Working Holiday Visa in Korea – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

byLucky Honor • • 2 min read
0

Modern English language classroom in Korea with a young assistant helping a student, both interacting warmly under natural lighting.

Ever dreamed of living in Korea, not just visiting? The Korean Working Holiday Visa is your chance to experience life in South Korea beyond sightseeing — to live, work, and truly connect with local culture.

This guide isn’t just a checklist — it’s everything I wish someone had told me before I packed my bags and boarded that flight.



πŸ“‚ What Is the Korea Working Holiday Visa?

The Working Holiday Visa (H-1) allows young people (aged 18–30) from over 25 countries to stay in Korea for up to one year. You can travel, work part-time, and explore the country — all while living like a local.

πŸ” Visa rules vary by country, so check with the Korean embassy in your home country for exact requirements. That saved me a lot of time and headaches.



πŸ“ How to Apply for a Korean Working Holiday Visa

✅ Basic Requirements

  • Age between 18 and 30

  • Passport from a partner country

  • No previous working holiday visa to Korea

  • Proof of funds (around $3,000–$4,000)

  • Return flight ticket or equivalent funds

✅ Required Documents

  • Valid passport

  • Completed visa application form

  • Personal statement & travel plan

  • Proof of financial means

  • Health certificate or insurance coverage

✅ Application Steps

  1. Visit your local Korean embassy website

  2. Check the list of requirements

  3. Apply online or in person

  4. Wait for approval

πŸ›¬ Tip: The activity plan sounds scarier than it is. I wrote mine like a loose itinerary with goals, and it worked just fine.



✈️ What to Do After Arriving in Korea

πŸ“Œ Apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC)

  • Required for stays over 90 days

  • Visit the immigration office (appointments needed)

  • You’ll need it to open a bank account or get a phone plan

πŸ“± Get a SIM Card & Bank Account

  • ARC makes the process smoother

  • Choose from prepaid or postpaid SIMs

  • Major providers: KT, SKT, LG U+

πŸ’Ό My take? Get a prepaid SIM first. You can always switch later.



πŸ’Ό How to Find a Job in Korea on a Working Holiday Visa

Common Job Options

  • Cafes, restaurants, bars

  • English academy assistants

  • Guesthouse/hostel reception

  • Event/festival staff

Where to Look

  • Albamon, JobKorea, Craiglist Korea

  • Facebook groups like “Jobs for foreigners in Korea”

  • Language exchange communities

πŸ’‘ Real talk: Even knowing a little Korean helps. I landed my first gig because I could greet customers politely. That’s it.



🏠 Where to Live in Korea (Budget-Friendly Options)

  • Share houses – social, furnished, easy to move in

  • Guesthouses – good for initial short stays

  • Goshiwon – compact, affordable mini rooms

  • Apps: Zigbang, Dabang, Airbnb

πŸ›‹️ Tip from experience: Check for included amenities — laundry, Wi-Fi, heating. Saves surprises later.


πŸ”—Click the link below for more information.

How to Find an Apartment in Korea as a Foreigner – Complete Housing Guide



πŸŽ“ Learn Korean – It Makes Life Easier (and More Fun)

You don’t have to be fluent. But even a few words can open doors (and hearts).

Free Classes & Apps

  • Seoul Global Center, multicultural centers

  • Duolingo, Talk To Me In Korean, HelloTalk

Must-Know Korean Phrases (with Pronunciation)

Korean English Pronunciation
μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš” Hello annyeong-haseyo
κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€ Thank you gam-sa-ham-ni-da
이것은 μ–Όλ§ˆμ˜ˆμš”? How much is this? i-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?
μ–΄λ””μ˜ˆμš”? Where is it? eo-di-ye-yo?
ν™”μž₯μ‹€ μ–΄λ””μ˜ˆμš”? Where’s the bathroom? hwa-jang-sil eo-di-ye-yo?
μ˜μ–΄ ν•˜μ„Έμš”? Do you speak English? yeong-eo ha-se-yo?
κ΄„μ²œν•΄μš” It’s okay / I’m fine gwaen-chan-a-yo
λ§›μžˆμ–΄μš”! It’s delicious! ma-shi-sseo-yo!
천천히 λ§ν•΄μ£Όμ„Έμš” Please speak slowly cheon-cheon-hi mal-hae ju-se-yo
λ„μ™€μ£Όμ„Έμš”! Please help me! do-wa-ju-se-yo!


πŸ‘― How to Make Friends in Korea

It might feel intimidating at first. But Koreans are curious and warm once you open up.

Communities That Help

  • Meetup (language exchange, hiking, events)

  • Facebook groups: Seoul Expats, Language Exchange Korea

  • Buddy programs at universities

🌸 Some of my closest friends came from language exchange meetups. One coffee turned into lifelong friendship.



πŸ’° Monthly Living Costs in Korea (Realistic!)

Category Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing $300–500
Food $300–400
Transport $50–70
Phone/Internet $30–50
Fun/Leisure $100–200

πŸ™Œ Average total: $800–$1,200 depending on your lifestyle. Korea can be affordable if you’re mindful.



🌟 Cultural Experiences You Shouldn't Miss

  • Try hanbok and stroll through Gyeongbokgung Palace

  • Eat street food at Gwangjang Market

  • Picnic by the Han River

  • Join local festivals, K-pop events, or temple stays

πŸ“Έ My favorite memory? Singing at a karaoke bar with strangers who became friends.



⏳ After the Visa: What’s Next?

  • Switch to a D-4 student visa to study Korean longer

  • Land a professional job and apply for an E-7 work visa

  • Re-enter with a tourist visa for future visits

🌍 Some people come for a year and end up staying much longer. Korea has that effect.



✅ Quick Recap Tips

  • Apply for your ARC early

  • Start learning Korean now, even just basics

  • Join online/offline communities

  • Keep your documents organized

  • Be curious and kind



πŸ’­ Final Thoughts

Living in Korea on a working holiday visa isn’t just a gap year.

It’s a leap into the unknown, a year of discovery. There will be moments when you feel lost, unsure, or even lonely. And then — a stranger helps you, a local invites you for dinner, or you watch the cherry blossoms fall by the Han River and realize...

You're exactly where you're meant to be.

If you’re thinking about it — just go. Korea’s waiting for you. And who knows? Maybe I’ll see you at a language cafe in Seoul someday.


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