As Korea grapples with a growing shortage of R&D professionals in science and technology, the number of foreign doctoral students in Korean graduate programs has more than doubled over the past five years.
This study examines the participation of foreign high-skilled talent in advanced research fields and their settlement conditions in Korea, drawing insights from a survey of foreign R&D professionals and international STEM graduate students. Over 70% of respondents in both groups reported being actively engaged in cutting-edge research and professional roles in Korea. The top reasons for choosing Korea as a work destination included career development opportunities, strong research infrastructure, and competitive salaries.
Foreign R&D professionals noted gradual improvements in Korea’s living and research environments, while international graduate students expressed high levels of satisfaction and a positive outlook on their future in Korea. To strengthen Korea’s ability to attract, develop, and retain high-skilled foreign talent, regular assessments of their experiences are needed. A data-driven approach will be essential in designing tailored policies and support strategies that address each stage of the talent pipeline.