Korean
Regulations on Part-time Employment
Basic Principles
- International students with D-2 (Degree Program) or D-4 (Language Training) visas are generally not allowed to engage in profit-making activities or employment in Korea.
- However, if pre-approved by the university and the local immigration office, part-time employment (limited to the level of a typical college student job) is permitted following the procedures below.
Application Procedure
- Prepare an Employment Contract – A standard labor contract between the student and employer, with hourly wage clearly stated.
- Part-time Employment Confirmation Letter – Prepared and issued by the university's international student coordinator.
- Submit Application – Attach all required documents and apply either online (HiKorea) or in person at the immigration office.
- Receive Approval or Rejection – Approved applications receive either a physical approval sticker or an online approval confirmation letter.
Permissible Working Hours by Language Level & Program Stage
| Program Type | Academic Year | Korean Proficiency (TOPIK / Other) | Eligible After | Weekdays | Weekends / Holidays / Vacation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 1st–2nd Year | None | After 6 months | 10 hrs | – |
| TOPIK Level 2 | After 6 months | 20 hrs | – | ||
| TOPIK Level 3 | Immediately | 25 hrs | Unlimited |
Restrictions on Permissible Workplaces
International students are strictly prohibited from working in industries that may negatively impact public morals or youth development. Examples include:
- Gaming arcades, video screening rooms, karaoke rooms
- Saunas, adult entertainment venues
- Manufacturing, construction, and fishing industries (E-9, E-10 sectors)
- Language academies or English cafes for children
- Freelance/contract-based work such as delivery riders, insurance sales, tutoring, door-to-door sales
- Employment through dispatch, subcontracting, or recruitment agencies
- Remote work or online freelance work
- Employers or workplaces with a history of immigration violations
⚠️ Violations may result in visa cancellation, restriction of future visa issuance or immediate deportation.
Required Documents for Application
- Application form, Alien Registration Card, Passport
- Confirmation Letter for Part-time Employment, Academic Transcript or Attendance Certificate, Language Proficiency Proof
- Business Registration Certificate, Standard Labor Contract, Copy of Employer's ID