Steps on how to apply for a South Korea Working Holiday Visa

Are you planning to visit South Korea as a tourist during your stay in the country? If so, you may consider obtaining a South Korean working holiday visa. A working holiday visa is a visa that allows citizens of certain countries to travel and work in South Korea for up to a year.

First, you should know that you must meet the specific requirements before applying for a working holiday visa.

This article will consider the steps to apply for a South Korean Working Holiday Visa, plus the required document to apply and the cost. Keep reading.

About South Korea

South Korea is a country in East Asia. North Korea borders it to the north, China to the east and northeast, and Russia to the south and southwest. The Korean Peninsula was first united as a single country under the name Chosun in 1897 after the British Empire, and Russia agreed with its administration.

The Korean War commenced on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea. The United Nations intervened, and the force ended with a ceasefire on July 27, 1953. Since then, South Korea has emerged as one of the world’s most advanced economies with a highly developed infrastructure. In 2014, South Korea had an estimated GDP of $1 trillion which made it the world’s seventh largest economy.

What is a South Korea Working Holiday Visa?

South Korea has a working holiday visa program that allows citizens from certain countries to work in the country for at least one year. The visa allows workers to stay in South Korea and keep their original passports. You can apply for the visa at the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country.

To meet the requirements, you must be between 18 and 30, have a valid passport, and not have a criminal record. You must also pass a health check and be able to support yourself financially while in South Korea. The working holiday visa is valid for one year but can be extended if you meet all requirements again.

Benefits of South Korea Working Holiday Visa

If your dream is to travel and experience different cultures, there’s no better place to start than South Korea. The country has a rich history and culture and an abundance of natural beauty. Plus, the working holiday visa program makes it easy for you to take advantage of all these fantastic country offers. Here are some of the benefits:

• The work visa allows you to stay in South Korea for up to one year without returning home every six months. This gives you plenty of time to explore the country and connect with locals.
• You can easily find work in various fields, including tourism, business, education, healthcare, and agriculture. And if you’re looking for something more challenging or unique, South Korea is home to some of the world’s most exciting jobs.
• South Korea has a wide variety of jobs available on its working holiday visas, so there’s sure to be something that interests you.
• You don’t need a sponsor or passport to apply for a working holiday visa, which makes applying easy and hassle-free.
• Upon arrival in South Korea, you will receive information about housing and other amenities available in the country.

Eligibility criteria to apply for a South Korea Working Holiday Visa

Anyone aged between 18 and 30 years can apply for a South Korea Working Holiday Visa. The eligibility criteria include;

• Applicants must have a valid passport and visa from their destination country.
• Must be in good health and have no criminal record.
• Applicants must have enough money to support themselves during their stay in South Korea.
• Applicants should be able to speak both Korean and English fluently.
• There is no specific deadline for applying for a Working Holiday Visa. Still, applicants should aim to apply at least six months before the desired trip date to ensure they receive a response from the embassy or consulate in their home country.

Steps on How to Apply for a South Korea Working Holiday Visa

If you are interested in traveling to South Korea and want to experience the country firsthand, you may be interested in applying for a working holiday visa. Here are some steps that will help you get started:

• Start by gathering all the documentation you will need to apply for a visa. This includes your passport photo, visa application form, and supporting documentation, such as your bank statement or employment contract.
• Once you have collected all of your documents, make an appointment with the nearest Korean embassy or consulate in your home country. You must provide your documents at this appointment and pay the processing fee.
• After making an appointment and paying the processing fee, return to the embassy or consulate and complete the visa application form. Try to attach your supporting documents to the form.

Required Documents to apply for a South Korean Working Holiday Visa

Below are the required documents you need to submit with your application;

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your intended departure from Korea.
• A completed working holiday visa application form (available online or at the Korean embassy or consulate nearest you). This can be downloaded from the Korean government’s website or obtained at your local Korean embassy or consulate.
• Two passport-sized photos taken within six months of the date of your application.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in South Korea (around US$200 per month).

South Korean Working Holiday Visa Processing Time

South Korean working holiday visa processing time has drastically improved in recent years. Also, visa applicants can expect to receive their visas in under two weeks. In addition, applicants who are eligible for a visa through the South Korean government’s Working Holiday Visa Program can now apply online. In some cases, applicants may receive their visas as early as the same day they submit their application.

Cost of a South Korean Working Holiday Visa

South Korea has a working holiday visa program for citizens of many countries. The visa cost depends on the country of origin and the type of visa. The cheapest types of visas are for citizens of countries who are not in NATO or the European Union. For these visas, there is no fee to apply and no fee to receive the visa if approved. The fees for other types of visas range from $60 to $185. When applying, the South Korean government requires that all working holiday visa applicants have a job offer from a South Korean company or organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in South Korea on a tourist visa?

Working in South Korea on a tourist visa is possible, but there are some essential things to keep in mind. First, you must show a valid passport and visa for South Korea. You will also need evidence of health insurance and initial expenses, such as your accommodation and food costs while in South Korea. Finally, have letters of recommendation from employers or previous employers in South Korea if you plan on applying for a work visa.

Is it hard for foreigners to work in South Korea?

Foreigners in South Korea face many challenges when trying to find a job. The country is in high demand for skilled labor, which can be difficult for foreigners to compete with. However, with perseverance and some help from employers, foreigners can find success in working in South Korea.

Can a foreigner buy a house in South Korea?

The housing market in South Korea is one of the most competitive and expensive in the world. To purchase a house in South Korea, you will need to provide proof of income (such as an annual salary statement or tax return) and proof of ownership (a government-issued document confirming you own the property). You will also need to show documentation confirming your immigration status (e.g., a passport or visa).

Several reputable real estate agencies can help you find the perfect home. If you are planning on purchasing a house soon, speak with an experienced agent to ensure everything goes smoothly.

What is the average salary in South Korea?

Korea is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Besides, the country has over 50 million people and an annual GDP of over $1 trillion. Regarding average salary, South Korea ranks as one of the highest paying countries in the world. The average salary in South Korea is about $52,000 per year. In addition, many employers offer generous benefits such as free housing and medical insurance.

Conclusion

Lastly, if you plan a trip to South Korea and want to take advantage of the country’s Working Holiday visa program, read up on the requirements and plan your trip well in advance. Unfortunately, the visa is only valid for 12 months, and there are limited opportunities to apply each year.