South Korea Working Holiday Visa: How to Apply Easily (UK Guide)
The South Korea Working Holiday Visa (H-1) is aimed at young UK citizens who wish to travel in South Korea while being allowed to work on a temporary basis. It is suitable for those looking to combine cultural discovery, everyday life experience and short-term employment during a stay of up to 12 months.
South Korea is particularly attractive to young British travellers thanks to its high level of safety, efficient public transport, rich culture and dynamic cities. Job opportunities accessible to working holiday makers, especially in hospitality and tourism, as well as a reasonable cost of living for a major Asian country, further strengthen its appeal.
This guide helps UK applicants understand the key aspects of the South Korea Working Holiday Visa, including eligibility conditions, application steps, required documents, costs and processing times. It also highlights common pitfalls to avoid, in order to prepare the application with clarity and confidence.
- The H-1 Working Holiday Visa is open to British citizens aged 18 to 30
- It allows a stay of up to 12 months, with multiple entries
- The UK quota is approximately 5,000 visas per year and applications are processed on a rolling basis
- Applicants must show around £1,700 to £1,900 in funds or proof of return travel
- Applications are submitted via the Korea Visa Application Centre (KVAC) in London
- Travel insurance covering the full stay is a mandatory requirement
- Processing time is generally between 1 and 3 weeks
- An Alien Registration Card (ARC) is required for stays longer than 90 days
What Is the South Korea Working Holiday Visa (H-1)?
The South Korea Working Holiday Visa, officially referred to as the H-1 visa, is a long-stay visa created to encourage cultural exchange between South Korea and participating countries such as the United Kingdom.
👉 Its main objective is to allow young people to travel and experience life in South Korea, while being legally authorised to work on a temporary basis in order to support their stay. The emphasis of the visa remains on travel and cultural immersion rather than on long-term employment.
⏱️ For UK citizens, the H-1 Working Holiday Visa permits a stay of up to 12 months in South Korea.
🔁 It allows multiple exits and re-entries to South Korea during its validity, as long as the holder does not remain outside the country for more than one year.
⏩️ Extensions or changes of status are not granted automatically and must be confirmed with the relevant Korean immigration authorities, as eligibility and procedures may evolve.
Holders of a South Korea Working Holiday Visa are allowed to take on short-term or casual jobs, most commonly in sectors such as hospitality, tourism or language-related activities.
However, certain types of work are restricted. In general, permanent positions, highly specialised professions and activities that do not align with the cultural exchange purpose of the visa are not permitted.
South Korea Working Holiday Visa Eligibility for UK Citizens
Basic eligibility requirements
The South Korea Working Holiday Visa (H-1) is part of an official bilateral agreement between South Korea and the UK, designed to promote cultural exchange and youth mobility under clearly defined conditions set by the competent authorities.
Working Holiday Info Center (MOFA Korea) says that to be eligible, UK applicants must generally meet the following conditions:
- 🇬🇧 Be a British citizen holding a valid British passport
- 🎂 Be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of application
- 🏠 Be legally resident in the United Kingdom when submitting the application
- 🔁 Apply as a first-time participant in the South Korea Working Holiday Programme
- 🍜 Intend to stay in South Korea primarily for holiday and cultural exchange purposes, with work being secondary
- 💷 Have sufficient financial resources to support the initial period of stay (around KRW 3,000,000 ≈ £1,700 to £1,900)
- ✈️ Have a valid return flight ticket or evidence of financial ability to afford a return flight
- 🛡️ Have appropriate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Korea
- 🩺 Meet health and character requirements, which may include medical checks and a police certificate.
- 🧑🧒🧒 Not be accompanied by any dependents at any point in time during your stay in Korea
- 🗺️ Submit travel plans and must pay the visa application fee when you submit your application form (fees may vary by nationality).
Can non-British citizens living in the UK apply?
