Addressing South Korea-US Construction Visa Issues: Minister Kim Pledges Direct Support

Can South Korean construction firms navigate the U.S. infrastructure boom without getting tangled in red tape? Land Minister Kim Yun-duk says they shouldn't have to. On Jan. 5, 2026, during his visit to Washington, Kim vowed to take an active role in resolving visa hurdles that have increasingly slowed down Korean firms operating in America's energy and manufacturing sectors.

Minister Kim Yun-duk Proposes New Dialogue Platform

It's no secret that securing visas for skilled workers is a top priority for companies expanding into the U.S. Following a meeting with entrepreneurs, Kim emphasized that the Land Ministry will no longer leave this issue solely to the Foreign Ministry. Instead, they're planning to coordinate closely to create a regular dialogue platform where government officials and corporate leaders can tackle administrative bottlenecks in real-time.

Navigating the Aftermath of Recent Visa Challenges

The urgency stems from a heightened sensitivity regarding immigration, particularly after a September 2025 raid at a Korean-owned factory in Georgia. Since then, Seoul and Washington have been in talks to streamline processes for skilled laborers. Beyond policy talk, Kim is also set to visit Indiana to celebrate a joint low-carbon ammonia project, signaling that the economic partnership remains strong despite these labor-related friction points.