₱50,000 - ₱70,000 | Over 12-18 months |
Life in Korea: What to Expect
💵 Salary & Benefits:
- Minimum Wage 2025: ~₩2,060,740/month (approximately $1,540 or ₱86,000)
- Average Take-Home: After taxes, insurance, dorm fees: ~₩1,500,000 ($1,120 or ₱63,000)
- Overtime Pay: Available in most jobs (1.5x regular rate)
- Benefits Included: Health insurance, pension contributions, workers' compensation
🏠 Housing:
- Company dormitory provided (deduction: ₱10,000-15,000/month)
- Shared rooms common (2-4 people per room)
- Basic furniture, kitchen, bathroom included
- Internet usually available
⏰ Working Hours:
- Standard: 8 hours/day, 5-6 days/week
- Manufacturing: Shift work common (day/night rotation)
- Agriculture: Seasonal variations, longer hours in peak season
- Overtime: Often available for extra income
❄️ Challenges to Prepare For:
- Winter: -10°C to -20°C in some regions (buy thermal clothes)
- Language barrier: Not all supervisors speak English
- Homesickness: 3-year contract, visits home are expensive
- Cultural differences: Work culture is hierarchical and fast-paced
- Food adjustment: Korean food very different from Filipino cuisine
- Learn Korean BEFORE arriving (makes huge difference)
- Join Filipino community in your area for support
- Budget wisely—send money home but save for yourself too
- Respect Korean work culture (punctuality, hierarchy)
- Use 3 years to save, learn skills, plan next steps
📋 Download Complete EPS-TOPIK Application Checklist
Get our step-by-step checklist covering: study schedule, required documents, timeline tracker, cost planner, and post-arrival guide. Used by thousands of Filipino EPS applicants.
Download Free Checklist PDFHow to Prepare: Your Study Plan
Option 1: Free Self-Study (0-3 months)
- Free Resources: EPS-TOPIK Online Facebook group (136K+ members), HRD Korea website (free practice tests), Korean language learning apps
- Study Routine: 1-2 hours daily for 3-6 months
- Best For: Disciplined self-learners, those with time constraints
Option 2: Free Community Classes
- Korean Cultural Center Manila: Offers free Korean language classes (limited slots)
- Online Webinars: PinoySeoul and others host free EPS-TOPIK sessions
- Study Groups: Join local study groups through EPS-TOPIK Online community
Option 3: Paid Courses (₱5,000-15,000)
- Language Schools: 2-3 month intensive courses
- Online Courses: Structured lessons with tutor support
- Best For: Those who need structure and direct guidance
⚠️ AVOID THESE SCAMS
- "Guaranteed Job Placement"- No one can guarantee this. Job matching depends on Korean employers.
- High "Processing Fees"- Legitimate EPS has minimal fees. Avoid anyone asking ₱100K+ "processing."
- "Fast-Track" Services- There's no fast-track. Timeline is fixed by government.
- "Fake Agencies"- Only process through DMW/POEA. Private agencies cannot recruit for EPS.
- "Buy Your Slot"- Selection is merit-based (exam score). Cannot be bought.
✅ Legitimate Process ONLY Through:
- Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Philippines
- Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
- HRD Korea (Human Resources Development Service of Korea)
Official Website: dmw.gov.ph | poea.gov.ph
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my family?
No. EPS workers cannot bring dependents. You work alone in Korea. Some workers visit home once during the contract (at own expense).
What happens after my 3-year contract?
Options:
- Contract Renewal: If employer agrees, extend up to 4 years 10 months total
- Return Home: Receive severance pay and pension refund
- Re-apply: After 6 months home, can take EPS-TOPIK again
- Other Visas: Some transition to skilled worker visa (if qualified)
Can I change employers in Korea?
Yes, but limited. You can change employers 3 times during your contract if:
- Workplace closes or goes bankrupt
- Serious contract violations by employer
- Both parties agree to termination
How much can I save in 3 years?
Realistic savings if you send ₱30,000/month home and save ₱15,000 for yourself:
- 3 years: ₱540,000 personal savings + ₱1,080,000 sent home = ₱1,620,000 total
- Plus severance pay and pension refund: additional ₱200,000-300,000
Is the exam hard?
Moderate difficulty. The passing score is low (40%), but don't underestimate it. Study seriously for 3-6 months. Many fail because they didn't prepare enough.
What if I fail the exam?
You can retake it in the next exam cycle (usually 4-6 months later). No limit on attempts. Many successful workers passed on their 2nd or 3rd try.
Can I work other jobs in Korea?
No. Your visa is tied to your EPS employer. Working elsewhere is illegal and can result in deportation.
Success Stories from PinoySeoul Community
"Worked 3 years in Busan factory. Sent ₱35K home monthly. Saved ₱600K for myself. When I came home, our family debt was cleared and I had capital to start a small business." - Mark, 32, from Pangasinan
"The winter was brutal, and I cried from homesickness many times. But I learned Korean, saved money, and proved to myself I can succeed abroad. Now I'm back and using my savings to build our dream house." - Grace, 28, from Cebu
"Used free resources from EPS-TOPIK Online group. Studied 2 hours daily. Passed with 165/200. Got matched to employer in 5 months. Currently working in Daegu, saving well!" - Carlo, 25, from Manila
🎓 Join 136,000+ Filipinos Preparing for EPS-TOPIK
Get free study resources, connect with current workers in Korea, ask questions, and receive updates on exam schedules. The largest Filipino EPS-TOPIK community online.
Join EPS-TOPIK Online Group 🎵 Listen to Pinoy Seoul RadioYour Next Steps
If You're Serious About Working in Korea:
- Check Eligibility: Age 18-38, no criminal record, physically fit
- Download Our Checklist: Complete preparation guide and timeline
- Join Community: 136K+ members sharing tips, updates, experiences
- Start Learning Korean NOW: Don't wait for exam announcement. Begin today.
- Prepare Budget: Save ₱50K-70K over next 6-12 months
- Watch for DMW Announcements: Follow official channels for registration dates
- 12+ months before exam:Start learning Korean basics (Hangul, vocabulary)
- 6 months before:Intensive study, practice tests weekly
- 3 months before:Daily practice, join study groups, final review
- 1 month before:Mock exams, weak area focus, mental preparation
Ready to Start Your Korea Journey?
Join thousands of Filipinos already preparing for EPS-TOPIK
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