The H-1 working holiday visa lets young people from partner countries live in Korea for up to 12 months and work to fund their stay. Korea has agreements with around 29 countries/regions. The baseline age is 18–30 at the time of application, but some countries differ: Canada and the UK go up to 35; Ireland, Taiwan and Portugal up to 34; and US applicants have no age cap but must be enrolled in or recently graduated from higher education. You apply at a Korean embassy/consulate with a passport, proof of funds (commonly around US$3,000+), a return-flight plan and a clean record. Some countries have annual quotas that fill within weeks, so apply as soon as your country's quota opens.
A working holiday visa is the easiest legal way for many under-30s to actually *live* in Korea for a year — not just visit — and earn money while they're there. Unlike a work visa, you don't need a job offer or an employer sponsor before you arrive.
The catch is that the H-1 is governed by bilateral agreements, so the exact rules — age limit, quota, required funds, whether you can apply twice — depend entirely on your nationality. This guide covers the shared baseline, then the country-by-country differences that trip people up. Always confirm the current terms with your nearest Korean embassy, because quotas and document lists change yearly.
What is the H-1 working holiday visa?
The H-1 is a one-year visa for young travelers that combines tourism with the right to work to support the trip. It's designed for cultural exchange, so the "holiday" is meant to be the main purpose and work is there to fund it. You can usually:
stay in Korea for up to 12 months
take part-time or short-term jobs to cover your costs
travel freely around the country during your stay
It's the most flexible entry route for people who want to experience living in Korea before committing to a full work or study visa.
Which countries are eligible in 2026?
Korea has working holiday agreements with roughly 29 countries and regions, including:
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, Latvia, Luxembourg, Andorra, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Chile, Israel, Brazil and Argentina.
If your country isn't on Korea's list, the H-1 isn't available to you — you'd need a different visa such as a work visa or student visa.
What are the age limits?
The standard age range is 18 to 30 inclusive at the time you apply, but several countries negotiated different limits:
Your country | Age limit |
|---|---|
Most partner countries | 18–30 |
Canada, United Kingdom | 18–35 |
Ireland, Taiwan, Portugal | 18–34 |
United States | No age cap, but must be enrolled in or a recent graduate of higher education |
Because the cutoff is measured at application, applying just before your birthday can matter. If you're close to the limit, apply early.
What are the requirements and documents?
The exact checklist varies by embassy, but you'll almost always need:
A valid passport with enough remaining validity
A completed visa application form and passport photos
Proof of funds — commonly around US$3,000 or more in your bank account to show you can support yourself
A return or onward flight plan (or funds to buy one)
A travel/activity plan describing what you intend to do
Travel/health insurance covering your stay (required by many consulates)
A clean criminal record and sometimes a health check
The visa fee (varies by country)
You generally must apply from your home country at a Korean embassy or consulate before traveling — you can't usually switch to H-1 after arriving as a tourist.
How do quotas work?
This is the part that catches people out. Each country has its own arrangement:
Quota countries (e.g., Canada, Japan, the US, the UK) have a fixed number of H-1 visas per year. Popular ones can fill within weeks of opening, so the application window matters as much as the requirements.
Unlimited-quota countries (e.g., Australia, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand, Denmark) have no annual cap, so you can apply whenever you're ready.
Check your embassy's announcement for when your country's quota opens, and have your documents ready in advance if you're from a quota country.
What can you do once you're in Korea?
After you arrive on an H-1, you'll typically need to register for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) if staying long enough, which unlocks a proper Korean bank account, a long-term phone plan and other essentials. Many working holiday-makers take cafe, hospitality, tutoring or seasonal jobs — just be aware that some roles (anything requiring a professional license, or certain entertainment work) are off-limits on an H-1.
Plan your Korea budget
Trip Budget Calculator — Working out whether you can afford a year in Korea? Estimate your monthly living costs — rent, transport, food and phone — so your proof-of-funds figure reflects how you'll actually live.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Korea working holiday visa valid?
The H-1 is valid for up to 12 months from entry. It's generally a one-time visa per person — most countries do not allow you to do a Korean working holiday twice — and it usually can't be extended beyond the one-year period.
Can I work full-time on a working holiday visa?
You can work to support your stay, but the visa is intended primarily for travel and cultural exchange, not full-time employment. Certain jobs are restricted (for example, work requiring a professional license, or some entertainment-sector roles). Check the conditions attached to your specific H-1.
Do I need a job before applying?
No. Unlike an E-7 or E-9 work visa, the H-1 does not require a job offer or employer sponsor. You apply on your own and find work after you arrive — which is exactly why it's so popular.
How much money do I need to show?
Many consulates ask for proof of around US$3,000 or more, but the exact figure and the documents accepted (bank statement, etc.) vary by country. Confirm the current amount with the Korean embassy where you'll apply.
Can I switch to a work visa after my working holiday?
Sometimes. If you find a qualifying employer, you may be able to change to an E-7 or other work visa, though this usually means a formal change-of-status application through immigration and isn't guaranteed. Many people use the H-1 year to line up the job that supports a later work visa.
Where do I apply?
At the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country, following that mission's announced process and quota schedule. The official HiKorea portal (hikorea.go.kr) and your local Korean embassy site are the authoritative sources — this guide is general information, not legal advice.