Starbucks Korea is reportedly hiring baristas of other nationalities for the first time, according to a report by Korea Joongang Daily.

The coffeehouse chain started accepting overseas applications as part of its annual barista hiring.

According to the news agency, applicants to be a Starbucks barista in Korea must obtain a visa, which allows them to work as a part-timer.

Preference would be given to the candidates who will secure level 3 or above in the Test of Proficiency in Korean exam (Topik).

Although Starbucks Korea has not specified the number of non-Korean nationals it would be hiring, the brand plans to hire people for its 1,800 branches nationwide.

Applications are open until 10 September 2023 and the chosen candidates are expected to join after October.

Once selected, the applicants will have the option to work in three different shifts.

They can choose to work 25 hours a week with five-hour work days, including weekends, or 15 hours a week with three-hour work days, including weekends.

As the third option, the selected candidates can choose to work 16 hours a week with eight-hour workdays only on the weekends.

Starbucks Korea talent acquisition head Park Chan-ho was quoted by the news agency as saying: “We have been doing our best to create quality jobs and increase people's interest in coffee through our annual barista hirings.

“We expect the hiring of foreigners as our baristas will be of great help to acquire talent for our company.”

Going forward, the company intends to continue hiring people from overseas locations.