Age
The age range applies at application. Also check residence, previous participation and all other conditions for your passport.
References: KR-WHIC
British-citizen passport / Working Holiday
Working Holiday in South Korea for British citizens (2026)
Requirements and practical preparation for your Working Holiday in South Korea. Start with the summary, then follow the five stages.
Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.
Current UK-specific application-centre checklist, payment and submission logistics still need direct confirmation; generic WHIC guidance does not settle these operational details.
Key facts at a glance
- Age
- 18–35 inclusiveLearn moreReferences: KR-WHIC
- Length of stay
- Initial year; extension may add one yearLearn moreReferences: KR-WHIC
- Initial funds
- At least KRW 3,000,000Learn moreReferences: KR-WHIC
- Visa fee
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: KR-WHIC
- Annual quota
- 5,000 per year (2026/27 table)Learn moreReferences: KR-WHIC
- Application dates and timing
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: KR-WHIC
- Language
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: KR-WHIC
- Study
- Language courses; confirm permitted durationLearn moreReferences: KR-WHIC
- Work
- Up to 25 hours per weekLearn moreReferences: KR-WHIC
United Kingdom →South KoreaWorking Holiday in South Korea for British citizens (2026)
Requirements, application steps and preparation before departure.
Step 1
Check requirements and language preparation
Length of stay
The government guidance describes a one-year Working Holiday with a possible additional one-year extension for UK participants. An extension is not automatic; contact the immigration authority before relying on a second year.
References: KR-WHIC
Initial funds
Prepare at least KRW 3,000,000 for initial living expenses, plus a return/onward ticket or separate money to buy one. This is not the whole cost of the trip.
References: KR-WHIC
Visa fee
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
References: KR-WHIC
Annual quota
5,000 per year (2026/27 table)
References: KR-WHIC
Application dates and timing
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
References: KR-WHIC
Language
This point has not yet been confirmed in our research for your passport. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before booking or applying.
References: KR-WHIC
Explore language courses →Passport
Valid for at least one year
References: KR-WHIC
Insurance
Whole stay; at least KRW 40,000,000 cover
References: KR-WHIC
Documents and participation
Use the UK application instructions and KVAC London contact. Prepare funds, insurance, travel plans and the health/character/education evidence requested.
References: KR-WHIC
Step 2
Apply through the official route
Confirm the current UK H-1 checklist and submission channel with the Korean mission and its designated London visa centre. General WHIC guidance establishes national conditions but does not replace the current UK appointment, postal or payment instructions.
- Check the UK nationality row, age and prior participation conditions.
- Confirm the current UK filing checklist, payment and delivery method before preparing the official form and evidence.
- Submit through the officially designated UK channel, following any additional-document or interview instructions.
- Wait for grant and check its entry deadline and conditions. Any possible second-year extension requires separate confirmation and application.
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
Arrange full-stay insurance, initial funds and departure resources. Keep language study within the UK nationality allowance and check actual work conditions; the published possibility of an extension does not itself authorise a second year.
- 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
For a long stay, arrange Residence Card registration with local immigration within ninety days after arrival. Confirm the appointment and required documents; retain the weekly work limit and the conditions of any extension in your planning.
Work
The current general guidance permits up to 25 hours per week. The nationality row does not set a separate total employment-period limit. Confirm your actual conditions with the application authority.
Study
The UK row lists no separate academic-activity duration limit. This concerns language courses, not a regular university degree. Confirm the course arrangement with the application authority.
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.
The UK row lists no separate academic-activity duration limit. This concerns language courses, not a regular university degree. Confirm the course arrangement with the application authority.
Other destinations to compare
- Working Holiday in Australia →
- Working Holiday in New Zealand →
- Working Holiday in Canada →
- Working Holiday in Japan →
- Working Holiday in Hong Kong →
- Working Holiday in Taiwan →
- Working Holiday in Uruguay →
- Working Holiday in Iceland →
- Working Holiday in Andorra →
Frequently asked questions
What age applies to UK applicants?
The UK row is18–35 inclusive; do not copy the Irish18–34 limit.
What is the general work-hour limit?
Up to 25 hours weekly under the current general guidance; confirm the conditions granted to you.
Does a possible extension mean two years are guaranteed?
No. Confirm eligibility and make the required separate extension application.
Where do I confirm the UK checklist?
With the Korean mission and its officially designated UK visa-application channel.
Does the quota show available places?
No. An annual allocation is not remaining availability or an open-status confirmation.
What do I do after arrival?
For a long stay, organise Residence Card registration within ninety days through local immigration.
Official sources
Source research includes checks from 16 and 18 October 2026. Check current requirements with the official government authority; individual check dates appear below.
KR-WHIC · Korean government - Working Holiday guidance
Source checked: 2026-10-16. Check current requirements with the official government authority.
Read the official instructions ↗GB-KR-ARRIVAL-18 · WHIC · Residence-card registration
Source checked: 2026-10-18. Check current requirements with the official government authority.
Read the official instructions ↗