Non-British citizens residing in the UK cannot apply for a South Korea Working Holiday Visa through the UK quota unless their nationality is part of a bilateral working holiday agreement with South Korea. Eligibility is determined by nationality, not by country of residence.
👉 Applicants holding a foreign passport but legally residing in the UK must normally apply through the South Korean visa authorities responsible for their country of nationality. The place of application, required documents and procedures may differ depending on the passport held and local arrangements.
💡 Before starting any application, non-British residents in the UK are strongly advised to verify where and how they must apply, as submitting a request through the wrong jurisdiction may result in delays or refusal.
Eligibility for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa is determined by nationality, not by country of residence. However, the place where the application must be submitted is generally determined by the applicant’s country of legal residence.
👉 For UK-based applicants, the application is normally processed through the Korea Visa Application Centre (KVAC) in London, which means applicants are generally expected to be physically present in the UK at the time of submission. Applying from outside the UK may result in delays or the application being redirected to another jurisdiction.
Where and When to Apply for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa (UK)
Applying through KVAC London
In the UK, applications for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa (H-1) are submitted through the Korea Visa Application Centre (KVAC) in London. The KVAC handles the administrative processing of applications on behalf of the Korean authorities, including document checks, fee collection and passport return.
💡 Applications are not submitted directly to the embassy, which remains responsible for the final decision.
When should you apply?
It is advisable to apply a few months before the planned departure date, especially during busier periods such as spring and summer. UK applications are generally accepted on a rolling basis, subject to the annual quota.
⚠️ The visa is issued with a limited validity period for entry, which is generally up to 12 months from the date of issuance. This means that:
- applicants should align their application date with their intended travel plans and confirm current timelines with the competent authorities.
- holders must enter South Korea within this period in order to activate their Working Holiday Visa
For UK citizens, the South Korea Working Holiday Visa is subject to an annual quota agreed between the two countries.
The UK quota is relatively generous (5,000 places per year) compared to some other national quotas (France = 2,000, Italy = 500), and applications are generally processed on a rolling basis rather than through a strict first-come, first-served opening date.
However, once the annual quota is reached, no further visas are issued until the following year, which is why applying early and confirming current availability with the competent authorities is recommended.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa
- Prepare your application timeline
- Gather all required documents
- Pay the visa and service fees
- Submit your application from the UK
- Wait for processing and passport return
Prepare your application timeline
Wait for processing and passport return. Before starting the application, it is important to plan the overall timeline carefully. This includes allowing enough time to anticipating possible delays and aligning the application date with the intended departure and arrival in South Korea. 💡 Applying too early or too late can create unnecessary complications, particularly in relation to visa validity and entry deadlines.
Gather all required documents
Applicants should collect all documents required for the Working Holiday Visa in advance. Particular attention should be given to documents that may take longer to obtain, such as a police certificate or medical documents. 💡 Ensuring that all documents are complete, up to date and consistent reduces the risk of delays or requests for additional information.
Pay the visa and service fees
The application involves paying the official visa fee (≈ £45) as well as the service fees (≈ £65 to £75) charged by the Korea Visa Application Centre (KVAC). Payments must be made according to the instructions in force at the time of application. 💡 Errors in payment or missing proof of payment are common reasons for processing delays and should be avoided.
Submit your application from the UK
The application must be submitted from within the United Kingdom, either by post or according to the procedure currently required by the KVAC. 💡Applicants are generally expected to be physically present in the UK when applying, as visa applications are processed based on country of residence (unlike eligibility for the Working Holiday Visa itself, which is determined by nationality rather than residence). Submitting from outside the UK may lead to refusal or delays.
Wait for processing and passport return
Once the application has been submitted, processing times can vary depending on the period and the completeness of the file. They are generally between 1 and 3 weeks for UK applicants. During this time, the passport is usually retained by the authorities. 💡 Applicants are advised to avoid booking non-refundable travel or making firm commitments until the passport has been returned and the visa has been issued.
