Korea's Working Holiday visa lets young adults from 25+ partner countries live, travel, and work in Korea for up to 1 year — or 2 years if you're Canadian or British. It's the easiest way to experience Korea long-term without needing a job offer first. This guide covers everything from eligibility to arrival.
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
April 22, 2026
Source references
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
Not all working holiday agreements are equal. Countries with unlimited annual quotas: Australia, Germany, Sweden, Denmark. Countries with fixed quotas: Canada (12,000/yr, 2-year stay), Japan (10,000/yr), UK (5,000/yr, 2-year stay), New Zealand (3,000/yr), USA (2,000/yr, 1.5-year stay), France (2,000/yr), Hong Kong (1,000/yr), Taiwan (800/yr), Ireland (800/yr), Spain (1,000/yr), Italy (500/yr), Czech Republic (300/yr), Austria (300/yr). If a quota fills before you apply, you must wait until the next allocation period.
The standard age window is 18–30 at the time of application. Some agreements extend the upper limit to 35 — check your specific country's bilateral agreement. You must be within the eligible age range when you apply, not when you enter.
Visit the Korean consulate website for your country to check the current year's quota status. Some countries (like Canada) have a specific annual application window — applications open at a set date and the quota fills within hours. Sign up for email notifications from your Korean consulate to know when applications open.
Standard documents: valid passport with 12+ months remaining, passport photo, completed visa application form, bank statement showing sufficient funds (typically 3 months of living expenses, approximately ₩3,000,000 or equivalent), return or onward travel ticket (or equivalent funds), travel and health insurance covering the duration of your stay. Some consulates additionally require a criminal background check or health certificate — verify with your specific consulate.
Submit your application in person or online (some consulates accept electronic applications). Processing is typically 1–3 weeks. Once approved, you will receive a single-entry visa valid for 3 months — you must enter Korea within that window.
Upon arrival you will receive your authorized stay duration. Register at the nearest immigration office within 90 days of arrival to get your Alien Registration Card (ARC). The ARC lets you open a Korean bank account, get a SIM card with a contract, and sign a lease.
The allows incidental work to fund your stay — there is no strict sector restriction for most agreements. Common H-1 jobs: English teaching (many private academies and language schools accept H-1 holders), hospitality, food service, and farming (farm work programs are often well-organized for working holiday visitors).
Canada and UK holders get 2 years — use that time wisely. Use the first year to explore, the second to build professional experience that could lead to an E-7 offer.
Open a Korean bank account as soon as you arrive and register. You'll need the ARC number, so register first. Kakao Bank or K-Bank (mobile-first banks) are the easiest for foreigners.
Working holiday does not let you enroll in the Korean national health insurance (건강보험) for the first 6 months. Purchase private travel insurance that covers at least basic medical before you arrive.
Attending a Korean language school (어학당) while on H-1 is allowed. Many working holiday participants take morning classes and work afternoons/evenings.
You can only use the working holiday visa once per country — if you've used your Australian H-1 before, you cannot apply again for the Australian agreement.
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Visa Process
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is the official ID card issued to foreigners staying in South Korea for 91 days or longer. It is required to open a bank account, sign a phone contract, and access most public services.
Visa Process
HiKorea
How to use HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) — Korea's official immigration portal for visa extensions, status changes, and ARC renewal. Processing time: 3-10 business days.
Visa Process
Visa Extension (Stay Period Extension)
A visa extension — officially called a 'stay period extension' (체류기간 연장) in Korean immigration law — allows a foreigner to legally remain in Korea beyond the expiry date on their current visa or ARC without leaving the country.
Visa Process
Status of Sojourn Change (체류자격 변경)
A status of sojourn change allows a foreigner already in South Korea to switch from one visa category to another without leaving the country — for example, from a D-2 student visa to an E-7 skilled worker visa upon graduation and employment.
Can I get a job offer and switch to E-7 from H-1?
Can I work at a public school on a working holiday visa?
Can I extend my H-1 stay?
Most countries' H-1 agreements allow one fixed period only (no extension). Exceptions: Canada and UK holders start with 2 years. USA holders get 1 year 6 months. For all others, once your authorized stay ends, you must leave Korea.
What if the quota for my country fills before I apply?
You must wait for the next allocation period (usually the following year). Some countries (Canada, Japan) release all quota slots at a specific date and time — set a reminder and apply the moment applications open.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed April 2026