Part-Time Jobs in Korea for International Students
If you are planning to study in Korea, you have probably wondered whether you can work part-time to cover your living costs or simply to earn some extra spending money for cafe hopping, K-pop concerts, or late-night convenience store snacks. The good news is yes, international students can work part-time in Korea, but there are rules, limits, and a few things you should know before diving into the job hunt.
As a Korean local who has watched countless foreign students navigate the part-time job scene, here is the clearest, most realistic guide you will find.
Can International Students Work in Korea
You can work part-time if you hold a D-2 student visa or a D-4 language student visa, but only after you receive official permission from immigration. This permission is called the Part-Time Work Permit for Foreign Students. Until you get it, you are not legally allowed to work, even if a place says it is okay.
Requirements Before You Can Work
To apply for permission, you usually need the following:
- Your Alien Registration Card
- Proof of attendance at school and a good academic standing
- A part-time job application form
- A signed agreement from your employer
- Schools often require you to meet a minimum attendance rate, so skipping morning classes for Netflix
- might delay your job eligibility.
How Many Hours You Can Work
The number of hours allowed depends on your Korean language level and your academic degree.
- Language school students typically get fewer hours
- Undergraduates get more
- Graduate students get the most flexibility
- Most students can work between 10 to 25 hours during the semester and full-time during vacation periods.
Most Common Part-Time Jobs for Foreign Students
Korea has a surprisingly wide range of jobs available for international students. Here are the ones you will see most often:
- Convenience store staff
- Cafes or dessert shops
- Restaurant server
- Private language tutoring
- Translation or content creation
- Packing or warehouse work
- Event assistant for concerts or festivals
English tutoring is especially popular, but you must follow the legal rules, since unauthorized teaching can cause visa issues.
What You Will Earn
Part-time wages generally follow the national minimum wage, which changes yearly. Many places pay slightly above minimum wage, especially jobs with late hours or locations in big cities like Seoul.
Expect wages to range depending on the shift, location, and experience. Busy neighborhoods such as Hongdae, Sinchon, and Gangnam often offer competitive rates but also attract more job seekers.
How to Find a Part-Time Job
Here are the most effective ways students usually find jobs:
- University job boards
- Local job apps and websites
- Korean friends or classmates
- Walking around and asking in shops
Job apps sometimes require Korean language skills, so having even basic Korean can give you a huge advantage.
Important Work Rules You Should Never Ignore
You must report your workplace and hours to immigration before starting.
If you change your job, you must update your information.
Working more hours than allowed can result in visa problems or denial of future permits.
Never let an employer convince you to work unofficially. It may seem convenient, but the risk is entirely on you, not them.
Is It Realistically Easy to Find a Job
It depends on your Korean level. Students with conversational Korean find work much faster. If your Korean is beginner level, you will need patience and flexibility, but it is still possible. Many employers are used to hiring foreign students, especially in university districts.
Final Advice from a Korean Local
Your studies must come first. Korea is strict when it comes to attendance, immigration rules, and academic performance. But once you manage your time well, part-time jobs can be a great way to experience local life and earn some money while you are here. You will improve your Korean, make friends, and understand Korean work culture in a way tourists never can.