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  • Last update: August 2025

Working Holiday Visa in South Korea

Working Holiday visa in South Korea
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Working Holiday visa for Korea

The Working Holiday Visa for South Korea is a unique opportunity for young people, generally between the ages of 18 and 30 (sometimes 25, depending on the agreement), who want to gain an international experience. This residence permit allows you to travel, work, and study in South Korea for up to one year, thanks to bilateral agreements signed between Korea and many countries around the world.

The program was created to encourage cultural exchange between South Korea and participating nations. Countries currently part of the Working Holiday program include, among others, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, and several others across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This experience will allow you to immerse yourself in Korean daily life while supporting your stay with part-time work. If you are considering applying, I recommend reading this guide carefully and always checking the official information provided by the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Korea in your country.

The visa is usually valid for up to 12 months, and during this period you are allowed to leave and re-enter South Korea multiple times without restrictions, as long as your permit remains valid.

How to apply for the Working Holiday Visa for Korea

Applying for a Working Holiday Visa for South Korea is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail. Here are the main steps to follow:

  1. Check eligibility: make sure you meet all the requirements listed in the next section.
  2. Contact the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence to request the official list of documents needed for the application.
  3. Prepare and submit your application with all the required documents directly at the Embassy or Consulate.
  4. Wait for approval: once the application is submitted, processing usually takes a few weeks before you receive an official response.

Requirements

Before contacting the Embassy or Consulate, you need to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Working Holiday Visa for South Korea. Although details may vary slightly depending on your country, the most common requirements are:

  • The application must be submitted in person at the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Korea in your country of residence.
  • You must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application (in some countries the limit is 25). If you are already 30, you can usually still apply until your 31st birthday.
  • You cannot be accompanied by family members or dependents.
  • Hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
  • Applications cannot be made once you are already in Korea.
  • Valid health insurance covering the entire duration of your stay in South Korea.
  • Proof of sufficient funds in your bank account, usually around 3,000,000 KRW (about 2,000–2,200 USD depending on the exchange rate).
  • A confirmed round-trip ticket or proof of funds to purchase one.
  • You must not have previously participated in the Korean Working Holiday program.
  • A clean criminal record with no pending charges.

Required documents

This list of required documents for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa will help you prepare everything before submitting your application. Keep in mind that the final and official list may vary slightly depending on your country, so you must always check directly with the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your country. Here are the most commonly requested documents:

  • Completed visa application form.
  • A valid passport (at least 6 months validity and at least one blank page).
  • Color photocopy of the passport’s main page.
  • Round-trip flight ticket or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one.
  • Recent bank statement in the applicant’s name showing a minimum balance of about 3,000,000 KRW (around 2,000–2,200 USD depending on the exchange rate). To be safe, many Embassies recommend showing the equivalent of 3,000 EUR/USD.
  • Criminal record certificate (original, with apostille if required by your country).
  • Valid health insurance covering the entire stay in Korea, including medical care and hospitalization.
  • Medical certificate proving the absence of infectious diseases listed in the International Health Regulations (2005).
  • Travel plans including itinerary, interests, activities, and potential work projects.
  • Proof of payment for visa fees.
  • Proof of education: at least a high school diploma (or equivalent).

The embassy may request additional documents on a case-by-case basis, so always confirm before applying.

Studying in Korea with a Working Holiday Visa

During your stay in South Korea on a Working Holiday visa, you will have the opportunity to study the Korean language or attend training courses for up to 12 months. Many universities and private language institutes in Seoul and other major cities offer programs specifically designed for foreigners. Studying Korean will not only enrich your cultural experience but can also open up additional job opportunities during your stay. Even if you don’t have time to take a full course, I strongly recommend learning at least the Korean alphabet (Hangul), which will make daily life much easier.

Working in Korea with a Working Holiday Visa

With the Working Holiday visa, you can work in South Korea for up to 12 months, but there are a few important restrictions to keep in mind:

  • Types of jobs: you are allowed to take casual or part-time positions such as waiter, shop assistant, barista, hotel staff, or similar entry-level roles.
  • Working hours limit: you cannot work more than 25 hours per week.
  • Restrictions: highly skilled or professional jobs, such as doctor, engineer, or full-time teacher, are not permitted under the Working Holiday visa.

It’s a go! What you’ll need to live in Korea

Before leaving for South Korea on a Working Holiday Visa, make sure you are well prepared for a smooth and comfortable stay:

  • Accommodation: book temporary housing for your first days and then search for long-term accommodation once you arrive. For short stays in Seoul, check out our guide to hotels and guesthouses in Seoul.
  • SIM card: get a local SIM card to have internet access and stay connected.
  • Health insurance: mandatory and must cover the entire duration of your stay.
  • Personal documents: bring photocopies of essential documents such as your passport and visa.
  • Sufficient funds: make sure you have access to enough money to support yourself until you find a job. A multi-currency card like Revolut can help you save on exchange fees. For more tips, read our article on currency exchange and payments in Korea. Depending on your length of stay, you may also consider opening a Korean bank account.
  • Language knowledge: even a basic level of Korean is extremely useful. At the very least, learn Hangul, the Korean alphabet, before your trip.

By preparing properly, you will be ready to make the most of your Working Holiday in South Korea and enjoy an unforgettable, enriching adventure.

Useful Links

Here are some useful resources to help you better understand the application process for a Working Holiday visa in South Korea. Please note: the links below are examples from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Italy. If you are applying from another country, you should check the website of the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your own country for the correct information.