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
Start your Japan adventure experiencing living in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Fukuoka for two weeks! Take Japanese language and cultural courses to gain a deeper understanding of Japan and participate in fun organized social events to get into the swing of Japan-life.
6 months
C$1199
Imagine spending your days off work gliding through Japan’s legendary powder at the country’s top ski destination. On our Japan Ski Resort Program, land a guaranteed ski resort job in Japan and enjoy the famous Japow every day!
Absolutely! Canadians can live and work in South Korea through various work visas, with the South Korea Working Holiday Visa being the most flexible option.
This visa lets Canadians work in almost any industry and travel freely for up to two years. Unlike other visas, it isn’t tied to a specific employer or location, giving you full control over how and where to spend your time in Korea.
The official name is the Working Holiday Visa, part of the Youth Mobility Program between Canada and South Korea.
Canadians can participate in Youth Mobility up to two times under different visa categories, potentially allowing up to 4 years in South Korea!
Canadians aged 18–35 (inclusive) are eligible. You must apply before your 36th birthday. To avoid last-minute issues, we recommend starting your visa application 3–4 months before turning 36.
The South Korea Working Holiday for Canadians allows a stay of up to 2 years (24 months). If you choose a 1-year visa, note that extensions are not permitted once issued.
Yes. Working Holiday Visa holders cannot work in industries deemed to endanger public morals (e.g., entertainment jobs) or roles requiring professional qualifications (e.g., doctors, lawyers).
However, Canadians often work in industries like English cafés, hospitality, tourism, or translation during their Working Holiday in South Korea.
We recommend preparing your application at least 3–4 months before your planned departure. Some documents, such as medical certificates, may take time to acquire.
The Working Holiday Visa for South Korea is an in-person application for Canadians, processed through the consulate serving your province or territory. Mail submissions may be possible in rare cases, but it’s best to confirm with the consulate. Schedule a call with us to find out which consulate handles your jurisdiction.
Yes! While speaking Korean is an advantage, many industries in South Korea hire English-speaking staff.
Fluency isn’t required, but learning basic Korean during your stay can enhance your experience. Stepabroad offers support to help you get started with jobs that don’t require Korean proficiency.
The ideal time depends on your preferences:
Each season offers unique experiences for your Working Holiday in South Korea, from hiking national parks to savoring Korean cuisine.
South Korea allocates 8,500 Working Holiday Visas annually to Canadians. This quota hasn’t been fully met in past years, so availability isn’t typically an issue.
The process for a South Korea Working Holiday Visa can be complex due to specific requirements and variations by the consulate. However, the costs are straightforward, and Stepabroad can guide you through the process to make it stress-free.
Yes! The South Korea Working Holiday Visa is a multiple-entry visa, meaning you can leave and return as often as you like.
South Korea’s location makes it an ideal hub for exploring Asia, with easy access to destinations like Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and more. Low-cost airlines make traveling the continent affordable, so take advantage of this opportunity to explore!