If you’re looking to obtain a Korean Visa, or to better understand the South Korea visa requirements and the Korean visa application process, then you’re in the right place. This page aims to answer various questions relating to the South Korea Working Holiday program and highlights how Stepabroad can help you make your dreams of living in the land of the morning calm a reality.
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 immerse yourself in a full year on a South Korea Working Holiday? Getting a Korean visa has never been easier with the help of Stepabroad! We will help you obtain your South Korean working holiday visa, and are here to help with the transition! Read on for everything you need to know.
Capital City: Seoul
Currency: Korean Won (₩)
Language: Korean
Population: Approximately 52 million
Transportation: Extensive & Efficient
Land Area (KM2): Approximately 100,210 km²
Area Code: +82
Time Zone: Korea Standard Time (UTC+9)
The South Korea Working Holiday Program is facilitated for Canadian citizens through the International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative. The program allows young Canadians aged 18 to 35 to live and work in South Korea for up to 24 months.
As a recognized organization by the Government of Canada, Stepabroad will guide and assist you through the entire application process and so much more, ensuring your final success in obtaining this type of Korean visa.
International Experience Canada (IEC) promotes cultural exchange between Canada and other countries, giving young adults a unique opportunity to explore Korea while travelling and working abroad via the Youth Mobility Agreement (Working Holiday).
While the South Korea visa requirements and Korean visa application processes can change, Stepabroad keeps you ahead of the game. We guide and assist you through the entire application process and so much more, ensuring your final success.
Embarking on a working holiday adventure in South Korea with Stepabroad is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. South Korea offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Naturally, this makes it an incredibly unique and enriching experience. Imagine spending your days exploring the bustling streets of Seoul. This is a city where ancient palaces coexist with futuristic skyscrapers.
By immersing yourself in this vibrant culture, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Korean traditions, language, cuisine and way of life. Moreover, South Korea’s strong economy provides numerous job opportunities. This, in turn, allows you to support your adventure while making new friends and connections.
In order to be eligible to apply for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa, you must first meet the following South Korea visa requirements:
Before you move from Canada to South Korea, you will need to meet the South Korean visa requirements in order to obtain a South Korea Visa. The South Korean Working Holiday Visa allows you to live in South Korea for up to two years. During this period, you are able to work full-time to support yourself during your stay. With some assistance from our expert team, we will make the visa application process simple! Canadians can work in most types of temporary employment during their stay, and you do not need to have a job pre-arranged before you depart!
This visa is made possible via the Youth Mobility Agreement between Canada and South Korea. Each year, the agreement allows up to 8,500 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. South Korea visa requirements can vary, but our agents assist you with any queries you may have along the way. Your South Korean visa application is a small step that will open up an entire world of opportunity.
Obtaining a Korean visa (working holiday) takes time. As a result, you should begin the application process at least three months before your anticipated departure date. Once you have confirmed that you meet the South Korea visa requirements, it’s time to apply.
Once your documents are ready, you will need to send your application either by mail or in person, depending on your location in Canada. Our team will help you prepare the following documents (amongst others) in the lead-up to your submission:
Once your application has been approved, you should enter Korea within 1 year 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. This must be done in the appropriate area, within 90 days of entry.
Stepabroad takes the hassle out of the Korean working holiday visa application process. We do this by providing comprehensive support to all participants. Our experienced agents will guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and efficient application journey. We’ll assist in filling out all necessary forms, gathering required documents, and adhering to the specific requirements of the Korean government. With Stepabroad, you can trust that your visa application will be handled with care and expertise.
For Canadian citizens, the processing time for a Korean working holiday visa application typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks. However, this time frame may fluctuate based on a variety of factors – such as a high volume of applications or unforeseen delays in booking an appointment at the Consulate. For this reason, we suggest you apply at least 3 months before your intended departure, and that you do not reserve any non-refundable flights until you have your visa in hand.
Please also note that the cost of working holiday visas changes regularly, and there may be small costs associated with gathering your supporting documents (such as doctors charging for a medical certificate, or your local police station charging for a criminal record check).
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!
1 - 24 months
C$499
Our Send-Off Package provides Canadians with step-by-step working holiday visa application support and a one-on-one pre-departure orientation (via video call) with all the information you need to know for living, working, and travelling in South Korea
1 - 12 months
C$1499
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6 months
C$1199
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Speaking the language of a country you wish to live in is always a plus. That being said, there are many industries in South Korea that look for English-speaking staff. It is not necessary to be fluent in Korean to embark on this journey, but we encourage you to learn as you go. Stepabroad assists you with these early stages by providing assistance with finding work.
Yes and no. Canadian citizens wishing to visit South Korea for touristic or non-financial reasons can do so for up to 6 months with a visitors visa obtained on arrival. Canadian citizens wishing to engage in commercial activities or stay in the country longer than 6 months will need to obtain a visa. A Korean working holiday visa is one of the easiest ways for young adults to legally live and work in the country for up to 2 years.
We can help with plenty! Your personal travel coordinator will walk you through the visa application process step by step and review all of your documents to ensure they meet standards. Then, we provide a complete one-on-one pre-departure orientation reviewing everything from how to set up a bank account, transport, travel, and more.
The best time of year to visit South Korea largely depends on your preferences and priorities. Spring (April to June) is a popular choice due to its mild weather and breathtaking cherry blossoms. Alternatively, autumn (September to November) is another fantastic period to consider. During this time, South Korea transforms into a mesmerizing landscape of fiery foliage.
In colder months, the mild temperatures, coupled with the stunning scenery, create an inviting atmosphere for both work and leisure. You can enjoy hikes in national parks, explore historical sites, and savor delicious Korean cuisine without the sweltering summer crowds. Ultimately, the best time for a working holiday in South Korea hinges on your preferences.
You need to save at least $3400 CAD as proof of funds for a working holiday in South Korea, covering expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and daily living costs.
You may engage in the Working Holiday program twice, each time for a maximum of 24 months. Canadians holding a Working Holiday visa are permitted to work up to 40 hours per week.
Applying for a South Korean visa can pose challenges due to its stringent requirements and potentially confusing application process, which varies based on individual circumstances. However, the costs involved are relatively straightforward. While the process may seem daunting, Stepabroad can assist in making it stress-free.