South Korea Working Holiday Visa Required Documents
The table below distinguishes between documents that are always required, those that may be requested depending on the applicant or current instructions, and those that are conditional. Requirements are defined by the competent authorities and may evolve.
Document type | Requirement status | Application stage | Useful information |
|---|---|---|---|
🛂 Valid passport | Always required | Submission | British passport, generally valid for at least one year, with sufficient blank pages. |
📝 Visa application form | Always required | Submission | Must be fully completed, accurate and signed; errors can delay processing. |
📸 Passport photo | Always required | Submission | One recent photo meeting Korean visa specifications. |
💷 Proof of funds or return ticket | Always required | Submission | Bank statements showing ≈ £1,700–£1,900 or proof of ability to purchase a return ticket. |
Always required | Submission | Must cover the full stay and include medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation. | |
💳 Proof of fee payment | Always required | Submission | Evidence of payment of the visa fee and KVAC service fees must be included. |
🗺️ Travel plan / statement of purpose | May be requested | Submission | Usually a short explanation of the project; detailed bookings are not required. |
🚓 UK police certificate (ACRO) | May be requested | Submission or follow-up | Often requested for long-stay visas; should be obtained in advance to avoid delays. |
🩺 Medical certificate / examination | May be requested | Submission or follow-up | Not systematic; may be required depending on health criteria or current instructions. |
🎓 Proof of education | May be requested | Submission or follow-up | Diploma or equivalent may be requested under certain bilateral arrangements. |
🌐 Translations | Conditional | Submission | Required only if documents are not in English or Korean. |
📄 Copies of documents | Always required | Submission | Clear photocopies are generally required; originals should be kept available if requested. |
From a practical perspective, applicants are strongly advised to prepare all documents that may be requested before submitting their application. This approach helps reduce processing times and limits the risk of delays, particularly for documents such as police records, medical documents or the insurance certificate which is mandatory.
Compare the best WHV insurance plansWorking Holiday Insurance for South Korea
Is Working Holiday Insurance Mandatory for South Korea?
Yes. For the South Korea Working Holiday Visa (H-1), holding appropriate travel insurance is considered a core requirement of the programme. Applicants are expected to be insured for the full duration of their stay, as Working Holiday visa holders are not covered by the Korean public healthcare system.
👉 The insurance should, at a minimum, cover medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation.
The authorities may check the existence, duration and scope of the coverage at the time of the visa application or upon entry into South Korea. As requirements may change, applicants should ensure their policy meets the current expectations before applying.
💡 Insurance is not systematically required for all Working Holiday destinations, but it is always strongly recommended, as is the case for the Australia Working Holiday Visa.
Which Working Holiday Insurance Should You Choose for South Korea?
Key criteria include coverage for the full visa duration, medical care and hospitalisation, repatriation, and activities linked to casual work. Choosing insurance adapted to a Working Holiday stay helps meet visa requirements and provides essential protection throughout the time spent in South Korea.
Get your Working Holiday insurance certificate in 2 minutes
For a 12-month stay, a standard short-term travel insurance policy is often not sufficient. Working Holiday insurance is specifically designed for long stays abroad and temporary work, with higher medical limits and fewer exclusions.
How Much Does the South Korea Working Holiday Visa Cost?
Official visa and service fees
When applying for a South Korea Working Holiday Visa (H-1) from the UK, applicants should budget for the following official fees. All amounts are indicative and must be confirmed at the time of application, as fees are set by the competent authorities and may change.
- 💷 Visa application fee: ≈ £45
- 🏢 KVAC service fee (UK): ≈ £65–£75
- 📬 Passport return by secure courier (if applicable): ≈ £10–£20
In practice, the total cost for visa and service fees is usually around £120–£140.
Additional costs to budget for
In addition to the official fees, applicants should anticipate several ancillary expenses linked to document preparation and compliance with visa requirements.
