South Korea Working Holiday Visa: How to Apply Easily
South Korea is an increasingly popular destination for Australian travellers looking to combine cultural discovery with short-term work. The South Korea Working Holiday Visa (WHV) allows eligible Australians to stay in South Korea for up to 12 months while travelling and working to support their stay.
While the application process is generally straightforward, it involves specific eligibility criteria, mandatory documents, and practical requirements that often raise questions among applicants.
This guide explains, step by step, how the South Korea Working Holiday Visa works for Australian citizens. The objective is to help future working holiday makers understand what to expect, avoid common mistakes, and prepare a complete and compliant application, while highlighting key protections needed for a safe and secure stay in South Korea.
- The South Korea Working Holiday Visa allows Australians to stay up to 12 months for travel and short-term work
- Applicants must be aged 18–30 and can only apply once
- Proof of funds of at least KRW 3,000,000 (or equivalent in AUD) is required
- Applications must be submitted in person at a Korean Embassy or Consulate in Australia
- Processing time is generally 5–15 working days, with entry required within the visa validity period
- Travel insurance covering medical care and accidents is generally expected and strongly recommended
- Only short-term and casual jobs are allowed under the Working Holiday Visa
- The visa cannot be extended beyond 12 months
What Is the South Korea Working Holiday Visa?
The South Korea Working Holiday Visa is a temporary residence visa that allows young Australian citizens to travel in South Korea while taking up short-term employment to help fund their stay.
🎯 The primary purpose of this visa is cultural exchange. Holders are expected to travel around the country and experience everyday life in South Korea, with work being a secondary activity rather than the main objective.
⏱️ In general, the visa allows a stay of up to 12 months from the date of entry into South Korea. The exact duration granted is determined by the immigration authorities and is indicated on the visa and residence permit. Extensions are not guaranteed and should always be confirmed with the competent authority.
✅ With this visa, it is generally permitted to:
- Travel freely within South Korea for the duration of the visa
- Take short-term or casual jobs to cover living expenses
- Work for multiple employers, within the limits set by immigration rules
❌ However, visa holders cannot:
- Take permanent or full-time long-term employment
- Work in occupations considered inappropriate for working holiday makers
- Engage in professional activities requiring specific licences
- Enrol in long-term academic programs or degree courses
Yes, South Korea applies an annual quota for Working Holiday Visas by nationality.
For Australians, places are limited each year and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability should be confirmed with the competent authority before applying.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility for Australians)
- 🇦🇺 The South Korea Working Holiday Visa is available exclusively to citizens of Australia holding a valid Australian passport at the time of application.
- 🎂 Applicants must generally be aged between 18 and 30 years old at the time the application is submitted. Applications outside this age range are not accepted.
- 👶 Applicants must not be accompanied by dependent children during their stay in South Korea.
- 🔁 The South Korea Working Holiday Visa can only be granted once. Repeat applications are not permitted.
- 💰 Applicants must be able to prove sufficient funds to support themselves at the beginning of their stay, equivalent to at least KRW 3,000,000. This amount must be shown in AUD (or equivalent) via recent bank statements.
💡 No specific diploma or professional qualification is required to apply for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa.
South Korea Working Holiday Visa Requirements
Document | Mandatory? | Application step | Useful information |
|---|---|---|---|
🛂 Valid Australian passport | Yes | Before applying | Must be valid for the entire stay in South Korea, in good condition, with at least one blank page. |
📝 Completed application form | Yes | Application submission | Must be fully completed and signed using the latest official Working Holiday Visa form. |
📸 Recent passport photos | Yes | Application submission | Colour photos, usually taken within the last six months, meeting official photo requirements. |
💰 Proof of sufficient funds | Yes | Application submission | Bank statements showing at least KRW 3,000,000 (or equivalent in AUD) to cover initial living costs. |
✈️ Return or onward travel proof (or funds) | Yes | Application submission | A return or onward ticket, or proof of additional funds to purchase one if requested. |
🚓 Criminal record check | If requested | After submission / on request | May be required depending on the applicant’s profile or at the discretion of the authorities. |
🩺 Medical certificate | If applicable | After submission / on request | May be requested in specific cases, especially if health concerns are identified. |
Generally required | Application submission or entry | Applicants are generally expected to hold travel insurance covering medical care and accidents for the entire stay. |
How to Apply for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa
- Prepare all required documents: before booking an appointment, applicants should gather all mandatory documents. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, this includes a valid Australian passport, the completed Working Holiday Visa application form, passport photos, proof of funds (generally at least KRW 3,000,000, shown in AUD), and where applicable proof of onward travel. It is also strongly recommended to arrange Working Holiday travel insurance covering medical expenses and accidents for the entire intended stay, as this may be checked during the process or at entry. 💡 Documents are generally expected to be submitted in English or Korean. Official translations may be required if documents are issued in another language.
