Can I extend my working holiday visa?

No, the working holiday visa cannot be extended under any circumstances. It's valid for exactly 12 months from the issue date.

What jobs can I do with this visa?

You can work in most fields including hospitality, retail, teaching English (with proper qualifications), office work, and manual labor. Restricted areas include entertainment, professional services requiring licenses, and some government positions.

How much money do I really need in my bank account?

The requirement varies by nationality but ranges from $3,000-5,000 USD. The money must be in your account for at least 3 months before application, shown through bank statements.

Can I apply if I've been to South Korea before?

Yes, previous visits to South Korea don't disqualify you from the working holiday visa, as long as you meet all other requirements and haven't used a working holiday visa for South Korea before.

How to Get a Working Holiday Visa for South Korea

Apply for a South Korean working holiday visa through your country's Korean embassy or consulate with a completed application, passport, proof of funds ($3,000-5,000 USD), health certificate, and criminal background check. Processing takes 5-15 business days and costs $45-90 depending on your nationality.

Check your eligibility. Confirm you're 18-30 years old (18-25 for some countries) and hold citizenship from an eligible country: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Chile, or Argentina. You can only apply once per lifetime.
Gather required documents. Collect: valid passport with 6+ months remaining, completed visa application form, passport photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm), proof of funds ($3,000-5,000 USD in bank statements from last 3 months), health certificate from approved medical facility, criminal background check (apostilled), travel insurance covering your stay, and round-trip flight itinerary or proof you can afford return ticket.
Complete the application form. Fill out the H-1 visa application form completely. Download from your local Korean consulate website. Include detailed travel plans, intended work activities, and accommodation information for your first few weeks.
Schedule and attend appointment. Book an appointment at your nearest Korean consulate or embassy. Some locations accept walk-ins, others require appointments. Bring all original documents plus photocopies. The interview is usually brief - they'll verify your documents and ask about your plans.
Pay the fee and wait. Pay the visa fee ($45-90 depending on nationality). Processing takes 5-15 business days. You'll receive a visa valid for 12 months from issue date, allowing multiple entries and work authorization.
Register upon arrival. Within 90 days of arrival in South Korea, register your residence at the local district office and apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC). Bring your passport, visa, proof of address, and passport photos.

Can I extend my working holiday visa?: No, the working holiday visa cannot be extended under any circumstances. It's valid for exactly 12 months from the issue date.
What jobs can I do with this visa?: You can work in most fields including hospitality, retail, teaching English (with proper qualifications), office work, and manual labor. Restricted areas include entertainment, professional services requiring licenses, and some government positions.
How much money do I really need in my bank account?: The requirement varies by nationality but ranges from $3,000-5,000 USD. The money must be in your account for at least 3 months before application, shown through bank statements.
Can I apply if I've been to South Korea before?: Yes, previous visits to South Korea don't disqualify you from the working holiday visa, as long as you meet all other requirements and haven't used a working holiday visa for South Korea before.