- 🚓 UK police certificate (ACRO): ≈ £55–£95, depending on standard or expedited processing
- 🩺 Medical examinations or certificates: ≈ £50–£150, depending on the tests required and provider
- 📸 Passport photos: ≈ £6–£15
- 🌐 Translations (if required): ≈ £20–£60 per page, depending on language and certification level
- 🛡️ Working Holiday travel insurance: ≈ £300–£600 for 12 months, depending on coverage, limits and options
Insurance often represents one of the more significant additional costs. However, it is also a key element of both the visa application and financial protection during a long stay in South Korea.
Get my WHV insurance quoteCommon Reasons for Refusal or Delays
- 📄 Incomplete or inconsistent application file: missing documents, unsigned forms or conflicting information often lead to requests for additional documents or processing delays. Carefully checking the file before submission is essential.
- 💷 Insufficient or unclear proof of funds: bank statements that do not meet the required amount or are outdated may result in delays or refusal. Financial evidence should be clear, recent and compliant with current requirements.
- ⏰ Poor timing of the application: applying too late can be risky if the annual quota is nearly full or during busy periods. Applying too early may also be problematic if the visa entry validity expires before departure.
- 🇬🇧 Common UK applicant mistakes: errors in fee payment, incorrect document formats or failure to follow KVAC procedures are frequent causes of delays. Following the official instructions closely helps avoid these issues.
What To Do After You Arrive in South Korea on a Working Holiday Visa
Alien Registration Card (ARC): what you need to know
Working Holiday Visa holders staying in South Korea for more than 90 days must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC). This registration is required for everyday administrative tasks such as opening a bank account or renting accommodation.
💡 In general, the application must be made within 90 days of arrival at a local immigration office. Failure to register within the deadline may result in a fine.
Finding a job in South Korea on a Working Holiday Visa
The H-1 visa allows short-term or casual work, most commonly in hospitality, tourism, cafés or guesthouses. Permanent jobs and regulated professions are not permitted.
💡Being flexible, preparing a basic CV and starting the job search early can help maximise opportunities.
Where to live during your Working Holiday in South Korea
Seoul and Busan are among the most popular cities for working holiday makers. Many applicants begin with temporary accommodation before moving to longer-term housing.
💡Rental contracts often require a security deposit, which can be significant, and should be planned for in advance.
FAQ
In general, UK applications must be submitted from within the United Kingdom, as visa processing is organised based on the applicant’s country of legal residence.
Eligibility for the Working Holiday Visa is determined by nationality, but submitting the application from outside the UK may lead to delays or the application being redirected to another jurisdiction. This should be confirmed with the competent authorities before applying.
Applicants are generally required to show either a return or onward flight ticket, or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one. A fully paid ticket is not always mandatory at the time of application, but the ability to finance the return journey must be clearly demonstrated.
As a general rule, applicants should be able to demonstrate access to around KRW 3,000,000, which corresponds to approximately £1,700–£1,900, depending on exchange rates. This amount may vary and should always be confirmed at the time of application.
Processing times vary, but for UK applicants they are generally between 1 and 3 weeks. Delays may occur during peak periods or if additional documents are requested.
The H-1 Working Holiday Visa is issued for a fixed duration and is not normally extendable beyond the initial authorised stay. Any exceptional extension or change of status is subject to approval by the Korean immigration authorities and specific eligibility criteria.
COVID-related restrictions have largely been lifted, but administrative procedures and entry requirements can still evolve. Applicants should always check the latest official guidance shortly before applying or travelling.
Yes. Holding travel insurance covering the full duration of the stay is considered a core requirement of the Working Holiday programme. Proof of insurance may be checked during the visa application process or upon entry into South Korea.
The Working Holiday Visa allows short-term or casual work to support the stay, but it is not intended for permanent or long-term employment. Certain regulated professions and full-time career positions are not permitted under the H-1 visa.