- Book an appointment at the Korean Embassy or Consulate in Australia: applications for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa must generally be lodged in person at the Korean Embassy or one of the Korean Consulates in Australia. Appointments are usually required and availability may vary depending on location and season. 💡No online application process is currently provided for this visa category.
- Submit the application in person: on the day of the appointment, applicants must submit their complete application file in person. The visa application fee must be paid at this stage (~ AUD 80). Immigration officers may ask additional questions or request supplementary documents depending on the applicant’s situation.
- Wait for visa processing: once the application is lodged, processing usually takes between 5 and 15 working days. Delays may occur during peak periods or if additional checks are required. During this time, applicants may be contacted for further information, such as a criminal record check or medical certificate, if deemed necessary by the authorities.
- Collect your passport and visa: after approval, applicants are informed when their passport is ready for collection. The visa is affixed to the passport and specifies the validity period for entry into South Korea. Applicants should carefully check all details on the visa upon collection.
Processing Time and Validity
Topic | Key information | What to know |
|---|---|---|
Processing time | Generally 5–15 working days | Processing times may vary depending on the consulate, the period of the year, and whether additional checks or documents are required. Delays are possible during peak seasons. |
Entry deadline after approval | Usually within 3 months of visa issuance | The entry deadline is indicated on the visa sticker. Applicants must enter South Korea before this date or the visa becomes invalid. Requirements may evolve and should be verified on the visa. |
Visa validity vs length of stay | Validity for entry vs stay of up to 12 months | Visa validity defines the period allowed to enter South Korea, while the length of stay determines how long the holder may remain after entry, as set by immigration authorities. |
How Much Does the South Korea Working Holiday Visa Cost?
Cost type | Amount (AUD) | Mandatory? | Useful information |
|---|---|---|---|
🛂 Visa application fee | ~AUD 80 | Yes | Payable when submitting the application in person at the Korean Embassy or Consulate. Accepted payment methods vary by location and should be confirmed in advance. |
🚓 Police check | ~AUD 42 | If requested | The Australian Federal Police National Police Check may be requested depending on the applicant’s profile or at the discretion of the authorities. Processing times and fees may vary. |
🩺 Medical certificate | ~AUD 80–150 | If applicable | Required only in specific cases. Costs depend on the medical provider and any additional tests requested. |
🌐 Translations (if needed) | ~AUD 30–60 per page | If applicable | Official translations may be required if documents are not in English or Korean. Prices vary depending on the translator and document length. |
🛡️ Working Holiday travel insurance | ~AUD 400–700 (12 months) | Generally required | Applicants are generally expected to hold insurance covering medical care, accidents and repatriation for the entire stay. Coverage may be checked at application or upon entry. Costs vary depending on coverage level and duration. |
While Working Holiday travel insurance represents a higher upfront cost, adequate insurance is often worth it given the potential cost of medical care and hospitalisation in South Korea, and the fact that coverage may be checked during the visa process or at entry.
Get my WHV insurance quoteSouth Korea Working Holiday Insurance
Is Working Holiday Insurance Mandatory for South Korea?
In general, South Korean authorities expect Working Holiday Visa applicants to hold adequate travel insurance for the entire duration of their stay. While insurance is not always listed as a strict visa requirement, it may be checked during the application process or upon entry. Requirements can vary and should be confirmed with the competent authority.
Australians are strongly advised to have full coverage due to the high cost of medical care in South Korea. Without insurance, hospitalisation or emergency treatment can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses. In some cases, travellers may be asked to arrange insurance at immigration if they cannot provide proof of coverage.
Which Working Holiday Insurance for South Korea?
Suitable Working Holiday insurance should cover medical expenses, hospitalisation, emergency care, and repatriation. Coverage for work-related activities is also important.
💡 Standard travel insurance is often insufficient for a 12-month stay, as it may exclude long-term travel or paid work. A policy designed for Working Holiday stays offers protection better aligned with visa conditions and on-site risks.
