Ultimate Guide to the Korea Working Holiday Visa (H-1): Live, Work, and Explore South Korea for a Year

 If you’ve ever dreamed of living in South Korea—not just visiting, but truly immersing yourself in the vibrant blend of modern innovation and traditional culture—the Korea Working Holiday Visa (H-1) might be the perfect opportunity. Designed for young adults from countries with a bilateral working holiday agreement with South Korea, this visa allows you to stay in Korea for up to 12 months, combining travel, cultural exchange, and temporary work. It’s an ideal path for those looking to explore Korea while funding their journey through part-time jobs.


The H-1 visa isn’t just about work—it’s about experiencing Korea as a local, learning the language, understanding the culture, and even building international friendships. Whether you want to teach English informally, work in cafes, do internships, or just explore the cities and countryside at your pace, the working holiday visa gives you the legal flexibility to do so. However, despite its exciting prospects, the application process requires careful preparation, accurate documentation, and understanding of visa limitations and eligibility.



This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the H-1 visa, from eligibility and required documents to job opportunities, visa restrictions, and essential survival tips for your time in South Korea. Whether you’re from Australia, Canada, the UK, or another eligible country, you’ll find detailed, practical, and SEO-optimized information here.


Overview of the Korea Working Holiday Visa (H-1)

The H-1 Working Holiday Visa is a one-year visa issued to young travelers between 18 and 30 years old (35 in some countries), allowing them to stay in Korea to travel and engage in short-term work to support their trip. This visa is non-renewable and primarily aimed at cultural exchange and travel, not permanent employment.


Here are some key features:

  • Duration: Up to 12 months

  • Work Rights: Limited, typically part-time and non-specialized jobs

  • Travel Purpose: Must be primarily for tourism and cultural experience

  • Extension: Not possible, but conversion to other visa types (e.g., D-10 or E-7) may be available in special cases




Countries Eligible for the Korea H-1 Visa

As of 2025, South Korea has working holiday agreements with 25 countries. If you're a citizen of one of the following, you're eligible to apply:

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

  • Canada

  • United Kingdom

  • Ireland

  • France

  • Germany

  • Sweden

  • Denmark

  • Norway

  • Finland

  • Czech Republic

  • Hungary

  • Austria

  • Belgium

  • Poland

  • Italy

  • Netherlands

  • Slovakia

  • Spain

  • Portugal

  • Chile

  • Argentina

  • Taiwan

  • Hong Kong


Each country has its own quota and rules, so be sure to check with your local Korean embassy or consulate.



Eligibility Criteria

To be approved for the H-1 visa, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Age: Between 18 and 30 (some countries allow up to 35)

  • Passport: Valid passport from an eligible country

  • Financial Proof: Bank balance of at least $3,000–5,000 USD to cover initial living expenses

  • Health: No contagious diseases, generally good health

  • Criminal Record: Clean criminal background

  • Insurance: Travel or health insurance covering your stay in Korea

  • Intent: Primary intent must be tourism and cultural experience—not full-time employment


Applicants must also not have held a working holiday visa to Korea before, as it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.


Required Documents

The documentation may vary by country, but generally includes:

  • Completed Visa Application Form (Form No. 34)

  • Valid Passport and Copy

  • 1–2 Passport-Sized Photos (3.5x4.5cm)

  • Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans

  • Proof of Financial Means (Bank Statement)

  • Insurance Certificate (Travel or Health Insurance)

  • Criminal Background Check

  • Resume or CV

  • Motivation Letter or Travel Plan (in English or Korean)


Some embassies may require an in-person interview or additional documents, such as proof of accommodation.




Application Process Step-by-Step

Here's how to apply for the Korea Working Holiday Visa:

  1. Gather Required Documents: Double-check your country-specific requirements on your local Korean embassy’s website.

  2. Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country.

  3. Submit Application: Attend your appointment, submit the application, and pay the visa fee.

  4. Wait for Processing: This takes 5 to 15 business days on average.

  5. Receive Your Visa: Collect your passport with the visa sticker.


Tip: Apply at least 2 months before your intended departure, especially if background checks take time.


