The group arrived on April 10 under a cooperation agreement between the two localities, according to the county government.
The workers will undergo initial training on human rights protection and compliance with Korean law before being assigned to farms across the area.
They will join 187 seasonal workers from other countries supporting local agricultural production. The county also plans to receive around 130 additional workers from the Philippines in the coming period.
To help workers adapt, local authorities are coordinating with the Jinan Rural Workforce Support Centre to provide Vietnamese and English interpretation services, along with support for daily living.
Under current plans, the number of foreign seasonal workers in Jinan is expected to reach 987 in 2026, making them a key part of the local agricultural workforce.
South Korea’s seasonal foreign worker programme is designed to address labour shortages caused by an ageing population and a shrinking rural workforce.
Launched around 2015, the programme operates through cooperation between local governments in South Korea and overseas partners, including Vietnam and the Philippines.
Workers typically enter on short term visas, C, 4 or E, 8, with employment periods ranging from three to eight months, mainly during peak farming seasons. Unlike the employment permit system, E, 9, seasonal workers are not allowed to switch to long term residency, helping control immigration levels.
Recruitment is coordinated by local authorities, limiting the role of private brokers and reducing risks of illegal employment. Workers also receive training on legal regulations, occupational safety and human rights protection before starting work.
South Korea has strengthened measures to protect migrant workers’ rights, including minimum wage guarantees, basic insurance coverage and medical support, while many localities provide interpretation services and assistance with daily life.
