Which countries have working holiday agreements with Korea?

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korea has working holiday agreements with 29 countries and regions: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and United States. Each country has different quotas, age limits, and conditions.

What are the age limits for each country?

Age limits vary by bilateral agreement. Most countries require applicants to be 18-30. Canada, UK, and Luxembourg allow up to age 35. Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Portugal, and Taiwan allow up to age 34. Japan allows 18-30 (expanded to age 30 per bilateral agreement revision). Always verify with your specific embassy, as age limit policies can change.

What jobs am I allowed to do on the H-1 visa?

Published guidelines indicate H-1 holders may work in hospitality (cafes, restaurants, hotels), retail, food service, translation, internships, volunteering, and childcare. Work that is generally not permitted includes English teaching, skilled professional fields (law, medicine, engineering, finance), and professional entertainment. The maximum is 25 hours per week for most nationalities.

How does the quota system work?

Each country has a set annual quota of H-1 visas, allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. According to published data, examples include: UK (5,000), Canada (12,000), France (2,000), USA (2,000), Netherlands (200), Australia and Germany (unlimited). Once the quota for your nationality is filled, no more visas are issued until the next year. Some quotas fill within weeks of opening.

Can I extend my H-1 visa?

According to published guidelines, the H-1 visa is generally for up to 12 months and is not extendable for most nationalities. Some countries have agreements allowing longer stays (e.g., Canadian participants may stay up to 24 months). Check the specific terms of the bilateral agreement between Korea and your country.

Can I apply for the H-1 visa more than once?

The H-1 visa is generally a one-time opportunity. According to published guidelines, exceptions exist for US, Ireland, and Sweden nationals, who may reapply. Canadian participants may participate twice for up to 24 months each. All other nationalities are limited to a single H-1 visa.

How much money do I need in my bank account?

Published requirements indicate a minimum of ₩3,000,000 in your bank account, demonstrated through statements from the last 3 months. You also need a return flight ticket or additional funds for the return journey. It is advisable to bring more than the minimum, as initial expenses (housing deposit, first month's rent, transportation) can be significant.

What health insurance do I need?

Published requirements specify health insurance with minimum coverage of ₩40,000,000 valid for the entire duration of stay. Travel insurance plans that include medical coverage in Korea are commonly used. Popular options include SafetyWing, World Nomads, and Allianz travel insurance.

How do I register for an Alien Registration Card (ARC)?

Within 90 days of arrival, visit your local immigration office (출입국·외국인청) to apply for an ARC. You will need your passport, a completed application form, a passport photo, and proof of accommodation. Book your appointment as early as possible through the HiKorea portal (hikorea.go.kr), as wait times can be 1 month or more. You will receive a temporary receipt at your appointment that works as a temporary ID.

Can I transition from H-1 to another visa type?

According to published immigration guidelines, H-1 holders may transition to other visa types before their H-1 expires. Common transitions include D-4 (Language Study) by enrolling in a Korean language program, D-10 (Job Seeking) if holding a bachelor's degree, and E-7 (Professional Employment) if a Korean employer is willing to sponsor. Each transition has its own requirements and must be applied for before the H-1 expires.

Are there special requirements for US applicants?

According to published requirements, US nationals applying for the H-1 visa must be currently enrolled in post-secondary education or have graduated within the past 12 months. The US quota is 2,000 per year. US applicants are among the few nationalities who may reapply for the H-1 visa.

Can I bring my spouse or children on the H-1 visa?

No. According to published requirements, the H-1 visa does not allow dependents. Spouses and children cannot accompany H-1 holders on dependent visas. If your family members wish to visit or stay in Korea, they would need to apply for their own appropriate visa type independently.

Korea Working Holiday Visa (H-1)

Work and travel in Korea for young adults

At a Glance

Duration

1-2 years

Fees

₩60,000-130,000

Processing Time

1-3 weeks

Max Stay

2 years maximum

Age 18-30 (general) or 18-35 (varies by country)
Citizen of a working holiday agreement country
Valid passport with 6+ months remaining
No serious criminal record
Health insurance valid throughout stay (minimum ₩40,000,000 coverage)
Proof of funds: minimum ₩3,000,000 + return ticket
No dependents accompanying
Must not have previously held H-1 visa
Must apply from home country

Key Requirements

Age 18-30 (18-35 for some countries) + citizen of 29 agreement countries

RequiredAge 18-30 (general) or 18-35 (varies by country)
Most countries require applicants to be between 18 and 30 years old. Canada and UK allow up to age 35. Some countries (Argentina, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, etc.) allow up to age 34. Japan allows 18-30 (expanded to age 30 per bilateral agreement revision).
RequiredCitizen of a working holiday agreement country
Published requirements indicate applicants must hold citizenship from one of 29 countries/regions with bilateral working holiday agreements with Korea, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, UK, USA, and others.
RequiredValid passport with 6+ months remaining
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay in Korea.
RequiredHealth insurance valid throughout stay (minimum ₩40,000,000 coverage)
Travel or health insurance with minimum coverage of ₩40,000,000 covering the entire duration of stay in Korea is required.
RequiredProof of funds: minimum ₩3,000,000 + return ticket
Bank statements from the last 3 months showing at least ₩3,000,000 in available funds, plus a return flight ticket or proof of sufficient funds for the return journey.
RequiredMust not have previously held H-1 visa
The H-1 is generally a one-time visa. According to published guidelines, exceptions exist for US, Ireland, and Sweden nationals who may reapply. Canadian participants may participate twice for up to 24 months each.
One-time visa in most cases — once used, you cannot apply again (exceptions: US, Ireland, Sweden, and Canada)
RequiredMust apply from home country
Applications must be submitted at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country of citizenship. You cannot convert a tourist visa to H-1 within Korea.
Must apply from your home country — cannot convert a tourist visa to H-1 within Korea

OptionalUS applicants: must be post-secondary student or recent graduate
According to published requirements, US nationals must be currently enrolled in post-secondary education or have graduated within the past 12 months.