What You Can and Cannot Do on an H-1 Visa

While the H-1 visa offers flexibility, it comes with some restrictions:

You Can:

  • Work in non-professional, temporary jobs (cafés, retail, English tutoring)

  • Travel freely across Korea

  • Study Korean informally (e.g., private academies)

  • Rent housing and open a bank account

  • Obtain a Korean phone number and transportation card


You Cannot:

  • Work in fields like law, medicine, journalism, engineering

  • Work full-time or in salaried corporate jobs

  • Stay beyond 12 months

  • Enroll in full-time university courses

  • Engage in any criminal activity or work without a contract



Best Types of Jobs for Working Holiday Visa Holders

While you’re not allowed to take on permanent or professional roles, there are plenty of part-time and flexible jobs suitable for H-1 visa holders:

  • English Tutoring (Unofficial): One-on-one tutoring (legal gray area—caution advised)

  • Cafés and Restaurants: Waiting tables, dishwashing, barista work

  • Convenience Stores: Especially in tourist-heavy areas

  • Hostels or Guesthouses: Often provide free accommodation in exchange for work

  • Internships or Volunteering: Some NGOs and startups offer cultural exchange roles


Tip: Use local platforms like Craigslist Seoul, WorknPlay, Facebook groups, and Job Korea to find legal part-time work.


Understanding the Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Once in Korea, you’ll need to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of arrival:

  • Where: Nearest Immigration Office (appointment via HiKorea)

  • What You Need: Passport, visa, rental agreement, application form, photo

  • Processing Time: Around 3–4 weeks

ARC acts as your official Korean ID, allowing you to open bank accounts, sign up for phone plans, and access public services.


Housing Options in Korea

Your visa doesn’t provide accommodation, so you'll need to secure it independently. Common housing choices include:

  • Goshiwons: Small, affordable rooms (₩200,000–₩500,000/month)

  • Share Houses: Popular among foreigners (₩400,000–₩700,000/month)

  • One-Room Apartments: Require a deposit but offer privacy (₩400,000–₩800,000/month)

  • Guesthouses or Hostels: Short-term option on arrival

Check websites like Ziptoss, Airbnb Korea, Craigslist, or local Facebook groups to find suitable housing.


Cost of Living Estimate

Here's a breakdown of monthly expenses for a working holiday visa holder:

  • Rent: ₩300,000–₩700,000

  • Food: ₩250,000–₩400,000

  • Transport: ₩60,000 (Seoul subway/bus unlimited pass)

  • Phone Plan: ₩30,000

  • Health Insurance: ₩40,000 (NHI required if staying over 6 months)

Average monthly cost: ₩800,000–₩1,500,000 (~$600–$1,200 USD)


Health Insurance Requirement

From March 2021, Korea mandates National Health Insurance (NHI) enrollment for foreigners staying over 6 months. For short stays, travel insurance is sufficient but must meet minimum coverage standards.

  • NHI Premium: ~₩40,000/month

  • Private Travel Insurance: Required at visa application stage

Always carry your insurance certificate when visiting hospitals or clinics.


Useful Apps and Resources for Living in Korea

  • Papago / Naver Dictionary: For translation

  • KakaoTalk: Messaging app used by everyone in Korea

  • KakaoMap or Naver Map: Navigation tools better than Google Maps

  • Baedal Minjok / Yogiyo: Food delivery apps

  • Job Korea / Craigslist Seoul: For finding part-time jobs

  • Facebook Groups: Search “Working Holiday Korea” or “Jobs in Seoul”


Cultural Etiquette and Survival Tips

  • Learn Basic Korean: Simple greetings and expressions go a long way

  • Respect Elders and Hierarchy: Cultural emphasis on age and politeness

  • Dress Conservatively: Especially in rural or traditional areas

  • Always Bow Slightly: As a sign of respect

  • Remove Shoes Indoors: Mandatory in homes and some businesses


Transitioning to Other Visas After H-1

The H-1 visa is non-renewable, but you may be able to switch to other visas depending on your circumstances:

  • D-10: Job-Seeking Visa

  • E-2: English Teaching Visa (if you find a legal teaching job)

  • D-4: Language Training Visa

  • F-2: Residency (requires long-term stay qualifications)

Consult an immigration lawyer or visit the HiKorea website for details on visa conversion.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the H-1 visa while already in Korea?
No, you must apply from your home country before entering Korea.


How long does the visa process take?
Typically 5–15 business days after submitting all documents.


Can I extend my H-1 visa?
No, the working holiday visa is valid for a maximum of 1 year and is not extendable.


Can I study Korean full-time on this visa?
No, only informal or part-time study is allowed. For full-time language programs, apply for a D-4 visa.


Do I need to speak Korean to get the visa?
No, language proficiency is not required, but knowing basic Korean is extremely helpful for daily life and jobs.


Can I travel outside Korea during my H-1 visa?
Yes, but be sure to re-enter before your visa expires and inform immigration if staying out of the country for long.


Can I switch jobs on an H-1 visa?
Yes, there is no employer tie, but jobs must remain within legal bounds (temporary, part-time).


Is it legal to teach English on this visa?
Only private tutoring is loosely allowed. Official school teaching requires an E-2 visa.

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