Working Holiday Visa (H-1)

Korea has working holiday agreements with around 25 countries. The visa runs twelve months, permits local employment, and comes with an Alien Registration Card and access to national health insurance. For anyone under 31 it is a simpler and cheaper route than the workation visa, with no income test. Several partner countries operate annual quotas.

24 nationalities are on the eligible list. Anyone not listed applies through a different route.

• Passport from a partner countryRequiredKorea has working holiday agreements with around 25 countries and regions.
• Aged 18 to 30RequiredThe standard range is 18 to 30 inclusive, though a few partner countries extend it to 25 or 35.
• Roughly USD 2,500 in savingsRequiredMost consulates require evidence of around USD 2,500 to 3,000 to support the initial period.
• Clean criminal recordAdvisoryA criminal record certificate is required by most consulates.
• Once in a lifetime, with quotasInfoGenerally available only once, and several partner countries have annual quotas.

• Passport
• Proof of funds
• Travel plan and reasons for applying
• Insurance certificate
• Criminal record certificate
• Medical certificate in some cases

1. Check quota and open dates

   ~1 day

   Several partner countries release places once or twice a year.

   1

2. Apply at the Korean consulate

   ~21 days

   Submit in your country of nationality with your travel plan and funds evidence.

   2

3. Enter and register

   ~21 days

   Apply for the Alien Registration Card within 90 days of arrival.

   3

Not extendable. Some nationalities have differing arrangements; check with your consulate.

• No income requirement makes this far more accessible than the F-1-D for those who qualify on age
• Local work rights make it the only route that lets you take Korean employment casually
• Usually once in a lifetime
• Some consulates require a medical certificate and a detailed activity plan

• Korea Visa PortalMinistry of Justice, Republic of Korea2026-07-27