Get your Working Holiday insurance certificate in 2 minutes
What Kind of Jobs Can Australians Do in South Korea?
- 🍎 Teaching English (with limitations): working Holiday Visa holders may teach English on a casual or short-term basis. In general, full-time teaching positions and jobs requiring an E-2 teaching visa are not permitted. Private tutoring and long-term contracts may also be restricted and should be confirmed with immigration authorities.
- ☕ Cafés, restaurants and bars: hospitality jobs are among the most common for working holiday makers. These roles typically include waiting tables, kitchen assistance or bar work, often in tourist areas or large cities such as Seoul and Busan.
- 🏠 Guesthouses and hostels: many Australians find work in guesthouses or hostels, particularly in exchange for accommodation or reduced rent. Tasks may include reception duties, cleaning or basic customer service.
- 🌱 Seasonal or casual work: short-term or seasonal roles may be available in agriculture, tourism or events, depending on the time of year and location. These positions are usually temporary and paid hourly.
❌ Jobs that are not allowed :
In general, Working Holiday Visa holders cannot take permanent or highly skilled positions, work in professions requiring specific licences, or engage in activities considered inappropriate by immigration authorities. Employment in entertainment venues may also be restricted.
💵 Average salaries and working hours:
Hourly wages typically align with the South Korean minimum wage, which is set by local authorities and may change annually. Working hours are usually part-time, and visa holders are expected to prioritise travel over work.
Can You Extend the South Korea Working Holiday Visa?
As for the Japan Working Holiday Visa, the South Korea Working Holiday Visa is granted for a maximum stay of up to 12 months and cannot be extended beyond this period. The authorised length of stay is determined by immigration authorities upon entry and must be respected.
There are no standard conditions allowing an extension of the Working Holiday Visa itself. Once the authorised stay expires, visa holders are expected to leave South Korea. Overstaying may lead to penalties or future visa restrictions.
For those wishing to stay longer in South Korea, alternative visa options may be considered depending on individual circumstances. These may include student visas, work visas, or other long-term residence permits, each with its own eligibility criteria and application process. Such options must be applied for in accordance with South Korean immigration rules and confirmed with the competent authorities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
- ⏰ Applying too late or too early: that may leave insufficient time for processing or result in the visa expiring before travel. Applicants should align their application timing with the expected entry window indicated by the authorities.
- 💰 Insufficient proof of funds: applicants must clearly demonstrate the minimum required financial resources, using recent and verifiable documents, in AUD or equivalent.
- 🛡️ Missing or inadequate insurance: this can lead to complications during the application process or at immigration. Insurance should cover the full duration of the stay and include medical and emergency expenses.
- ⚠️ Assuming all jobs are allowed: taking up prohibited employment may breach visa conditions and lead to penalties. Job restrictions should always be checked with the competent authorities before accepting work.
FAQ
No. In general, the South Korea Working Holiday Visa must be applied for in person at a Korean Embassy or Consulate in Australia. An online application process is not currently available for this visa category. Procedures may vary slightly by location and should be confirmed with the competent authority.
Applicants are generally required to show either a return or onward ticket, or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one. This requirement helps demonstrate the intention to leave South Korea at the end of the authorised stay.
Short-term courses or informal language classes are generally permitted, as long as studying is not the main purpose of the stay. Enrolment in long-term academic programs or degree courses is not allowed under the Working Holiday Visa.
Living costs vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Major cities such as Seoul are generally more expensive, particularly for accommodation. However, food, public transport and daily expenses can remain manageable, especially when combining travel with part-time work.
It is possible, but opportunities are more limited. Jobs in hospitality, guesthouses or international environments may require little Korean, while basic language skills can significantly improve job prospects and daily life.
Yes. In general, Working Holiday Visa holders must register with local immigration authorities after arrival and apply for a residence card. This step is mandatory to remain compliant and must be completed within the timeframe set by immigration.
In general, the Working Holiday Visa allows multiple entries during its validity period. However, re-entry conditions should be checked with immigration authorities, especially if the residence card has not yet been issued.
The Working Holiday Visa is intended primarily for travel, with work as a secondary activity. While part-time and casual work are generally permitted, excessive working hours or long-term employment may be considered non-compliant. Limits and conditions should be confirmed with the competent authorities, as they may evolve.
