Last reviewed: August 10, 2026
Quick answer
Korea’s H-1 Working Holiday visa is designed mainly for an extended holiday. It allows incidental work so eligible young travelers can support their stay, but it is not an unrestricted open work visa.
Your nationality determines the age limit, annual quota, length of stay, work limits, study limits and whether repeat participation or an extension is available. Applicants normally apply in their country of nationality, subject to published country-specific exceptions, and must follow the responsible Korean embassy, consulate or KVAC.
Who can apply? Countries, age limits and quotas
The current official table lists 30 participating countries and regions. The age rule normally applies when you submit the application, but the responsible mission’s wording controls your case. Quotas are annual unless the official program says otherwise.
| Country or region | Age | Annual quota | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra | 18–30 | 50 | Confirm the current mission checklist. |
| Argentina | 18–34 | 200 | Country-specific conditions apply. |
| Australia | 18–30 | Unlimited | Separate employer-duration limit applies. |
| Austria | 18–30 | 300 | Confirm the current mission checklist. |
| Belgium | 18–30 | 200 | Separate employer-duration limit applies. |
| Brazil | 18–34 | 300 | Confirm the current mission checklist. |
| Canada | 18–35 | 12,000 | Up to two participations; separate hour and stay rules. |
| Chile | 18–34 | 100 | Country-specific conditions apply. |
| Czech Republic | 18–30 | 300 | Confirm the current mission checklist. |
| Denmark | 18–34 | Unlimited | Separate employer-duration limit applies. |
| Finland | 18–35 | Official update pending | The current official table marks quota, work and study details for update. |
| France | 18–30 | 2,000 | Country-specific conditions apply. |
| Germany | 18–34 | Unlimited | The age ceiling increased from 2025. |
| Hong Kong | 18–30 | 1,000 | Country-specific conditions apply. |
| Hungary | 18–30 | 100 | Confirm the current mission checklist. |
| Ireland | 18–34 | 800 | Country-specific conditions apply. |
| Israel | 18–30 | 200 | Separate employer-duration limit applies. |
| Italy | 18–30 | 500 | Separate employer-duration limit applies. |
| Japan | 18–25 | 10,000 | Up to age 30 only in unavoidable circumstances accepted by the mission; up to two participations. |
| Latvia | 18–34 | 100 | Confirm the current mission checklist. |
| Luxembourg | 18–35 | 100 | Confirm the current mission checklist. |
| Netherlands | 18–30 | 200 | Country-specific conditions apply. |
| New Zealand | 18–30 | 3,000 | Confirm the current mission checklist. |
| Poland | 18–30 | 200 | Country-specific conditions apply. |
| Portugal | 18–34 | 200 | Country-specific conditions apply. |
| Spain | 18–30 | 1,000 | Confirm the current mission checklist. |
| Sweden | 18–30 | Unlimited | Country-specific conditions apply. |
| Taiwan | 18–34 | 800 | Country-specific conditions apply. |
| United Kingdom | 18–35 | 5,000 | Current program permits a stay of up to two years. |
| United States | 18–30 | 2,000 | Student/recent-graduate condition; current program permits up to 18 months. |
Source: Working Holiday Info Center table updated for 2026/27, checked August 10, 2026. A blank or older age cell in another document should not replace the current condition published by the responsible mission.
How long can you stay? Extension and repeat participation
Most H-1 participants receive a stay of up to one year and use the program once. The official program has specific exceptions, so do not treat every longer period as a second visa.
| Country | Current official distinction |
|---|---|
| Canada | Up to two participations, each for up to 24 months, under the current bilateral conditions. |
| Japan | Up to two participations. The ordinary age range is 18–25, with a mission-assessed exception up to 30. |
| United Kingdom | Current program conditions allow a stay of up to two years. Follow the mission’s issuance and extension instructions. |
| United States | Up to 18 months under the current program, including the published extension mechanism. |
| Other participants | Generally up to one year and one participation unless the responsible mission publishes a specific exception. |
Visa validity—the period in which you must enter Korea—can differ from the permitted period of stay after entry. Read the visa sticker or grant notice and the mission instructions rather than assuming those two periods are identical.
Work rules: hours and employer limits
Work must remain incidental to the holiday. The general current program limit is up to 25 hours per week, but Canada has a separate 40-hour rule and several countries limit how long a participant may work for one employer.
| Country group | Weekly limit | Employer-duration rule |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Up to 40 hours | Work may continue during the permitted H-1 stay, subject to the current bilateral conditions. |
| Israel | Up to 25 hours | Up to 3 months with one employer. |
| Australia, Belgium, Hong Kong, Italy | Up to 25 hours | Up to 6 months under the applicable employment-period rule. |
| Denmark | Up to 25 hours | Up to 9 months with one employer. |
| Other participants | Up to 25 hours | No shorter employer period is listed in the July manual; all occupational restrictions still apply. |
For ordinary work that is permitted under H-1, the current stay manual does not require a separate workplace-addition or workplace-change filing each time you change an employer. That filing exemption does not turn a prohibited occupation into permitted work or remove the hour and employer-duration limits above.
