Foreign Student in Korea: Part-time Jobs Guide 2022 | KoreabyMe (2023)

If you are an international student in South Korea, you will find that one topic everyone is talking about is part-time jobs. Legally earning money as a foreign student is complicated. Mess up, and you may have to leave Korea forever. But, don’t worry too much! Here is everything you need to know about working as a foreign student in South Korea.

Table of Contents

Working as a Foreign Student is Complex

Frequently Asked Questions

Penalties for Working Illegally in Korea as a Foreign Student

(Video) Part time job in South Korea for foreign students.#studyinkorea

Working as a Foreign Student is Complex

Working part-time is perhaps the most heated topic among foreign students. Everyone wants to work to make some pocket money and less rely on their parents’ support. But do you know the law related to the part-time job of foreigners?

If you are found working illegally by the immigration office or police, you may not be accepted for visa extension, visa renewal, or changing of visa status in the future. As a result, you may end up having to leave Korea forever. Scary stuff, right?

This post will give you useful information regarding the law and help you avoid some issues in the visa extension or changing process. This can help avoid the situation where you unknowingly break the law and get caught by the police.

Frequently Asked Questions

If it’s summer or winter break (방학) can I work freely without a limit on my hours?

👉No, if:

  1. If you go to college without a topik 3, you can only work for up to 10 hours including weekends.
  2. If you are in your freshman or sophomore in university without topik 3, if you are in junior or senior year without topik 4, you are only allowed to work for a maximum of 10 hours including weekends and breaks.
  3. Master’s degree and above: If you don’t have topik 4, you are allowed to only work up to 10 hours including weekends.
  4. D4 students, on weekends or breaks you are only allowed to work 10~12 hours as shown in the table below.
Foreign Student in Korea: Part-time Jobs Guide 2022 | KoreabyMe (1)

Penalties for Working Illegally in Korea as a Foreign Student

Those who work part-time without registration or have not yet been issued a visa but have been found working by immigration officers or the police. Below is the penalty which is determined by the amount of time spent working illegally.

Under 1 Month of Illegal Work

2 million won

1-3 Months of Illegal Work

3 million won

3-6 Months of Illegal Work

4 million won

6 Months – 1 Year of Illegal Work

7 million won

1-2 Years of Illegal Work

10 million won

2-3 Years of Illegal Work

15 million won

3-5 Years of Illegal Work

20 million won

5-7 Years of Illegal Work

25 million won

Over 7 Years of Illegal Work

30 million won

Foreign Student in Korea: Part-time Jobs Guide 2022 | KoreabyMe (2)

However, for foreign students, the department can reduce the fine by 30~50%

(Video) Guidelines on Employment for International Students in Korea(Part-time Job)

Additional Penalties

If you are applying for any visas based on a points system, points will be deducted for working illegally. The period of time and the amount earned will play a factor in how many points are deducted. In some cases, after unsuccessfully renewing or applying for a visa with a working violation, you may be unable to legally enter Korea again.

For foreign students, in order to avoid illegally working which can affect your visa renewal, you should apply for a part-time job at the migration. You can come to the immigration office or apply for a part-time job online through Hikorea.

If you are graduating from a university in Korea and would like to remain in the country, Click Here to learn about the D-10, job-seeking visa.

Related Topics

Foreign Student in Korea: Part-time Jobs Guide 2022 | KoreabyMe (3)

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FAQs

Can international students do part time job in South Korea? ›

Foreign students can work part-time in South Korea without necessarily needing a work permit, their student visa which is valid for more than one year can suffice.

How much can a part-time student earn in Korea? ›

How much can international students earn in Korea? Ranges of Salary in South Korea from 8,000 – 12,000 won/h. Jobs that require good Korean language skills will also have a higher salary, an average of 25,000 won/h.

Which part time job is best for students in Korea? ›

(i) Teaching English in Korea

Teaching English in Korea is the most popular job for foreigners.

