Working in Republic of Korea
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Republic of Korea
21,000
Main language(s) spoken in Republic of Korea
Korean
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Required
Ministry of Health and Welfare 13, Doum 4-ro, Sejong, (30113) Korea
https://www.mohw.go.kr/eng/index.jsp (External) ↗
https://www.mohw.go.kr/eng/index.jsp (External) ↗
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Required
It is compulsory to join the Korean Association of Occupational Therapists in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
To Practice as an OT in Korea, everyone must pass certification exam in Korean and pass it. And internationally-educated occupational therapists must meet National Health Personnel Licensing Examination Board (NHPLEB) eligibility requirements and undergo pre-screening based on the status of their occupational therapy education programmes. For detailed info visit : https://www.kuksiwon.or.kr/EngHome/index.do (External) ↗
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Korean
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
No
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Korean Consulates located in each country
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Republic of Korea
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Korean Association of Occupational Therapists and was last updated on 14th July 2025. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.
Definition of Occupational Therapy in Republic of Korea
Korean Association of Occupational Therapists's definition of occupational therapy in own language
작업치료에서 작업은 사람들이 개인, 가족 및 지역사회와 함께 시간을 보내고 삶의 의미와 목적을 가져오는 일상 활동을 말합니다. 작업은 사람들이 필요로 하고, 원하고, 할 것으로 예상되는 일들을 포함합니다.
Korean Association of Occupational Therapists's definition of occupational therapy in English
In occupational therapy, occupations refer to the everyday activities that people do as individuals, in families and with communities to occupy time and bring meaning and purpose to life. Occupations include things people need to, want to and are expected to do.
Definition date: January 2023
Publications
Korean Journal of Occupational Therapy
The purpose of this journal is to promote the academic development of occupational therapy in Korea (Republic of) through research on various occupational therapy related domains.
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Republic of Korea
27