Age
18–30
References: KR
US passport / Working Holiday
Working Holiday in South Korea for Americans (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
- 18–30Learn moreReferences: KR
- Length of stay
- Up to 18 months in Seattle’s US guidanceLearn moreReferences: KR
- Initial funds
- At least KRW 3,000,000 in Seattle’s checklistLearn moreReferences: KR
- Visa fee
- USD 45 in Seattle’s US checklistLearn moreReferences: KR
- Annual quota
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: KR
- Application dates and timing
- Enter within 12 months of visa issueLearn moreReferences: KR
- Language
- To be confirmedLearn moreReferences: KR
- Study
- Korean language study allowedLearn moreReferences: KR
- Work
- Permitted short-term work with occupational restrictionsLearn moreReferences: KR
USA →South KoreaWorking Holiday in South Korea for Americans (2026)
Requirements, application steps and preparation before departure.
Step 1
Check requirements and language preparation
Length of stay
Confirm the authorised duration with your responsible Korean consulate; do not copy the Canadian 24-month arrangement.
References: KR
Initial funds
Seattle asks for financial evidence such as the last 3 months of bank statements. Prepare airfare and insurance separately.
References: KR
Visa fee
USD 45 in Seattle’s US checklist
References: KR
Annual quota
Seattle lists 2,000 US participants, but the panel does not specify an annual reporting period. This is not a remaining-place count.
References: KR
Application dates and timing
Enter within 12 months of visa issue
References: KR
Language
Seattle does not establish a Korean-test threshold. Language training is permitted, but foreign-language teaching requires different immigration status.
References: KR
Explore language courses →Passport
This is Seattle’s submission minimum. For a longer trip, prepare a passport covering the planned stay and confirm validity and residence formalities with your responsible consulate.
References: KR
Insurance
Full-stay health insurance; KRW 40,000,000 coverage in Seattle
References: KR
Education and supporting documents
Prepare the activity plan, education evidence, criminal record, medical certificate and round-trip ticket requested by the responsible consulate.
References: KR
Step 2
Apply through the official route
- Confirm the Korean mission for your US residence and the student or recent-graduate condition.
- Apply in the home country. Seattle permits mail or an advance in-person appointment for residents of Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho.
- Use the mission’s application, activity plan, education evidence, financial evidence, insurance, criminal and medical certificates; Seattle lists USD 45.
- Allow the stated processing period, answer further requests and check the visa’s entry and stay conditions before travel.
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
Confirm your consular jurisdiction before obtaining certificates. Prepare study or recent-graduation evidence, the activity plan, financial records, insurance and the return ticket. Ask your mission about weekly work limits before accepting a job.
- 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
Check your permitted stay and any residence formalities on arrival. Language classes are possible, but degree study and foreign-language teaching require different immigration permission.
Work
Foreign-language instruction and specified professional or entertainment work are excluded. Check the authorised weekly hours with your consulate before agreeing to a schedule.
Study
The H-1 route is not for an academic degree; degree study needs the appropriate student status.
Explore language courses →Language courses · commercial service
Prepare for the language you will use abroad.
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 H-1 route is not for an academic degree; degree study needs the appropriate student status.
Other destinations to compare
- Working Holiday in Australia →
- Working Holiday in New Zealand →
- Working Holiday in Ireland →
- Working Holiday in Singapore →
- Working Holiday in Austria →
- Working Holiday in Portugal →
- Working Holiday in Canada →
Frequently asked questions
Is the Seattle checklist nationwide?
No. Its jurisdiction is Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho; other missions may require different documents.
References: KR
Explore language courses →Does a US passport alone qualify?
No. Seattle also requires university study or graduation within one year.
References: KR
Is the stay 12 months?
Seattle’s US-specific page allows up to 18 months; confirm your grant.
References: KR
May I teach English?
Foreign-language instruction requires a change to appropriate status, identified as E-2 in the guidance.
References: KR
Can I take a degree course?
The guidance directs academic-degree study to student status; Korean language study is possible.
References: KR
Does 2,000 mean places remain?
No. Seattle’s programme figure has no remaining-place meaning or stated annual period.
References: KR
Official sources
Individual source check dates are listed below. Governments can change requirements at any time; check the official government pages before applying.
2026-10-18 · Governments can change visa requirements at any time. Always check the official government pages before applying.