Living in Korea as a foreigner can be an amazing experience, but it also comes with financial responsibilities.
Whether you're a student looking to cover your living expenses or a long-term resident wanting to earn extra income, part-time jobs (알바) can be a great way to make money, practice Korean, and connect with locals.
However, there are strict regulations about who can work part-time, what kind of work is allowed, and how many hours you can work—especially if you're on a student visa.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about working part-time in Korea in 2025: visa rules, job types, where to find opportunities, how to apply, and how to stay legal.
Table of Contents :
- Can Foreigners Work Part-Time in Korea?
- Types of Part-Time Jobs Foreigners Can Get
- How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Korea
- How to Apply for a Part-Time Job
- Work Permit for Students (D-2 & D-4)
- Minimum Wage and Labor Laws (2025)
- Things to Be Careful Of
- FAQs
- Extra Tips for a Better Work Experience
- Top Korean Apps Useful for Job Seekers
- Short-Term Gigs and Alternatives
- Language Exchange vs. Paid Work
Can Foreigners Work Part-Time in Korea?
Yes, but it depends on your visa type.
🔳 D-2 (Student Visa)
You can work up to 20 hours/week during the semester and unlimited hours during school vacations.
You must complete at least 6 months of study and get permission from your school and immigration.
🔳 H-1 (Working Holiday Visa)
Allows you to work without extra permits, usually for up to 1 year.
Some restrictions apply (no teaching in schools, no nightclubs/bars).
🔳 F-series Visas (F-2, F-6, F-4, F-5)
You have open work rights. No separate part-time work permit is required.
❌ Tourist Visas (C-3) & D-4 Language Visa (without permit)
You cannot work legally on a tourist visa.
D-4 holders need additional approval after 6 months, just like D-2.
Tip: Always check your visa conditions on HiKorea or consult your school’s international office.
Types of Part-Time Jobs Foreigners Can Get
Depending on your visa and language skills, common jobs include:
🔳 English Tutoring
Popular and high-paying if you're a native speaker.
Rates: ₩25,000–₩50,000/hour.
Be careful—some tutoring gigs require an E-2 visa or can be illegal without proper registration.
🔳 Food Service
Jobs at cafes, fast food chains, or restaurants.
Requires basic Korean for taking orders and customer interaction.
Pay: ₩10,030–₩12,000/hour (minimum wage or slightly higher).
🔳 Convenience Stores
GS25, CU, 7-Eleven often hire students.
Night shifts may pay more.
🔳 Retail Shops
Clothing stores, supermarkets, beauty shops.
You need more Korean for this type of work.
🔳 Office/Tech Work (for fluent Korean or bilinguals)
Content moderation, translation, tech support.
Pay varies widely depending on skill.
🔳 Freelance & Creative Work
Social media, YouTube editing, voice acting, design.
Must have F-visa or business registration (사업자등록증).
How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Korea
🔳 Online Platforms
🔳 Social Media Groups
Facebook: “Part-time Jobs in Seoul”, “Expats in Korea”, “Korea English Teaching Job Board”
Reddit: r/korea, r/Living_in_Korea
🔳 University Bulletin Boards
Many universities have job boards online and in common areas.
Tip: Use Naver or Papago to translate job listings if you're not fluent in Korean.
How to Apply for a Part-Time Job
☑️ Resume (이력서)
Use a Korean-style format.
Include a professional photo, personal info, education, skills, and availability.
☑️ Interview Tips
Dress neatly (semi-formal is safe).
Greet in Korean (안녕하세요).
Practice common questions: self-introduction, past experience, why you want the job.
☑️ Follow-Up
Send a message or text after applying.
Be polite and thank the manager for their time.
Work Permit for Students (D-2 & D-4)
To work legally as a student, you must:
Be enrolled for 6+ months.
Get permission from your school.
Apply at the immigration office or through HiKorea.
