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Working Holiday Visa in South Korea: What level of Korean is required?

Home » South Korea » Working Holiday Visa in South Korea: What level of Korean do you need?
01/04/2025

The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) for South Korea is a unique opportunity for Belgians and French citizens aged 18 to 30 who want to travel while having the chance to work. A frequently asked question is: what level of Korean is required to find a job in South Korea ? Here's everything you need to know.

Is it possible to travel to South Korea without speaking Korean?

Working Holiday Visa applicants : no minimum Korean language level is required to work in South Korea . The program is open to all levels, including complete beginners .

Many job opportunities are available without specific Korean language skills, particularly in major cities like Seoul , Busan , and Daegu . However, a basic understanding of the language can facilitate your job search and integration.

To help young people settle in, our Job Assistance offers Korean language courses from the start of their stay. These courses are designed for beginners and last one month, allowing participants to learn the basics of Korean while living with other young people in the program.

Is it necessary to speak English to find a job on a Working Holiday Visa in South Korea ?

While Korean isn't essential for every job, a basic level of English is often required. Many employers in South Korea seek young people with good English skills to work in the restaurant, hospitality, or teaching sectors.

For example, positions in " English-speaking nurseries ," where young foreigners lead activities in English to introduce children to the language, are in high demand in Daegu , Busan , and Seoul . These positions are accessible to participants with an intermediate level of English.

Job Assistance program work for learning Korean and finding a job?

Job Assistance program supports young people at every stage of their relocation and job search in South Korea .

Upon arrival, participants are housed for a month in shared accommodation with other young people in the program. During this first month, they take Korean classes and participate in activities to discover South Korean culture and integrate more easily.

This program also includes administrative assistance to obtain the necessary documents to be compliant with labor laws . Finally, participants who have chosen the Guaranteed Job in Korea will have an interview during their fourth week to be offered a job.

Which sectors are recruiting during a Working Holiday Visa in South Korea ?

Young people going to South Korea Job Assistance program have access to many sectors. Among the most accessible jobs are:

  • English-speaking nurseries to teach English to young children, particularly in Daegu , Busan and Seoul .
  • The hospitality sector ( cafes, restaurants, hotels) with our Guaranteed Job in the hospitality sector .

These opportunities allow you to work while discovering South Korean culture and improving your language skills.

Read also our article on South Korea, a rapidly growing tourist and economic destination to discover on a Working Holiday Visa .

Conclusion

Whether you're a beginner or already have some basic Korean, the Working Holiday Visa for South Korea is an excellent opportunity to travel, learn, and work. With our Job Assistance , participants receive comprehensive support to learn Korean, find employment, and have an unforgettable experience in South Korea .

Author

  • Maelle, former Working Holiday Visa holder in Australia

    After an au pair stay in the Netherlands, a year in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa , and a trip to Southeast Asia, I continued my desire to explore the world by studying in Scotland. My studies were punctuated by university exchanges in Mexico and Italy, as well as numerous trips throughout Europe. Graduating in the midst of the pandemic, I worked for an NGO before spending eight months in Canada and Latin America. Today, I offer my experience to you at Languages ​​& Travel, with particular expertise in Australia, Latin America, Italy, and Scotland.

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Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance

Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance

Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance

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