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Working Holiday in South Korea

Experience
Working Holiday
Destination
South Korea
Duration
6 to 12 months
Ages
18 to 30

159 others looking at this too. Next opening is Jul 2024, with limited spots.

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Trip overview

South Korea is a country that has a lot to offer travellers of all ages, from scrumptious BBQ delicacies, Kimchi, Bibimbap, and Bulgogi, to breathtaking views of the landscape and surroundings. Exploration beckons you in the Land of the Morning Calm, whether you want to take in the flashing lights of Seoul or the snowy peaks of the Taebaek Mountains. Plus, it's often regarded as one of the best places to combine work with travel. 

This trip allows you to get a head start on your South Korean venture. Here is how! 

  • Interview with South Korean companies before you fly or during your orientation. 
  • The largest network of partner companies - land a job anywhere from small towns to big cities.
  • Dedicated Trip Coordinator to save you time, money & stress from arriving unprepared
  • Assistance with flights, travel insurance, accommodation, visa application & more 
  • Join exclusive Global Traveller getaways & meet-up events

Most visitors plan their trips 6-12 months in advance. Dates are flexible, but capacity is minimal, so plan ahead of time! Avoid wasting weeks searching for a job and start enjoying your experience from day one.

This trip is ideal for anybody searching for the ultimate working holiday experience, complete with unique inclusions, 24-hour assistance, and fantastic excursions. Chances are that once you arrive, you'll want to stick around to keep immersing yourself in its 5,000-year-old heritage and culture.

Inclusions

Tap to expand

South Korea job match
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
Working holiday visa guidance
Pre-Departure Guide
Personal Travel Concierge
Private airport transfer
4 nights of hostel accommodation
"Welcome to South Korea" orientation
Online Korean cultural foundation course
Welcome dinner
Grand Palace tour and Hanbok experience
Korean cooking class
Cultural workshops
Permanent accommodation resources
Ongoing local team support
Global Emergency Line
gWorld access
SocialNEW
Global AcademyNEW
Invites to Global GetawaysNEW
Marketplace dealsNEW
$250 off your next trip

Just in case it’s not clear already, we’re not an employment or recruitment agency. Read more

Qualification

To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 18-30 years of age
  • Be a citizen of an eligible country
  • Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

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Trip details

We recognise that finding local, seasonal jobs to support your travels across the country is essential to a successful working holiday. We also understand that only some companies and sectors would consider employing travellers. Our expertise comes in creating and maintaining ties with hundreds of local companies that employ travellers, so you can save time, money, and worry with interviews lined up to make your working trip the best it can be. Typically jobs pay between 800,000 to 1,600,000 Korean Won (about $615 to $1,250 USD) per month.

We've planned our Working Holiday in South Korea trip to help you settle overseas as quickly and comfortably as possible. Our skilled team can assist you with all of the stressful aspects of moving abroad, such as visa applications, bank accounts, South Korea job interviews, and finding the appropriate place to call home. Simply put, we're here to make your transition to working overseas in South Korea as smooth as possible.

Arrive in the country confident that you are well ahead of any other visitor embarking on their working holiday in South Korea. You'll have more time to devote to yourself and plan your travels around the nation! With the hard work over, you can enjoy your first few days in South Korea, seeing the great sites and making new friends before beginning your first employment opportunity. Our committed team will be there for you every step of the way, and when it's time to try something new, feel free to go off and explore this tremendous action-packed nation, knowing that we'll be there for you when you need your next job interview.

The experience of working in South Korea transforms the experience into something more than a trip overseas. Instead of stressing about procedures, spend more time travelling, experiencing stunning vistas, and making new friends. We can help you avoid unnecessary costs, hassles, and maybe even an early trip home. If you're planning on spending time in South Korea as part of a working holiday programme, you should make every day matter. Living and working in South Korea is an incredible experience, and there will be many surreal times along the way when you have to pinch yourself to believe it's all true.

Requirements 

To qualify for this trip you must meet the visa requirements, and have 6 months of paid work experience by time of arrival. US citizens must either be currently enrolled in university, or graduated within the past year at the time of applying for the visa.

What extra costs will I have?

Flights, travel insurance, visa, criminal background check, souvenirs & spending money.

Trip itinerary

Day 1

Your personal chauffeur will be waiting for you outside when your plane touches down at Incheon International Airport. You'll be driven to Unseo on Yeongjong Island, next to Seoul and dropped off in a top-rated hostel in the city's centre, where you'll spend the first four nights. Let the vibe sink in and wander along the city's best attractions, from Namdaemun Market to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Don't rush anything; take your time, meet some new people, and get settled.

