Part-Time Work for International Students in Korea: The Basics
Can you work part-time on a student visa in Korea? Yes, but only with permission first. Here is how the process generally works and what to check before you start a job.
By CampusDown Korea2 min readOn this page
Many international students in Korea want a part-time job to help with living costs or to practice Korean. It is possible on a student visa, but there is one rule to remember above all: you need permission before you start working.
Permission comes first
Holders of D-2 and D-4 student visas are not automatically allowed to work. To take a part-time job you must get permission for activities outside your status of stay from immigration. Working without it can lead to fines and problems with your visa, and employers can be penalized too.
How the process usually works
- Find a job and get the employer's details (business registration, working conditions, hours).
- Get confirmation from your university's international student office. Schools check things such as your enrollment, attendance and grades.
- Apply to immigration, either online through HiKorea or at the immigration office, and wait for approval before starting.
If you later change employers or workplaces, this must also be reported to immigration within the set period, so tell your international office as soon as plans change.
Who is eligible, and for how many hours?
There is no single answer. Eligibility and the weekly hour limit depend on things like your program (language course, bachelor's or graduate), your Korean ability (TOPIK level), and your attendance and grades. Students in language programs on a D-4 visa generally have to complete a period of study (around six months) with good attendance before they can apply. Because these limits are revised from time to time, check the current rules with your school or on HiKorea instead of relying on what friends were told years ago.
Know your basic rights
- Korea's minimum wage applies to foreign workers as well as Korean citizens.
- Ask for a written employment contract that shows your pay, hours and duties.
- Some types of work are not allowed for students, so confirm the job is permitted before you accept it.
Looking ahead to a career
If you hope to work in Korea after graduation, internships, competitions and certifications can strengthen your applications. CampusDown's career section and contest listings (in Korean) are good places to start exploring.
For questions about your own situation, contact your school's international office or the Immigration Contact Center at 1345.
โน๏ธ This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules and procedures can change โ check the official sources linked above for the latest details.