Which part time job is best for international students? ›

10 Highest paying part-time jobs for international students in the USA
  • Campus ambassador.
  • Barista.
  • Teaching assistant.
  • Library assistant.
  • Receptionist.
  • Research study assistant.
  • Department assistant.
  • Food runner or catering assistant.
Nov 2, 2022

How much can a part time job pay in South Korea? ›

The national average salary for a Part Time is ₩11,059 in South Korea. Filter by location to see Part Time salaries in your area.

Can I work part time in Korea with student visa? ›

Student visa (D-2) holders must obtain prior permission from Global Services Center (GSC) and the immigration office to work outside the university. Before start working, prepare 'Part-Time Work of Foreign Student Confirmation Form' with other supporting documents specified below for the approval.

How many hours a day does a Korean student study? ›

Well-known for its high-achieving students, South Korea's education system is quite demanding. Students spend much of their time, often between 12 to 16 hours per day, at school or at a special after-school academy called a hagwon.

Which is the easiest job to get in South Korea? ›

A teacher is the most accessible and great job to land for a foreigner. In particular, if you are teaching English in South Korea as a second language (ESL). It is the most common way to start a career in Korea. South Korea has a lot of demand for English speakers.

How much do international students pay in Korea? ›

On average, tuition fees at a public university in South Korea cost about ₩4,000,000 (£3,000) per semester for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

What jobs are good for foreigners in Korea? ›

In addition to teaching English, other sectors where expats will find a lot of opportunities are in IT, general office administration jobs, manufacturing, and careers related to health, science, research, and technology.

Is it easy to get a part time job in South Korea? ›

If you are comfortable speaking English, it can be a pretty easy-going part time job in Korea.

Which job has highest salary in South Korea for foreigners? ›

There is no doubt that South Korea is a highly developed country, offering good career opportunities but also high living costs.
...
Top 10.
ProfessionAnnual Salary
Physician95 million won
Korean Medicine Doctor92.23 million won
Upper Level Civil Servant92.01 million won
7 more rows

Which country pays highest to international students? ›

The following countries will make it easy for international students to earn some extra money during their studies.
  • Study in Russia. ...
  • Study in New Zealand. ...
  • Study in Switzerland. ...
  • Study in France. ...
  • Study in Australia. ...
  • Study in Canada. ...
  • Study in UK. ...
  • Study in USA. Number of USA universities in the QS World University ranking 2021.

How much can an international student earn per hour? ›

As mentioned above, you are allowed to work for only up to 20 hours a week during your semester. The average part-time salary in the USA for international students is USD 7.25 per hour. This can even be as high as USD 15 per hour.

Which country pays more to international students? ›

Australia pays international students 10% of the cost of training. Hence, the students do not have to spend extra for housing, food, entry etc.

What is the minimum wage in South Korea in US dollars? ›

Minimum Wages in South Korea increased to 9620 KRW/Hour (1251.422 USD/Month) in 2023. The maximum rate of minimum wage for employees was 8720 KRW/Hour and minimum was 600 KRW/Hour.

How long is a part time job in Korea? ›

Amount of time allowed to work part-time

Eligible Topik level: 20-25 hours a week; in a semester, you can work part-time at up to 2 places.

How much do Koreans get paid per hour? ›

Minimum Wages in South Korea averaged 3790.00 KRW/Hour from 1989 until 2023, reaching an all time high of 9620.00 KRW/Hour in 2023 and a record low of 600.00 KRW/Hour in 1989. This page provides - South Korea Minimum Wages- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Can I work 40 hours a week in student visa? ›

International students on F1 student visa is allowed to work on campus jobs only up to 20 hours per week.

