H-1 Working Holiday
Young people from working-holiday partner countries combining travel and casual work in Korea.
The H-1 Working Holiday is a South Korean visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~₩40,000-80,000 / US$30-60 (varies by agreement; often free)) and processing time (~1-3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the H-1 Working Holiday is for
Young people from working-holiday partner countries combining travel and casual work in Korea.
No PR pathway; switch to a work or study status to stay longer.
H-1 Working Holiday - eligibility criteria
- Be a national of a working-holiday agreement country
- Within the agreed age range (usually 18-30/35)
- Sufficient funds for the initial stay
- Primarily a holiday, with work as a secondary purpose
- Usually a once-in-a-lifetime grant per country
H-1 Working Holiday cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the H-1 Working Holiday (South Korea) is ~₩40,000-80,000 / US$30-60 (varies by agreement; often free), with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at HiKorea (Korea Immigration).
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a Korean embassy or consulate |
| Length of stay | Up to 1 year (per bilateral agreement) |
| Work rights | Casual / part-time work permitted (some sectors restricted) |
| Study rights | Short courses allowed |
| Government fee | ~₩40,000-80,000 / US$30-60 (varies by agreement; often free) |
| Processing time | ~1-3 weeks |
| Route to PR | No PR pathway; switch to a work or study status to stay longer. |
Pathway & next steps
No PR pathway; switch to a work or study status to stay longer.
Many applicants also compare K-ETA · Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), C-3 · C-3 Short-Term Visit (General), D-10 · D-10 Job Seeker / Job-Seeking. Run a free VisaChief check to see which South Korean route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common H-1 Working Holiday pitfalls we fix
H-1 Working Holiday - frequently asked questions
How much does the H-1 Working Holiday cost?
The H-1 Working Holiday government fee is ~₩40,000-80,000 / US$30-60 (varies by agreement; often free). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at HiKorea (Korea Immigration) before applying.
How long does the H-1 Working Holiday take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the H-1 Working Holiday lead to permanent residence?
No PR pathway; switch to a work or study status to stay longer.
Can I work on the H-1 Working Holiday?
Work rights: Casual / part-time work permitted (some sectors restricted).
Who can apply for the H-1 Working Holiday?
Young people from working-holiday partner countries combining travel and casual work in Korea.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official South Korea government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- HiKorea (Korea Immigration) - official South Korea immigration authority