Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Korea: Hours, Work Permit and Pay

Checked on 2026-11-02

International students in Korea cannot work without permission. You must get a permit for activities outside your visa status before you start, even for a short job.

Who can apply

D-2 and D-4 students need the required Korean level, must be in good academic standing and attending classes regularly and need confirmation from the international student office (or advisor) at their school. Language students (D-4-1, D-4-7) and visiting students (D-2-8) must wait six months after arrival or change of status.

Weekly hours

Students who do not meet the Korean level are limited to 10 hours (15 for graduate students). Students at certified universities with strong grades and Korean can get 30 hours (35 for graduate students) on weekdays. Other Korean tests and programs can also count. This table comes from the government's Easy Law service. It is marked as the rule in force since July 2023, and notices from schools can differ, so check your own limit with your school or HiKorea before you sign a contract.

Jobs you generally cannot do

• Delivery riding, parcel delivery, designated driving, insurance sales and door-to-door sales
• Dispatched, subcontracted or broker-arranged work
• Construction, and manufacturing unless you have TOPIK 4 or equivalent
• Professional work in E-1 to E-7 fields, such as language teaching at institutions for minors, and work far from your school

How to get the permit

1. Find a job and sign a contract with the hours and pay.
2. Get confirmation from your school's international office.
3. Apply to your local immigration office or online. The fee is waived, processing is up to 14 days and usually about 3, and a permit lasts up to one year.
4. If you change workplace, check with your school and immigration before you start.

Estimate your pay

Korea's minimum wage applies to students too. If you are contracted for 15 hours or more a week, you are generally also owed weekly holiday pay. Use the hourly pay calculator to turn your hourly wage into a monthly figure. If you work a year or more, averaging at least 15 hours a week, you may also be owed severance.

The risk of working without a permit

The law allows up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to ₩30 million. You can also be told to leave or be deported. Call the immigration contact center on 1345 if you are unsure.

Official sources

• Easy Law: part-time work for international students (Ministry of Government Legislation, as of 2026-10-15)
• Government24: part-time work permit for D-2 and D-4-1 students

This is general information based on public laws and government pages, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change, so confirm with the agency concerned. Spotted a mistake? Tell us