Working Holiday Programme (WHP) in South Korea

If you are planning to participate in the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) in South Korea, it is important to have a good understanding of the program requirements and regulations.

How to obtain a Working Holiday Visa for South Korea?

To get a Working Holiday Visa for South Korea (H-1 Visa), you must:

• be aged between 18 and 32 (until 15 March 2024 because of Covid-19) on the day you apply to join the WHP,

• be a citizen of a country which has signed an agreement with South Korea,

• hold a valid passport,

• not have already been granted a Working Holiday Visa for South Korea,

• have sufficient funds to cover expenses at the beginning of the stay and the cost of a return ticket,

• not be travelling with dependents,

• have a clean police record,

• have WHV insurance for the duration of your stay.

Do note there may be additional requirements for the citizens of some of the participating countries.

The Working Holiday Visa for South Korea is valid for a maximum of 12 months and is not renewable.

Get a quote for a short-term international health insurance plan and apply easily online.

Applying for a Working Holiday Visa for South Korea

Applications for a WHV for South Korea must be lodged at the closest embassy or consulate of the Republic of Korea. Applications must enclose:

• the completed application form,

• the valid passport,

• a return flight ticket or proof of purchase,

• proof of sufficient funds,

• proof of student status,

• a criminal record check,

• a schedule an plan of the trip,

• in some cases: payment of application fee, medical certificate.

South Korean WHV restrictions

The WHP in South Korea encourages tourism: working must not be the main purpose of your stay. Also, there are some employment restrictions. Working Holiday Visa holders may not:

work as receptionists, dancers, singers, or acrobats in places of entertainment,

work as doctors, lawyers, teachers, pilots, reporters, journalists or researchers.

As for study, a working holidayer may only take Korean language classes.

Participating in the Working Holiday Programme in South Korea can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, it is important to understand the program requirements and regulations, including obtaining the necessary visa, meeting financial requirements, and obtaining comprehensive international health insurance coverage. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a safe and successful working holiday in South Korea.

To find out more about the WHP in South Korea:

Get more information about the application process on the Korea Republic embassy website.

APRIL International

As with any international travel, it's important to prioritize your health and safety by obtaining the appropriate travel insurance. With APRIL International's short-term international health insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you'll have access to quality medical care and assistance while on your working holiday in South Korea. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information or to get a quote for your travel insurance needs. Safe travels!