Quick Answer
Yes, international students in Korea can work part-time β but only with a valid work permit. Most D-2 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and unlimited hours during vacation periods. You must apply for a part-time work permit (μκ°μ μ·¨μ νκ°) through immigration before you start working. The 2026 minimum wage in Korea is β©10,320 per hour.
Can International Students Work in Korea?
Yes β but the rules depend on your visa type. Working without proper authorization is a serious violation that can affect your ability to stay in Korea.
D-2 Visa (Student)
The most common student visa. Allows part-time work after obtaining a work permit. Undergraduate students can work up to 20 hours/week during semester, graduate students up to 30 hours/week. Unlimited during vacation.
D-4 Visa (Language Training)
For students enrolled in Korean language programs. Part-time work is allowed with a work permit, generally up to 20 hours/week after completing 6 months of study.
Other Visas
F-series visas (F-2, F-4, F-6) generally allow unrestricted work. Always confirm your specific visa conditions with your university or the immigration office.
How Many Hours Can You Work?
Work hour limits depend on your visa type and whether it is a semester period or a vacation period.
| Visa | Hours | Permit |
|---|---|---|
| D-2 (Undergraduate) | Up to 20 hrs/week (semester) Β· Unlimited (vacation) | Work permit required |
| D-2 (Graduate) | Up to 30 hrs/week (semester) Β· Unlimited (vacation) | Work permit required |
| D-4 (Language school) | Up to 20 hrs/week (after 6 months) | Work permit required |
| F-2 / F-4 / F-6 | No restriction | No permit needed |
β οΈ Important: Do Not Work Without a Permit
- Working without a valid work permit is a visa violation β even one shift counts
- Penalties include fines up to β©10,000,000, forced departure, and visa bans
- Your employer can also be fined β many employers know this and will refuse to hire without a permit
- Always get your permit sorted before you start applying for jobs
How to Get a Work Permit in Korea
You must get a part-time work permit (μκ°μ μ·¨μ νκ°) from the Korea Immigration Service before starting any job. Here is the process.
- Visit your nearest Immigration Office or apply online via HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr)
- Bring your passport, ARC card, enrollment certificate (μ¬νμ¦λͺ μ), and one photo
- Fill out the application for part-time work permission (μκ°μ μ·¨μ νκ° μ μ²μ)
- Processing typically takes 1β2 weeks β apply early before you start job hunting
- Once approved, your ARC card is updated with work authorization
- Show your ARC card to your employer before starting work
Types of Part-Time Jobs Available
These are the most common part-time jobs for international students in Korea. Korean language ability greatly increases your options.
Convenience Store (νΈμμ )
CU, GS25, 7-Eleven. Basic Korean required. One of the most foreigner-friendly options. Night shifts often easier to get.
Cafe / Coffee Shop
Starbucks, Ediya, local cafes. Some require conversational Korean, others are more flexible. Popular among students.
Restaurant / Food Service
Kitchen prep or serving. Korean language ability varies by location β some tourist areas hire without Korean.
English Tutoring / Teaching
Private tutoring for Korean students. High demand, flexible hours, and good pay (β©25,000ββ©50,000/hr). No Korean needed.
University TA / Research Assistant
Available through your university department. Good pay and relevant experience. Requires academic standing.
Delivery / Logistics
Warehouse packing at Coupang or similar. Physical work, minimal language required. Good hourly rate.
Where to Find Part-Time Jobs in Korea
These are the main platforms and resources for finding part-time work as a foreigner in Korea.
- Albamon (μλ°λͺ¬, albamon.com) β Korea's largest part-time job board. Most listings are in Korean.
- Albacheon (μλ°μ²κ΅, alba.co.kr) β Similar to Albamon, widely used.
- Your university international office β Many schools have foreigner-friendly job listings.
- University Facebook groups and Kakao open chats β Fellow students often share job leads.
- Seoul Global Center (global.seoul.go.kr) β English-language resources for foreigners.
- Wanted (wanted.co.kr) β Useful for English-speaking or skilled part-time work.
Useful Links & Resources
Official sites and platforms mentioned in this guide.
ποΈ HiKorea β hikorea.go.kr
Apply for part-time work permit online (μκ°μ μ·¨μ νκ°)
Official Β· FreeπΌ μλ°λͺ¬ (Albamon)
Korea's largest part-time job board
Job Board Β· Freeπ μλ°μ²κ΅ (Albacheon)
Find part-time jobs near your campus
Job Board Β· Freeπ Preply β Teach English Online
Register as a tutor and earn β©25,000ββ©50,000/hr. No Korean needed.
English Tutoringπ¬ iTalki β Teach English Online
Register as a tutor and earn β©25,000ββ©50,000/hr. No Korean needed.
English TutoringWhat You Need to Start Working
Before applying for jobs, make sure you have everything employers will ask for.
- ARC card with work permit stamped β employers are required to check this
- Korean phone number β essential for job applications and communication
- Korean bank account β for receiving your salary
- Basic Korean (for most service jobs) β even a little Korean helps a lot
- Enrollment certificate (μ¬νμ¦λͺ μ) β some employers request this
Tips for Getting Hired
A few practical things that will help you land a part-time job faster.
- Apply in person β visiting the store directly often works better than online applications
- Go during off-peak hours (weekday afternoons) when managers have time to talk
- Prepare a simple Korean self-introduction β even a few sentences shows effort
- Start with convenience stores or campus jobs β most foreigner-friendly
- Ask your international office β they often know which local businesses hire foreigners
- Be upfront about your visa and work permit β reputable employers will want to see it
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Korea with a D-2 student visa?
Yes, but only after obtaining a part-time work permit (μκ°μ μ·¨μ νκ°) from immigration. Undergraduate students can work up to 20 hours per week during semester, and unlimited hours during vacation. Apply at your nearest immigration office or online via HiKorea.
How much is minimum wage in Korea in 2026?
The minimum wage in Korea in 2026 is β©10,320 per hour. Most part-time jobs in convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants will pay this rate. English tutoring and skilled jobs typically pay significantly more.
Do I need to speak Korean to get a part-time job?
For most service jobs like convenience stores and restaurants, at least basic Korean is helpful. However, English tutoring, some campus jobs, and certain warehouse roles can be done without Korean. The more Korean you speak, the more options you have.
Can I work during vacation in Korea as a student?
Yes. D-2 visa holders can work unlimited hours during official vacation periods (winter and summer breaks). You still need your work permit β the hour limit is just lifted during vacations.
What happens if I work without a work permit?
Working without a permit is a violation of your visa conditions. Penalties can include fines of up to β©10,000,000, deportation, and bans from re-entering Korea. It also creates problems for your employer. Always get your permit before working.
Summary
Working part-time in Korea as an international student is absolutely possible β just make sure you do it legally. Get your work permit first, stay within your hour limits during semester, and use the right platforms to find jobs. With the 2026 minimum wage at β©10,320/hour, even a part-time job can meaningfully support your living expenses in Korea.