Can I apply for a Working Holiday visa if I'm over 30?

No, the age limit is strictly enforced at 30 years old. You must be under 31 when you apply.

How much money do I need to show in my bank account?

Most consulates require $3,000-4,000 USD equivalent in your bank account for the past 3 months. Some countries like Canada require $2,500 CAD minimum.

Can I extend my Working Holiday visa in Korea?

No, the Working Holiday visa cannot be extended or converted to another visa type. You must leave Korea when it expires.

Do I need to book flights before applying?

No, you don't need confirmed flights. A rough travel itinerary or dates in your motivation letter is sufficient.

How to get a South Korea Working Holiday visa

Apply online through the Korea Visa Portal or at a Korean consulate with your passport, proof of funds ($3,000+ USD), health certificate, and criminal background check. The process takes 2-4 weeks and costs $45-80 depending on your country. You must be 18-30 years old from an eligible country.

Check your eligibility. You must be 18-30 years old, hold citizenship from an eligible country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Austria, Netherlands, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Chile, Argentina), have a clean criminal record, and not have used a South Korea Working Holiday visa before.
Gather required documents. Collect your passport (valid for at least 6 months), completed application form, passport photos, proof of funds ($3,000+ USD bank statement from last 3 months), health certificate from a doctor, criminal background check (apostilled), travel insurance policy, and motivation letter explaining your travel plans.
Get medical and criminal checks. Visit your doctor for a health certificate stating you're fit to travel and work. Order an FBI background check (US citizens) or equivalent from your local police. Get both documents apostilled - this process takes 2-4 weeks and costs $50-150 total.
Apply online or in person. Submit your application through the Korea Visa Portal (k-eta.go.kr) or visit your nearest Korean consulate. Upload all documents as PDFs under 5MB each. Pay the application fee ($45-80) by credit card or money order.
Wait for processing. Standard processing takes 7-14 business days online, up to 4 weeks at consulates. You'll receive an email notification when your visa is ready. Print your approval letter if applying online - you'll need it at immigration in Korea.
Enter Korea and activate visa. Enter South Korea within 3 months of visa approval. At immigration, present your passport and approval letter. You'll receive an alien registration card within 2 weeks. Your Working Holiday visa allows 12 months in Korea with multiple entries.

Can I apply for a Working Holiday visa if I'm over 30?: No, the age limit is strictly enforced at 30 years old. You must be under 31 when you apply.
How much money do I need to show in my bank account?: Most consulates require $3,000-4,000 USD equivalent in your bank account for the past 3 months. Some countries like Canada require $2,500 CAD minimum.
Can I extend my Working Holiday visa in Korea?: No, the Working Holiday visa cannot be extended or converted to another visa type. You must leave Korea when it expires.
Do I need to book flights before applying?: No, you don't need confirmed flights. A rough travel itinerary or dates in your motivation letter is sufficient.