Required documents:
ARC (Alien Registration Card)
Passport
Student ID
Confirmation from your school
Work contract (or job offer letter)
🕐 Processing time: About 2–3 weeks.
Minimum Wage and Labor Laws (2025)
As of January 2025:
Minimum wage: ₩10,030/hour
You are entitled to:
Weekly paid holiday if working more than 15 hours/week
Extra pay for night (10 PM–6 AM), weekend, or holiday work (usually +50%)
Paid breaks for shifts over 4 hours
🛑 Always sign a contract, even for part-time work. Ask for a copy.
Things to Be Careful Of
❌ Illegal Work
Working without a valid permit is illegal.
Penalties include deportation or visa cancellation.
❌ Cash-Only Jobs Without Contracts
You have no protection if not paid or mistreated.
❌ Job Scams
Never pay to get a job.
Avoid “easy English job” ads with vague details.
FAQs
Q1. Can I work multiple part-time jobs?
Yes, but your total weekly hours must not exceed your visa limit (e.g., 20 hours for D-2).
Q2. Do I have to pay tax?
If you earn more than ₩1.5 million/month, your employer may deduct tax. Request a pay stub.
Q3. Can I switch from part-time to full-time later?
You’d need to change your visa (e.g., from D-2 to E-7). Consult immigration.
Q4. Can I work online (remote freelance)?
Depends on visa. F-visa holders can; student visas usually can’t.
Q5. What if I get caught working illegally?
You could face fines, visa cancellation, or be banned from re-entering Korea.
Extra Tips for a Better Work Experience
☑️ Keep Records
Always keep copies of your work contracts, pay slips, and immigration approvals. These documents are vital in case of disputes or when applying for visa extensions or changes.
☑️ Time Management
Balancing part-time work with study or other responsibilities can be challenging. Use calendar apps like Naver Calendar or Google Calendar to schedule shifts, classes, and immigration deadlines.
☑️ Learn Korean Phrases for Work
Knowing basic phrases like “Can I help you?”, “How many?”, or “Would you like a receipt?” can make your job smoother and impress your employer. Use apps like Duolingo or TTMIK (Talk To Me In Korean) to build your confidence.
☑️ Understand Work Culture
Be on time, or even early—punctuality is critical in Korea.
Speak politely to managers and coworkers.
Show willingness to learn, even if your Korean isn’t perfect.
Top Korean Apps Useful for Job Seekers
Job Korea (잡코리아): Not just full-time jobs—some part-time roles available too.
Kakao Map (카카오맵): To check commute times and store locations.
KakaoTalk (카카오톡): Essential for communicating with managers and coworkers.
Papago Translator: Better than Google Translate for Korean-English communication.
Short-Term Gigs and Alternatives
If you’re not ready to commit to a long-term part-time job, there are flexible, one-time opportunities you can explore:
☑️ Research Studies
Many universities offer payment for participating in psychological or language learning studies.
☑️ Event Staff or Extras
Some agencies need foreigners for short filming sessions, live events, or promotional work.
☑️ Social Media Projects
Influencer campaigns or one-time translation/content creation projects are sometimes available through Instagram, YouTube, or agencies.
📝 These short gigs may not require formal contracts but check visa regulations first.
Language Exchange vs. Paid Work
Some ads you see might be for language exchanges (언어교환), not actual paid jobs. These are useful for improving Korean but shouldn’t be confused with employment.
If someone offers "free language exchange" that feels more like free tutoring, consider if your time and effort are being respected.
Tip: Always ask about payment, schedule, and expectations up front.
Getting a part-time job in Korea is totally possible if you follow the rules. Know your visa rights, prepare your documents, and always stay legal. Whether you want to teach English, work in a cafe, or explore creative gigs, this guide can help you find safe, legal work in Korea.
With the right preparation, some Korean skills, and an open mind, part-time work can be a great way to grow your experience and income while living in Korea.
And remember—don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your school, friends, and expat communities are great resources. Good luck with your job hunt in Korea!
