Samsung has officially kicked off its public recruitment process for the second half of the year starting September 8, 2026. This initiative underscores the conglomerate's ongoing commitment to future preparation, expanded domestic investment, and the creation of high-quality employment opportunities for young job seekers. As the only major South Korean business group—among the country's top four conglomerates—to maintain the traditional open recruitment system, Samsung continues a legacy that began in 1957 when it introduced South Korea's very first open recruitment for new graduates.

A total of 19 Samsung affiliates are participating in this recruitment cycle. The participating companies include Samsung Electronics, Samsung C&T, Samsung Biologics, Samsung Bioepis, Samsung Life Insurance, Samsung Display, Samsung SDI, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Samsung SDS, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, Samsung Card, Samsung Securities, Samsung Heavy Industries, Samsung E&A, Hotel Shilla, Cheil Worldwide, S-1 Corporation, Samsung Medical Center, and Samsung Wellstory.

Application Process and Timeline

Prospective candidates can submit their applications through Samsung’s official recruitment website, Samsung Careers, from September 8 to September 15. Following the application period, the rigorous multi-step selection process unfolds over the coming months.

The recruitment pipeline consists of four main stages:

Job Suitability Evaluation (September): Assessing whether applicants possess the core competencies required for their chosen roles.
Samsung Global Aptitude Test (GSAT) (October): The signature written examination evaluating general aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Interviews (November): In-depth evaluations of candidates' professional expertise, communication skills, and cultural fit.
Health Check-up: The final verification stage before official onboarding.
Tailored assessment methods are implemented for specific career tracks. Applicants applying for Software (SW) positions take a practical SW competency test instead of the GSAT. Similarly, design candidates undergo a comprehensive design portfolio review rather than taking the written aptitude test.

Pioneering "Open Recruitment" and Sustaining Domestic Investment

Samsung has long championed progressive hiring practices. In 1993, the company established open recruitment for female college graduates, and in 1995, it removed educational background requirements from its eligibility criteria, establishing a culture of "open recruitment" centered purely on capability.

Beyond routine hiring, Samsung continues to focus heavily on fostering high-value, cutting-edge industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, advanced batteries, and next-generation displays. During a presidential office meeting involving economic organizations and corporate leaders, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong reaffirmed the company's commitment, stating that Samsung will continuously create quality jobs domestically and expand investments to nurture high-value industries.

Comprehensive Talent Nurturing Beyond Open Recruitment

In tandem with its massive public recruitment drives, Samsung runs several notable talent incubation initiatives to strengthen youth employment and technological competitiveness.

The Samsung Software & AI Academy (SSAFY) provides tuition-free, high-quality software and AI training across five major campuses nationwide: Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju, Gumi, and Busan. Since its launch in 2019, over 9,400 SSAFY graduates have successfully secured employment at more than 2,600 domestic and international companies. Recently, Samsung expanded SSAFY's eligibility criteria from university graduates to include Meister high school graduates, and completely overhauled the curriculum to focus heavily on AI to support national talent development.

Furthermore, Samsung actively recruits top-tier technical talent from the National Skills Competition. Between 2007 and 2025, affiliates such as Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and Samsung Display have specially hired approximately 1,600 medalists and high-performing participants from these national competitions, bridging the gap between vocational excellence and industrial leadership.

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