Live and work in Korea for up to one year while exploring the country.
Stay Duration
1 year (most countries); 2 years (Canada, UK); 1 year 6 months (USA)
Processing
1–3 weeks
Visa Fee
Free for most countries (reciprocal arrangement); check with Korean consulate in your country
Fees and processing times sourced from HiKorea & Ministry of Justice. Figures are updated periodically but may change — verify before submitting.
The H-1 (Working Holiday) visa allows young adults from countries with a bilateral working holiday agreement with Korea to live, travel, and work in Korea for up to 1 year (up to 2 years for Canada and UK). It is primarily for tourism with incidental work permitted to fund the stay.
Citizens of countries with a Working Holiday agreement with Korea, aged 18–30 (some agreements extend to 35). Eligible countries include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and around 25 others.
National of a country with a working holiday agreement with Korea (Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK, USA, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sweden, Denmark, Czech Republic, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Israel, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Chile, Poland, Spain, Argentina, and others)
Age: 18–30 years old at time of application (some countries allow up to 35)
No dependents accompanying you on the working holiday visa
No prior participation in Korea's Working Holiday program (one-time per country)
Proof of sufficient funds for at least 3 months of stay
Return ticket or equivalent funds, travel insurance
Valid passport (1+ year remaining)
Visa application form + passport photo
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement)
Return or onward ticket
Travel/health insurance covering the stay
Some consulates: criminal background check or health certificate
Check your country's eligibility and quota
Korea operates quotas per country per year. Annual quotas per the 2026.3 official manual: Australia (unlimited), Germany (unlimited), Sweden (unlimited), Denmark (unlimited), Canada (12,000), Japan (10,000), UK (5,000), New Zealand (3,000), USA (2,000), France (2,000), Ireland (800), Hong Kong (1,000), Taiwan (800), Spain (1,000), Italy (500), Czech Republic (300), Austria (300), and others. Check the Korean consulate website for current availability.
Apply at the Korean consulate abroad
The application must be made in person at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. A 사증발급인정서 (Certificate of Visa Issuance) is NOT applicable for H-1 — you must apply directly at the consulate. Some consulates accept online pre-registration.
Arrive and register
After entering Korea, register at your local immigration office within 90 days to receive your ARC if staying long-term.
Find work (optional)
Working is permitted but limited — you cannot work in the same job for more than 6 months, or in certain restricted industries. You are free to change jobs.
Need help with your H-1 visa?
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