South Korea: H-1 Working Holiday Visa 2026

Working holiday for citizens of partner countries. Ages 18-30.

Best For

Young adults (18-35) seeking short-term work and travel experience

Not Ideal For

Applicants over the age limit or from non-eligible nationalities

At a Glance

Visa Type
Working Holiday Visa
Region
Asia
Visa Duration
1 year
Processing Time
1–2 months
Min Income (annual)
Min Investment
Application Fee
€60
Path to PR / Citizenship
No
Difficulty
3.5/10 — Moderate

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
RequirementDetails
Age Range18–30
Education Required
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsor RequiredNo
Remote Income AllowedNo
Family Accompaniment AllowedNo
Language Requirement

Application Process

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility
    Verify you meet the age, education, and financial requirements above. Use our free eligibility quiz to score your fit against South Korea's H-1 Working Holiday Visa.
  2. 2
    Gather documents
    Passport, recent photos, criminal record check, proof of accommodation, financial statements, health insurance, and any sponsor or employer letter.
  3. 3
    Submit application
    File the application with the relevant South Korea immigration authority — usually online or at the consulate in your home country.
  4. 4
    Pay fees & attend appointment
    Pay the application fee (€60). Some applicants are required to attend a biometrics or interview appointment.
  5. 5
    Wait for decision
    Typical processing: 1–2 months. Decision is communicated by email or via the official portal.

Cost & Financial Requirements

Financial Requirements
ItemAmount
Minimum Annual Salary
Minimum Monthly Income
Minimum Investment
Application Fee€60

Family & Long-term Rights

Family & Rights
RightDetails
Family AllowedNo
RenewableYes
Path to PRNo
Path to CitizenshipNo
Years to Citizenship
Dual Citizenship AllowedNo
Spouse Work RightsNo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the H-1 Working Holiday Visa?

Working holiday for citizens of partner countries. Ages 18-30.

Who is the H-1 Working Holiday Visa best for?

Young adults (18-35) seeking short-term work and travel experience

How long does the H-1 Working Holiday Visa take to process?

Processing typically takes 1–2 months. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

What does the H-1 Working Holiday Visa cost?

The application fee is €60. Total relocation cost depends on living costs, insurance, and document attestation.

Does the H-1 Working Holiday Visa lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway. Check the conditions above for renewal options.

Find your best visa pathway

Take our free 3-minute quiz and get matched with programmes that fit your profile.

Get Your Free Verdict Reports — €10

Official source: https://www.immigration.go.kr

Last verified: 2026-03-05

Related visa pathways

South Korea country guide →