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- Chapter 1: Employment rules for foreigners
- Chapter 2: Jobs opportunities for foreigners
- Chapter 3: Where and when to start job hunting
- Chapter 4: Resumés in South Korea
- Chapter 5: Cover letter vs self-introduction letter
- Chapter 6: Acing the job interview
- Chapter 7: Behaviors to adopt in the workplace
Employment rules for foreigners
To work in South Korea as a foreigner, you must have proper work authorization. Working, volunteering, or doing an internship on a visitor status is illegal.
Work authorization varies by visa category
Your visa may come with specific employment restrictions. Before starting any job, make sure your visa allows it. Failing to comply with visa conditions can result in fines, deportation, or even a ban from re-entering the country.
Work restrictions for H-1 visa (Working Holiday Visa) holders
| Nationality | Employment duration |
Work hours |
|---|---|---|
| United States | No limit |
25 hours per week |
| Australia | Up to 6 months under same employer |
25 hours per week |
| United Kingdom | No limit |
25 hours per week |
| Canada | No limit |
No limit |
| Ireland | No limit |
25 hours per week |
| New Zealand | No limit |
25 hours per week |
Source (see all nationalities)
Type of work for H-1 visa
WHV holders are not allowed to work in certain fields. According to the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Working holiday makers are permitted to do most of the temporary work except the following fields such as:
- Receptionist, dancer, singer, musician, acrobat at places of entertainment which might endanger good morals and manners
- Medical doctors, lawyers, professors, pilots, language instructors, cook, or other professional qualifications in accordance with domestic laws
General labour regulations in South Korea
South Korea has a minimum hourly wage. In 2025, it is set at 10,030 KRW/hour. Some employers may try to take advantage of foreigners’ unfamiliarity with labor laws and offer less. Be sure to check that your wage meets the legal minimum when job hunting, even as a WHV holder.
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