Can I work 20 hours a week with student visa? ›

An F-1 student has three main employment-related guidelines: May work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a U.S. citizen or LPR. May work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the annual vacation)

Which types of employment are prohibited for students holding a student visa? ›

Students on a student visa can do most kinds of work, but you must not:
  • be self-employed;
  • engage in business activity;
  • work in a position that would fill a full-time permanent vacancy;

At what time do Korean students wake up? ›

For every Korean student, the daily routine is more or less the same. Everyone has to attend school at 8 am, and they leave school at around 9 or10 pm. This means students have to wake up at 7 am, and they go to bed around 11 pm. Unfortunately, because of this schedule, their dinner is served at school.

What time does Korean wake up? ›

THE WORLD'S SLEEPING HABITS
RankingCountryAverage wake-up
18Netherlands7:47 AM
19Thailand7:24 AM
20Belgium7:40 AM
21South Korea7:38 AM
46 more rows
Apr 17, 2015

What time Korean students sleep? ›

Koreans go to bed after 11 p.m., and sleep for 7 hours and 59 minutes per night. They spent less than 40 minutes for each meal, and more than 2 hours for house chores every day. According to data released by Statistics Korea Monday, on average Koreans sleep 9 minutes longer than they did five years ago.

Which degree is in demand in South Korea? ›

The arts and sciences are South Korea's most popular fields of education, closely followed by business courses.

Can I get a job in Korea without knowing Korean? ›

Work in South Korea without speaking Korean

It will definitely be more difficult to find a job without mastering some Korean language… Communication within Korean companies but also foreign companies is done in Korean. It is therefore strongly recommended that you take Korean lessons before you leave for South Korea.

How much do English teachers make in Korea? ›

First-time English teachers in South Korea working in public schools through programs like EPIK typically earn monthly salaries between 1.5 to 3 million won ($1,850 - $2,650 USD). English teachers at private schools (Hagwons) earn from 1.9 to 2.4 million won ($1,600 - $2,000 USD) monthly.

How much is student housing in Korea? ›

School dormitory in Korea

The price of a dorm room in Seoul usually varies between $700-$1000 per term, depending on the university and the type of room.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Korea? ›

On a national level, a family of four can expect to spend an average of 2,300,000 KRW per month (2,000 USD) in living expenses (excluding rent). A single expat can expect to pay 652,000 KRW (560 USD) per month (excluding rent).

Is South Korea cheap for international students? ›

If you choose to study at a South Korean university as an international student, you will pay the same tuition fees as domestic students. However, tuition fees vary from institution to institution. At a public institution, you should expect to pay between $2,000/€1,700 and $4,500/€3,900 per semester.

Is it easy to live in Korea as a foreigner? ›

With its generous salaries and reasonable cost of living, a great benefit of expatriation in South Korea is the overall easy, comfortable way of life. Expats will find welcoming hosts among Korean nationals and fellow foreigners alike.

Which jobs are demand in Korea? ›

8,000+ Jobs in South Korea (216 new)
  • Business Analyst. Business Analyst. ...
  • Customer Success Manager - APAC. ...
  • Creative Writing Strategist - Korea. ...
  • Procurement Assistant. ...
  • Communications Specialist - Seoul. ...
  • Director, Product Creative Studio APAC. ...
  • Corporate Events Specialist - Korea. ...
  • Retail HR Specialist.

Can you teach English in Korea without a degree? ›

Wondering if you can teach English in South Korea without a degree? The simple answer is, no, not legally. You need a special kind of visa, known as the E-2 Teaching Visa, to work as an English teacher in South Korea. Unfortunately, the only way to get one of these is with a bachelor's degree.

Is it hard to get a part time job in Korea? ›

In general, finding a part-time job in Korea while studying in Korea is not difficult. But the income level of the jobs varies and depends on many factors such as working time, Korean language level, especially enthusiasm, diligence, passion, and ability of each person.

Can I live in South Korea without a job? ›

If you want to move to Korea without a job, you can apply for a D-10 Job Seeker Visa.

What is the youngest age to get a job in South Korea? ›

Young persons under the age of 15 are prohibited from working; those between 15 and 18 shall be certified as to age and consent of legal guardian.

