South Korean passport / Working Holiday

Working Holiday in the United Kingdom for Korean citizens (2026)

Check the essential requirements, then follow the five stages to prepare your application and trip.

Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.

Key facts at a glance

Age: 18–35 yearsLearn moreReferences: GB
Length of stay: Up to 2 yearsLearn moreReferences: GBO
Initial funds: GBP 2,530 held for 28 daysLearn moreReferences: GB
Visa fee: GBP 340 + healthcare surchargeLearn moreReferences: GBO
Annual quota: To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: GB
Application dates and timing: Apply up to 6 months before travelLearn moreReferences: GBO
Language: To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: GB
Study: Study allowed; some courses need ATASLearn moreReferences: GBO
Work: Most jobs permitted; activity restrictions applyLearn moreReferences: GBO

Prepare your application →Explore language courses

Traveler beside the water, with shoreline scenery in the background.

Step 1

Check requirements and language preparation

Age

18–35 years

References: GB

Length of stay

The extra year available to Australian, Canadian and New Zealand citizens does not apply to Japanese or Korean applicants.

References: GBO

Initial funds

Hold the funds for 28 consecutive days; day 28 must fall within 31 days before application.

References: GB

Visa fee

Healthcare surcharge is separate, usually GBP 776 per year. Confirm the amount when applying.

References: GBO

Annual quota

This point is not confirmed in this research. Check the authority’s current instructions.

References: GB

Application dates and timing

Apply up to 6 months before travel

References: GBO

Language

This point is not confirmed in this research. Check the authority’s current instructions.

References: GB

Explore language courses →

Passport

This point is not confirmed in this research. Check the authority’s current instructions.

References: GB

Insurance

This point is not confirmed in this research. Check the authority’s current instructions.

References: GB

Documents and participation

Neither nationality needs a ballot. Check prior YMS participation and dependent-child restrictions.

References: GB

Step 2

Apply through the official route

Check Korean age rules, previous YMS participation and dependent-child conditions.
Prepare the bank holding-period evidence, passport and required certified translations.
Apply online from outside the UK and pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge.
Complete the instructed identity check and verify eVisa and passport details after approval.

Read the official instructions ↗

Step 3

Read your approval and entry conditions

Read the entire approval notice: identity, dates, entry deadline and conditions. Keep it available offline. Do not assume the visa starts on your preferred date.

Step 4

Get ready for the trip

Hold GBP 2,530 for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days before application. Budget the application fee and healthcare surcharge separately from living funds.

Passport, visa and requested evidence accessible offline.
Initial funds, insurance and departure costs checked separately.
First accommodation and airport transport arranged.

Step 5

Start your Working Holiday

Link your travel passport to the eVisa in your UKVI account. GB
Check permission start and end dates before entry. GB
Check ATAS requirements for applicable courses. GB
Check professional sport, coaching and self-employment restrictions. GB

Work

Professional sportsperson or coaching work is prohibited; self-employment has conditions.

GBO

Study

Study allowed; some courses need ATAS

GBO

Explore language courses →

Language courses · commercial service

Plan a language course for your trip.

Through ViveCampus you can request language-course quotes with international-student discounts. Offers may vary by your country of origin and destination. A personalized quote confirms available discounts and the final price. Booking a course does not guarantee a visa.

Study allowed; some courses need ATAS

Other destinations to compare

Back to destinations for Korean citizens

Frequently asked questions

Do Koreans need a ballot?

The current Korean route does not require a ballot.

References: GB

Explore language courses →

Can I apply at 35?

Korean applicants may be aged 18–35; check age at application.

References: GB

How long must I hold the money?

Hold GBP 2,530 for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days before application.

References: GB

Can Koreans obtain the additional year?

The additional year for Australian, Canadian and New Zealand citizens does not apply to Koreans.

References: GBO

Can I study?

Study is permitted, but some courses require ATAS clearance.

References: GBO

Can the healthcare surcharge come from maintenance funds?

Budget the application fee and healthcare surcharge separately from required maintenance funds.

References: GB GBO

Official sources

Source check dates are listed individually below. Rules may change after a check; always confirm current requirements with the official government authority.

2026-10-16 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.

GB · United Kingdom - official authority

Read the official instructions ↗

2026-10-16 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.

GBO · UK Youth Mobility: overview

Read the official instructions ↗