U.S. Internet giant Google Inc. was picked the most preferred foreign employer for the seventh straight year by South Korean job seekers, poll results showed Monday.

According to the survey conducted on 1,424 job seekers in the country, 43 percent chose Google among foreign-based companies operating in South Korea.  The survey was conducted by online job portal Saramin.

Yuhan-Kimberly Co., a maker of health and hygiene products, followed at 16.2 percent, trailed by 3M Korea Ltd. who had 15.8 percent. BMW Korea and Apple Korea were also among the top 10 at 8.2 percent and 7.5 percent.

P&G, Rhodia, General Electric and Microsoft made the list as well.

The respondents said the major strength of working in foreign companies is the quality of welfare and the western work environment when compared with South Korea's hierarchical system.

Opportunities to work in other countries were also cited as a major reason. (Yonhap)