How to get a Korean working holiday visa (H-1)
Who can apply for Korea's H-1 working holiday visa, typical age limits and length of stay, and the steps and documents to expect.
The H-1 working holiday visa lets young people from partner countries travel in Korea and work to pay for the trip. It’s the visa most of our readers arrive on.
The key thing to understand: there is no single set of rules. Korea signs a separate agreement with each partner country, and each one sets its own age limit, quota and conditions.
Can you apply?
Korea has working holiday agreements with around 30 countries and regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, France, Germany and many other European countries.
The official list, with each country’s age limit and quota, is on the Working Holiday Info Center run by Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Check your country there first.
Typical conditions
| Typical rule | Varies by country? | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18–30 when you apply | Yes. Some countries allow up to 34 or 35; a few are lower |
| Length of stay | Up to 12 months | Usually no extension |
| Main purpose | Travel, with work to fund it | Same for everyone |
| Quota | Limited places per year | Yes. Some countries fill up fast |
| Dependants | Can’t bring children | Usually |
You’ll also usually need to show enough money for the start of your trip, travel insurance for your whole stay, and a return or onward ticket (or funds to buy one).
How to apply, step by step
- Check your country’s terms on the Working Holiday Info Center or your local Korean embassy website.
- Gather documents. The usual list is:
- passport (valid for your whole stay)
- application form and a passport photo
- proof of funds (recent bank statements)
- travel insurance certificate
- return ticket or proof you can buy one
- a short travel plan or cover letter
- in some countries, a criminal record check and health declaration
- Apply at the Korean embassy or consulate that covers where you live, or online if your country uses the e-visa system.
- Wait for a decision. Processing often takes one to a few weeks, but plan for longer in busy months.
- Enter Korea within the validity date on your visa, then register for your ARC within 90 days of arriving. See Your first 7 days in Korea.
Common mistakes
- Applying too close to your 31st birthday. For most countries the age limit applies on the day you apply, not the day you arrive, but check your own country’s rule.
- Expecting to teach English. Language teaching normally needs a different visa. See Which jobs can you do on an H-1 visa?
- Cheap insurance that ends early. Your policy should cover your full planned stay.
- Assuming you can extend. Most H-1 visas can’t be extended. Plan your year around that.