Jobs that are prohibited or require another status
The current manuals also restrict professional activities that fall within E-1 through E-7 categories, entertainment work under E-6, gambling-related or adult-entertainment businesses, and other activities barred by law or public policy.
Do not assume that modeling, promotional appearances, paid performances or monetized media work are automatically allowed because they are short-term or freelance. The actual duties may fall within a restricted professional or entertainment category. Confirm the activity with HiKorea or Immigration Contact Center 1345 before starting.
What kinds of work are commonly compatible?
Non-professional, short-term work may be compatible when it stays within your nationality’s limits and does not require another status. Examples can include ordinary hospitality, restaurant, retail, tourism-support or seasonal service roles. The job title alone is not decisive—the actual duties and workplace matter.
- Ask for a written employment contract.
- Check the weekly hours and employer-duration limit for your nationality.
- Keep wage statements and work schedules.
- Confirm uncertain duties with 1345 before beginning work.
How to apply for the Korea H-1 visa
Step 1: find the responsible Korean mission
Applicants normally apply and receive the visa while in their country of nationality. The central guidance publishes limited location exceptions and directs some nationalities to a KVAC. Start with the mission links in the official Working Holiday country table, identify the authority responsible for your nationality and location, and then use its current H-1 notice.
Step 2: prepare the common documents
The exact checklist varies, but applicants commonly need:
- a valid passport, visa application form and photo;
- a travel or activity plan explaining the holiday purpose;
- proof of funds and return travel, or funds sufficient to purchase a ticket;
- medical insurance meeting the current program condition;
- criminal-record, health, education or enrollment evidence when required by the bilateral arrangement; and
- the mission’s fee and any consent or declaration forms.
Step 3: submit before making non-refundable plans
Do not buy a non-refundable flight or promise a Korean employer a start date until the visa has been issued and you have checked the permitted entry period. A job offer does not replace H-1 eligibility.
Processing time and what to do after arrival
There is no single nationwide processing time
Processing depends on the mission, season, document review and individual case. For example, the Korean Consulate in Seattle’s 2026 notice publishes an estimate of three to four weeks. That is a Seattle estimate—not a promise for every mission.
Register if you will stay more than 90 days
A person staying in Korea for more than 90 days must complete foreign-resident registration within the applicable period after entry. Check the current appointment and document requirements on HiKorea. Keep your passport, residence card, insurance policy, address evidence and employment records current.
Study is also nationality-specific
Language-study limits differ by bilateral arrangement, and degree study is not permitted as an H-1 activity. If full-time or degree study is your main purpose, check the appropriate student status before enrolling.
Can you change from H-1 to E-2, D-10 or E-7?
Possibly—but not automatically. The current stay manual treats status change as generally restricted and then provides conditional routes based on the target status, qualifications, nationality and individual circumstances.
| Target status | What to check | Detailed guide |
|---|---|---|
| E-2 | Teaching qualifications, eligible institution, documents and whether an in-country change is available in your case. | E-2 English Teacher Visa guide |
| D-10 | Your eligible D-10 route, points or exemption and whether the change can be filed in Korea. | D-10 Job Seeker Visa guide |
| E-7 | Eligible occupation, qualifications, employer requirements and the correct domestic or overseas procedure. | E-7 Visa complete guide |
Do not start the new status’s restricted activity while waiting for a decision. Confirm the route through HiKorea or 1345 before signing a long-term contract or allowing the H-1 stay to expire.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Korea Working Holiday age limit always 30?
No. The current table ranges from 25 to 35 depending on nationality. Japan ordinarily uses 18–25 with a limited mission-assessed exception up to 30; Canada and Luxembourg extend to 35, and several partners extend to 34.
Can I teach English or do private tutoring on H-1?
No. The current Ministry of Justice manuals prohibit foreign-language instruction and private tutoring under H-1. Check whether you qualify for E-2 or another appropriate status before teaching.
Can I change employers on H-1?
Permitted H-1 work normally does not require a separate workplace-change filing, but your nationality’s hour and employer-duration limits still apply. The new activity must not fall within a prohibited occupation.
Can I use H-1 twice?
The general program is one-time. Current specific exceptions include Canada and Japan, each subject to its own conditions. An extension of one stay, such as the current U.S. or U.K. arrangement, is not the same thing as a second participation.
How long does H-1 processing take?
There is no reliable nationwide number. Use the estimate published by the Korean mission processing your application and allow extra time for document corrections or additional review.
Do I need foreign-resident registration?
Yes if you will stay more than 90 days. Check HiKorea for the current filing period, appointment and documents.
Can I change to a work visa without leaving Korea?
It depends on the target status, your nationality, qualifications and case. Do not assume that an in-country change is available; confirm through HiKorea or 1345 before relying on it.
Official references
- Working Holiday Info Center — participating countries and current conditions
- Korea Working Holiday 2026–2027 official guide
- HiKorea — July 9, 2026 visa and stay manuals
- HiKorea portal and Immigration Contact Center 1345
Information notice: This article provides general information based on official materials checked on August 10, 2026. It is not individual legal advice and does not guarantee visa issuance, a status change or permission for a particular job. Follow the current instructions of the responsible Korean mission and immigration office.