What salary is considered rich in Korea? ›

How wealthy is 'wealthy' in Korea? Wealthy Koreans with seed money of 820 million won ($630,000) by the age of 42 was determined as the minimum condition of "being wealthy" here, a report showed Sunday.

Which country is cheapest for international students? ›

Ireland is considered one of the cheapest countries to study abroad because:
  • The cost of living is relatively low, at 10.68% lower than in the US.
  • There are many scholarships and financial aid options available for students.
  • You can work while you learn to help offset living costs and tuition costs.
Oct 27, 2022

Which country is no 1 in study? ›

The United Kingdom has taken the top spot from Australia this year as the Top Destination in the World to Study Abroad in 2023. Despite being home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, there's so much more to experience beyond high-quality education.

Which country students study most hours in a day? ›

Chile School Hours

The honor for “most time spent in school for elementary students” belongs to Chile, where data compiled by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development shows young kids spend 1,007 hours in school every year.

What happens if an international student works more than 20 hours a week? ›

Working more than 20 hours per week is a violation of your study permit conditions. You can lose your student status for doing this, and may not be approved for a study or work permit in the future. You may also have to leave the country.

How can I earn 1000 per day as a student? ›

Sell Online Courses

Making a course for various skills, including dance, drawing, cooking, etc., and selling it on platforms like Udemy, Unacademy, Skillshare, Teachable, etc., can help you earn money daily. To put it simply, the more popular your course is, the more money you make.

Which countries are toughest to study? ›

Ans. The countries with the hardest and most difficult education systems include South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Finland, etc.

Which country is best for part time jobs for international students? ›

Some of the top-rated countries like the USA, Canada, Australia and others attract a lot of students because of their flexible part-time work options for international students. Most of these destinations are termed as the best countries to work in while studying for international students.

Do international students get taxed more? ›

Generally speaking, non-resident aliens who file the proper paperwork and have legal status in the United States as students on F-1 visas do not have to declare and will not be taxed on international income sources.

Can an international student get a job in Korea? ›

If you're looking to work part-time while studying in Korea the good news is, you can! As an international student on a relevant study visa you are eligible for working up to 20 hours a week during your course and you can work unlimited hours during your holiday time.

What jobs can a foreigner get in South Korea? ›

Job Opportunities in South Korea for Foreigners

In addition to teaching English, other sectors where expats will find a lot of opportunities are in IT, general office administration jobs, manufacturing, and careers related to health, science, research, and technology.

Is part time job allowed for international students? ›

The first-year F-1 student can only work on-campus. After the first year, the F-1 student can work on-campus or off-campus. However, the limit is 20 hours per week when school is in session; 40 hours, during breaks, vacation, recess, etc.

How many hours can an international student work in Korea? ›

Working as a student in Korea

With a permit students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week (30 hours per week on postgraduate programs). University students with TOPIK level 3 or above have an easier time finding jobs and they can work without limitation during school holidays.

What is the minimum wage in Korea? ›

Minimum Wage Updated in South Korea from 01 January 2023 - January 01, 2023. The minimum wage has been revised in South Korea from 01 January 2023. The minimum wage has been increased from ₩9,160.00 to ₩9,620.00 per hour.

Can I work in Korea as a US citizen? ›

All companies looking to employ workers in South Korea will need to sponsor their work permits to stay compliant. However, South Korea has many temporary visa types, as well as at least eight different work permit categories that depend on the type of skilled worker.

How much does it cost to live in Korea as a student? ›

Tuition Fees in Korea
TypeEstimated Fee(USD)
FoodAbout $300~$400 per month ※ A meal in the school cafeteria typically costs around $3.2~
Rent (outside school)$300 per month (plus a security deposit of $3,000 ~ $5,000)
Boarding house$300 ~ $500 per month
Medical insurance$20 per month ~
4 more rows
Jul 26, 2022

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