If you’re considering a blend of work and travel in South Korea, a working holiday visa might be the perfect option for you.

It’s an opportunity not only to explore the vibrant culture and beauty of Korea but also to gain international work experience. Here’s your guide to understanding the Korean working holiday visa, its benefits, how to apply and more.

All You Need to Know About a Working Holiday Visa in Korea

South Korea offers a unique opportunity for young people to explore its rich culture and modern lifestyle through the Working Holiday Program. This program is designed to promote international exchange and understanding by allowing young adults to travel and work in South Korea for a specific period (for up to two years).

Working and Traveling on a WHV

Once in Korea with a WHV:

• Work Legally: You can work legally in Korea, but some professions may be restricted.
  
• Learn Korean: You can take Korean language courses to enhance your experience.
  
• Travel: You have a unique opportunity to travel extensively throughout Korea.
  
• Time Limit: Typically, the visa is valid for 12 months, but this can vary.
  
  
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a working holiday visa in South Korea, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be aged between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application. * this may vary by nationality*.
  
• Hold a valid passport from a country that has a mutual arrangement for working holidays with South Korea. check here if your country is one of them!.
  
• Intend to stay in South Korea primarily for holiday, with employment being a secondary intention.
  
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself at the start of your stay. Minimum around 3,000,000 KRW.
  
• Have a return flight ticket or evidence of financial ability to get one.
  
• Be in good health and have no criminal record.
  
• Have not previously participated in the Working Holiday Program in South Korea.
  
• Have health insurance for the duration of your stay. ( Minimum coverage: KRW 40,000,000).
  
  
  
  

Visa Duration and Employment Restrictions

The visa typically allows you to stay for 12 months, although the duration can vary depending on your nationality (Extensions from 6 to 12 months are available for some countries).

During your stay, you can work to finance your travel expenses. However, some restrictions apply:

• Holders of a Working Holiday visa may be allowed to work part-time up to 25 hours a week.
  
• Certain jobs may be off-limits. For instance, you are not allowed to work in professional services or as an entertainer.
  
  

Tips

• Some of the most popular Jobs for this type of visa are at restaurants, Hotels, etc.. *Foreigners are more likely to find employment in touristic areas*.
  
• Hostels would often look for people to work there for minimum hours in exchange of accommodation, some may pay as well.
  
• To increase your work chances, it is highly advised that you have some basic conversational level of Korean.
  
• As of 2024 the minimum wage per hour is set at 9,860 KRW.
  
• Jobs using Languages like translator or editor offer higher payments.
  
  
  
  

Application Process

To apply for a working holiday visa, these are the general steps:

1. Prepare Documentation: Gather the required documents, which typically include a completed application form, a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds (A certified copy of bank Statement) , a return airline ticket or funds to purchase one, and a recent passport-sized photo, travel plans, application fee, criminal record check, medical certificate to prove you’re healthy and able to travel and Health insurance.
   
2. Visit the Embassy or Consulate: Submit your application to the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Some nations may allow online applications.
   
3. Pay the Fee: Pay the application fee which can vary depending on your home country.
   
4. Attend an interview, if required.
   
5. Wait for Approval: After submitting your application, there will be a processing period during which your application is reviewed. This can take from one week to several months.
   
   
   
   
   

Learning the Language

While it’s not a requirement, learning some Korean will greatly enhance your experience. Basic language skills can be very helpful in daily interactions and may also improve your job prospects.

Learning Korean on a working holiday visa

Thankfully there are plenty of ways you can learn Korean these days and the government have some online courses for free for you to prepare even before your trip! check here for the free online courses offered by Nuri Sejong Hakdang.

One of the most used ones is the King Sejong institute website which provides free courses and more!.

You can see all the options for learning Korean at the working Holiday info center website. check this official pamphlet for 2024-2025.

Remember, patience and consistent effort are crucial for language acquisition. Your working holiday in Korea is a unique opportunity to dive into the language while experiencing an enriching cultural exchange. 화이팅! (Fighting! — a Korean cheer for encouragement)

Accommodation

You should secure temporary accommodation for your arrival in South Korea. Once there, you can look for more permanent options like share houses, guesthouses, or apartments.

understanding the accommodation options available is crucial for a comfortable and budget-friendly experience. Here, we explore some common types of living arrangements such as goshiwon, one-room apartments, guest houses, and share houses that are well-suited to different needs and budgets.