Not AllowedNo dependents accompanying
Published requirements indicate H-1 holders cannot bring dependents (spouse or children) on this visa.
No dependents allowed — spouse and children cannot accompany on H-1

See 1 additional requirements

No serious criminal record
According to immigration guidelines, applicants must have no serious criminal convictions. Some embassies require a criminal background check certificate.

Work Permission

Allowed (with restrictions)

RestrictionMaximum 25 hours per week (approximately 1,300 hours annually)
RestrictionNot permitted: English teaching, skilled professional work (law, medicine, engineering, finance), professional entertainment
RestrictionPermitted: hospitality, retail, food service, translation, internships, volunteering, childcare
RestrictionSome nationalities have additional restrictions (e.g., 6-month employment limits per employer)
Restriction25-hour weekly work limit is strictly enforced for most nationalities — violations can result in deportation and future entry bans

H-1 holders are limited to part-time work (25 hours/week). The visa is primarily intended for cultural exchange and travel, with work as supplementary income. Canadian participants are exempt from the 25-hour weekly restriction according to published guidelines. Violations of work restrictions can result in visa cancellation and future entry bans. Minimum wage in Korea is ₩10,030/hour as of 2026.

Insurance Details

Minimum Coverage:: ₩40,000,000
Type:: Travel/health insurance

Published requirements specify health insurance with minimum coverage of ₩40,000,000 for the entire duration of stay.
Travel insurance plans that include medical coverage in Korea are commonly used.
The coverage amount is lower than the F-1-D visa requirement (₩100M) as H-1 is a shorter-term visa.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Working Holiday Information Center

Documents

0/8

Required Documents (0 of 8 completed)

Prepare Yourself

Optional Documents

Process

2-4 weeks

Estimated total timeline

2-4 weeks

Processing times vary by embassy, nationality, and season. Popular quotas (UK, France) may fill quickly — apply well in advance. Some embassies have specific application windows or opening dates. Check with your local Korean embassy or consulate for current timelines.

Check Country Eligibility and Quota Availability

Verify that your country has a working holiday agreement with Korea and check whether the annual quota is still open. Quotas reset annually and are first-come-first-served.

Annual quotas are first-come-first-served — some countries fill within weeks of opening

Check the Working Holiday Information Center (whic.mofa.go.kr) for current quota status
Popular quotas (UK, France, Netherlands) can fill within weeks of opening

Gather All Required Documents

2-8 weeks

Collect all necessary documents including passport, insurance, bank statements, background check, and travel itinerary. Requirements vary by embassy.

Background checks can take weeks to months — start first
Check your specific embassy's document requirements, as they may differ

Apply at Korean Embassy/Consulate in Home Country

1 day

Submit your application in person (or by mail, if accepted) at the Korean embassy or consulate in your country of citizenship. You must apply from your home country.

Book an appointment in advance — some embassies require prior scheduling
Some embassies have specific application windows or opening dates for H-1

Wait for Processing

1-3 weeks

The embassy reviews your application. Processing times vary by embassy, nationality, and season.

Receive Visa and Enter Korea

1-5 days

Pick up your visa (or receive it by mail). According to published guidelines, you must enter Korea within 3 months of visa issuance.

Confirm the visa validity period and entry deadline with your embassy

Register for Alien Registration Card (ARC)

2-4 weeks

Within 90 days of arrival, visit your local immigration office to register and receive an Alien Registration Card (ARC). Book your appointment as early as possible.

Book your immigration office appointment on Day 1 — wait times can be 1 month or more
Bring your passport, lease agreement, and passport photos to the appointment

Book your ARC appointment at the immigration office on Day 1 after arrival. Wait times are typically 3-4 weeks, and you only have 90 days to register. The HiKorea website is where you book — it fills up fast.
Check your country's quota opening date and apply as early as possible. Some popular quotas (UK, France, Netherlands) fill within days or weeks. Set calendar reminders and have all documents ready before the quota opens.

FAQ

Show all 12 questions

Tips

Apply early — popular country quotas fill quickly, especially UK, France, and Netherlands
Bring at least ₩3,000,000 in accessible funds plus additional savings for initial expenses like housing deposits
Get travel/health insurance before applying — minimum ₩40,000,000 coverage is required
Download the 1345 immigration hotline app for quick questions about your stay
Join working holiday communities online (Facebook groups, Reddit r/korea) before arriving for housing and job tips
Seoul has the most job opportunities, but Busan and Jeju offer better work-life balance and lower living costs

Sources & Related Visas

Official Sources

Last updated: 2026-02-27

Visa Status Change

Looking to change your visa status?

See 2 available paths from H-1

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized immigration guidance, consult a licensed immigration consultant (행정사) or attorney (변호사). Final decisions on visa issuance rest solely with the Korean Ministry of Justice and immigration authorities.

Based on published requirements. Not legal advice.