Squid Game, Parasite and K-pop have all contributed to the increase in South Korea’s popularity as a travel destination for Canadians in recent years. What is there not to love? With exciting cuisines such as Yangnyeom Chicken, Korean BBQ and Kimchi, this East Asian gem is a foodie’s paradise. Why not learn the lingo, embrace the culture and earn some won while living there for a full year on a South Korea Working Holiday? Stepabroad is here to help with the transition, so read on for everything you need to know about obtaining your work permit.
Living in South Korea is very different from Canada. As one of the most futuristic nations in the world, South Korea still remains a land steeped in tradition – wherein lies the charm. And while we have an endless list of why you should go to South Korea on a working holiday, here are our top 4:
South Korea has a reasonable cost of living and excellent healthcare facilities. For those concerned about crime, Seoul has ranked as one of the ten safest cities in the world for both foreigners and locals alike. Public transit is reliable and efficient, and the food is amazing!
Some of the best entertainment in recent years has come out of Korea, and the movie industry is thriving. By learning Korean, you will be able to impress your friends by watching the latest release without subtitles. You may also learn to pick up on the subtle references that don’t always translate directly to English!
Try authentic Korean fried chicken, Bibimbap, Jajangmyeon and many more during your stay in South Korea. In Korea, food is considered medicine and healthy eating is an important part of day-to-day life. Most meals are not only delicious but also designed to be healthy and nutritionally balanced. Dining in Korea is a social event, with most plates being communal and designed for sharing – so there is no need to restrict yourself to one choice.
With easy access to Japan, China, Taiwan & South East Asia, South Korea is a convenient base for exploring other destinations in Asia. Seoul airport is a major hub, and cheap flights are readily available for those looking for a nearby adventure.
Before you move from Canada to South Korea, you will need to obtain a South Korea Working Holiday Visa. The South Korean Working Holiday Visa allows you to live in South Korea for up to one year, and work part-time to support yourself during your stay. You do not need to have a job pre-arranged before you depart, and Canadians can work in most types of temporary employment during their stay.
This visa is made possible via the Youth Mobility Agreement between Canada and South Korea, which allows up to 4,000 Canadians to live and work in South Korea each year. You can apply in person through the Embassy in Ottawa or at a Consulate in Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal a few months before you plan to depart.
With an annual limit of 1,300 hours of employment (25 hours per week), the most common roles available for foreigners in South Korea are temporary or casual positions. Although your language skills are an important factor when looking for work, your previous transferable skills and experiences will affect the roles that you will be able to apply for in South Korea.
Popular industries for Canadians in South Korea to find employment include farm work, manual labour, catering, food service, tourism and retail. With a reasonable understanding of Korean, more opportunities will open up in other fields, such as administration and other office positions.
To be eligible to submit an application for a South Korea Working Holiday Visa, you will need to meet the following requirements:
It is best to begin the application process at least three months before your anticipated departure date. You will need to prepare the following documents to be eligible to apply:
Once your documents are ready, you will need to send your application by mail or attend in person, depending on your location in Canada. After you’ve sent everything off, your application should be processed within two to three weeks. Once your application has been approved, you should enter Korea within three months of your visa approval date.
Please note: If you plan to stay in Korea for more than 90 days, you must register with the immigration office in the appropriate area within 90 days of entry.
We’re giving one intrepid traveller the opportunity to live, work and travel in South Korea for a year.
We’re looking for someone with a passion for travel to participate in a trial program for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa. Click to learn more about the program and how you can apply today!
Interested in learning more about applying for a working holiday in South Korea? Get in touch to speak with one of our expert travel coordinators today to start planning your adventure!