Working holiday in Korea: FAQ
19 quick answers to the questions we hear most. Each one links to a full guide if you want the details.
Visa
Who can get a Korean working holiday visa?
Young people from around 30 partner countries and regions, usually aged 18–30 (some countries allow up to 34 or 35). Each country has its own age limit, quota and conditions, so check your country on the official Working Holiday Info Center.
How long can I stay on an H-1 visa?
Usually up to 12 months, and most H-1 visas can’t be extended. Plan your year around that.
Can I teach English on a working holiday visa?
Generally no. Language teaching, including private tutoring, normally needs a different visa such as the E-2. It’s the most common mistake working holiday makers make.
Arriving and ARC
When do I need to register for my ARC?
Within 90 days of your entry date if you’re staying more than 90 days. Book an appointment on HiKorea early, because slots fill up, especially in Seoul.
How long does the ARC take to arrive?
Usually a few weeks after your immigration appointment. Ask at the appointment whether it will be posted to you or needs to be collected.
Who can I call with immigration questions in English?
The Korea Immigration Service helpline, 1345, has English-speaking staff. For general travel help, call the Korea Travel Hotline, 1330.
Money and phone
Can I open a bank account with just my passport?
Usually yes, but it will often be a limited account with low withdrawal and transfer limits. Go back to the bank once you have your ARC to have the limits raised.
How much money should I bring?
Enough for two to three months without work, roughly ₩3–4 million for Seoul. Many jobs pay monthly, so your first wage can take four to six weeks to arrive.
How much does a month in Seoul cost?
Living simply in a goshiwon or share house, about ₩0.9–1.3 million a month. A more comfortable lifestyle is closer to ₩1.5–2 million. Other cities are usually cheaper.
Can I get a Korean SIM card without an ARC?
Yes, a tourist prepaid SIM or eSIM with your passport. But a passport-registered number usually can’t be used for the identity checks Korean banks and apps require, so most people switch to a monthly plan once they have their ARC.
Work
What is the minimum wage in Korea?
₩10,320 per hour in 2026. It applies to working holiday makers and part-time workers too, including during training.
Where do working holiday makers find jobs?
The Korean part-time job apps Albamon and Albacheonguk, the foreigner-focused site KOWORK, Facebook groups, and simply walking into places with “staff wanted” signs.
Do I need to speak Korean to get a job?
Not for every job. Guesthouses, farms, events and some kitchens hire people with little Korean, but basic Korean opens up far more café, shop and restaurant work.
Is there seasonal work like in Australia or New Zealand?
Yes, mainly in winter: ski resorts from about late November to early March, and the Jeju tangerine harvest from about October to February.
Housing
Do I need a deposit for a goshiwon?
Usually none or a very small one, which is why goshiwon are popular for a first month. Share houses often ask for a deposit of around ₩1–3 million, sometimes less.
How do I avoid losing my deposit?
See the room before paying, pay only into an account in the landlord’s or company’s name, get the terms in writing, and take photos on move-in day.
Getting around
Does Google Maps work in Korea?
Not well. Walking and driving directions have long been missing or unreliable, so use Naver Map as your main app and KakaoMap as a backup.
How do I pay for buses and the subway?
With a T-money card, sold at convenience stores and stations. Tap on and tap off, even on buses, to get transfer discounts. In Seoul, the Climate Card gives unlimited rides for about ₩62,000 a month.
What’s the fastest way from Seoul to Busan?
The KTX high-speed train, a little over two hours on the fastest services. Book in the official KORAIL app, especially for weekends and holidays. Express buses are cheaper but slower.