Goshiwon (고시원) – Small and Economical

Goshiwon, or goshitel, is a form of small, private accommodation often preferred by students and those on a tight budget. Essentially, it’s a tiny room that comes furnished with basic necessities such as a bed, desk, and sometimes a television.

Pros:

• Affordable: Goshiwons are one of the cheapest options available.
• Bills Included: Utilities, internet, and sometimes rice or kimchi and ramen are included in the rent.
• No Long Contracts: Short-term stays are possible, usually with a minimum of one month.

Cons:

• Size: Rooms can are very small.
• Shared Facilities: Bathrooms and kitchens are usually communal. Some offer private bathrooms for a higher price.
• Thin Walls: Soundproofing can be minimal, leading to a lack of privacy.
  
  
  

One-Room Apartments (원룸)

One-room apartments, known simply as ‘one-rooms’ in Korea, are small studio apartments that offer greater privacy than a goshiwon.

Pros:

• Self-contained: You have your own kitchenette and bathroom.
• Privacy: Better soundproofing and no shared spaces.
• Independence: More freedom to host friends or cook for yourself.

Cons:

• Cost: More expensive than a goshiwon. (Generally requires a deposit of 2,000,000 KRW or more)
• Utility Bills: You may have to pay for your own utilities and internet. (Some may include it on the rent)
• Contracts: Usually require at least a one-year lease.
  
  
  

Guest Houses – Social and Tourist-Friendly

Guest houses are similar to hostels and are favoured by tourists for their sociable atmosphere.

Pros:

• Meet People: Great places to meet fellow travelers and make friends.
• Central Locations: Often located in tourist areas with easy access to sights.
• Affordable: Cheaper than hotels, with options to rent dorm beds or private rooms.

Cons:

• Privacy: Dormitories can be less private than private rooms.
• Noise: Social environment can mean more noise.
• Short-Term: Typically not suitable for long-term stays. (This could be a pro if you would like to try live in different areas during your stay)
  
  
  

Share Houses (셰어하우스)

Share houses are an increasingly popular option for both Koreans and expats. These are houses or apartments where you rent a room and share common areas like the kitchen and living room with other tenants. this could help your submerge in daily life and culture with Koreans.

Pros:

• Community: Can form a close-knit community with housemates.
• Facilities: Access to well-equipped common areas.
• All-Inclusive Rent: Bills and cleaning services are often included in the rent.

Cons:

• Privacy: Less privacy compared to one-room apartments.
• Roommates: Quality of living can depend on your roommates.
• Contracts: May require a security deposit and a minimum stay period.
  
  

When deciding on the best accommodation option in South Korea, consider what’s most important for you regarding budget, privacy, and the length of your stay. Each housing type has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, so choose the one that fits your needs and ensures a comfortable experience during your stay in South Korea.

Cultural Etiquette

South Korea is known for its specific cultural norms. Respect for elders, politeness, and proper business etiquette are highly valued. Understanding and observing these cultural norms can help you integrate into the community and enjoy a smoother experience during your stay.

Tip

• When working in Korea, it is customary for employees to arrive at least 10 minutes early to any job, as arriving just on time is viewed negatively.
  
  
  

Things to Consider

Before applying, consider the cost of living in Korea, where you plan to travel, potential employment opportunities, and cultural differences you may encounter.

Conclusion

A working holiday in Korea can be an enriching experience that allows for cultural exchange, the opportunity to make international friends, and to develop professional skills that will benefit you long into the future. Ensure you plan carefully and comply with all visa regulations to make the most of your adventure in Korea.

Always check with the Korean embassy or consulate, as well as the immigration office, for the most current information and guidance on visa applications.

If you’re considering applying for the Working Holiday visa in South Korea, remember to also check the specific requirements and conditions for your country, as the details can change. See here the official website of the Working Holiday info Center for more information available in six languages.