Korean visa

H-1 Visa Korea: Working Holiday Visa (2026)

Korea's working holiday visa (관광취업), open to citizens of roughly 30 partner countries and regions aged 18 to 30 (up to 34 or 35 for some countries). Live in Korea for up to 12 months and work part-time to fund the stay.

Reviewed by the Seoulstart Visa Desk

Who this visa is for

Citizens of partner countries within the age window (standard 18 to 30; Canada, the UK, and several European countries allow up to 34 or 35), on a once-per-lifetime basis for most nationalities.

H-1 visa key facts

  • The H-1 lets citizens of approximately 30 partner countries and regions live in Korea for up to 12 months, working part-time to fund their stay
  • The standard age range is 18 to 30; Canada, the UK, and several European countries allow up to age 34 or 35
  • Most H-1 holders may work a maximum of 25 hours per week; Canadians under the 2024 Youth Mobility Arrangement may work full-time up to 40 hours
  • H-1 holders cannot work as language instructors, doctors, lawyers, pilots, or in adult entertainment venues
  • US citizens access the program via WEST, open only to current university students or graduates within one year of graduation

Read the full guide

Korea's Working Holiday Visa (H-1): Who Qualifies, What You Can Do, and What Comes Next

Korea's H-1 working holiday visa (관광취업): which countries qualify, age limits, the WEST program for US citizens, work rules, and what happens when it expires.

Continue to the full H-1 guide

Other Korean visa codes

For the full reference on Korean visa categories, see all Seoulstart visa guides.