Days 2-4

Over the course of the following three days, you will participate in a cultural orientation filled with fascinating, engaging activities and plenty of interaction between the staff and participants. This is led by native speakers and takes place in Incheon, South Korea, where attendees will also participate in a number of exciting and educational cultural activities. Learn to prepare traditional Korean food and try traditional Hanbok in Seoul's Grand Palace (weather permitting). In addition, expect a scrumptious welcome dinner while bonding with fellow travellers and trying some authentic Korean food.

Day 5

Typically, you will have to relocate to where your new job is after spending your four nights in Seoul. Our staff can assist you in finding a suitable place to live in case you didn't manage to find one on your own or there is no staff housing available.

Ongoing

Our team will always keep in touch with you throughout your stay. If at any point during your trip you need advice or support, our team will be on hand to answer all your questions. Don’t forget you can jump on our social media pages too or buzz our 24/7 emergency support line for urgent matters.  Stay connected with Social, where you can reach out to your Community Manager, stay updated with events happening in the country and chat with Global Travellers near you. You will also be invited to traveller meet-ups and exclusive Global Getaways, giving you access to short bucket-list side trips to awesome locations so you can continue to make new friends and see the world together.

Working Holiday jobs & locations in South Korea

Land an entry to a mid-level job in South Korea, which will be fun and social, so you can make friends, learn new skills and have the freedom to explore the Land of the Morning Calm! Located all across the country, here’s a list of the industries most of our South Korean Partner Organisations are in and where you can expect to find yourself being matched too!

  • Language School Chaperone
  • School curriculum assistant (editing, lesson planning, test grading, etc.)
  • International Bank Assistant
  • International Recruitment Assistant
  • Program Coordinator
  • Hotel Staff
  • Road Construction and Maintenance Crew
  • Barista at Coffee Shop
  • + More

A working holiday in South Korea offers a wide selection of iconic locations, with the most prominent place being the capital of Seoul.

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Frequently asked questions

Why go with Global Work & Travel?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we provide a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide. We assist with visas, pre-departure, flights, insurance, and tours. Our cool tech features support you throughout the journey. As a Global Traveller, access gWorld, our personalized app. Keep important documents and trip details handy. Enjoy exclusive Marketplace deals, a social network, language learning, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like all your favorite apps merged into one, but better! Our support doesn't stop there. With a 24/7 emergency team, 90+ staff, and ongoing assistance, we ensure you feel like a local. Join the 80,000+ Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us. We proudly boast the most & best reviews in the biz!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

How does accommodation work?

When it comes to accommodation, we have some great options available for you. Many of our partner organisations offer staff accommodation as a fantastic perk. This usually entails a shared apartment or house with other like-minded travelers, conveniently located near your job. The best part is that these accommodations are often available at a subsidised rate, allowing you to save more toward side trips and fun! In the event that staff accommodation is not included with your job match, don't worry. Your Arrival Coordinator will be there to provide you with valuable resources and helpful tips on finding a suitable place to stay.

What's the difference between your standard Working Holiday and Plus?

The Standard and Plus Working Holiday trips offer similar features, such as our comprehensive job matching process. However, there are a couple key differences between the two: Standard: With the Standard trip, you will receive a guaranteed job match prior to your arrival*. Plus: The Plus trip includes a guaranteed job match prior to your arrival*, just like the Standard trip. In addition, it offers the unique benefit of a 2nd job match in an entirely new country! This includes any Working Holiday, Au Pair or Tutor trip we offer, except USA, Germany & South Korea. Visa guidance will also be provided, TCs apply. Along with this, the Plus trip also provides additional tours and a side trip to enhance your experience. If you like the idea of working and travelling in more than one country, the Plus option is best suited for you. It provides the opportunity for ongoing exploration and variety during your time abroad. No need to make a decision right away on which option to choose. If you initially book the Standard trip, you can always upgrade to the Plus trip after getting registered and connecting with your dedicated Trip Coordinator.

Do I get to choose where I work?

While we strive to take your preferences into account, it's important to note that we are not a recruitment agency. Therefore, we cannot guarantee job matches in specific professions, fields, or locations. As a foreign worker on a temporary visa, it can be challenging to compete with locals for more specialised positions. Employers often prioritise candidates they can train and retain in the long term, rather than taking a risk on someone who may leave in a year or two, or less. However, the jobs we help organise on your working holiday will offer a fantastic experience. They will be enjoyable and social, allowing you to make new friends, acquire new skills, and have the freedom to explore exciting new places. Our aim is to provide you with an amazing working holiday experience, where you can embrace adventure and create unforgettable memories.

What is a job match, does this mean a guaranteed job?

A job match is a seamless process designed to help you secure a suitable job opportunity. Here's how it works: First, we arrange an interview for you, taking into consideration your preferences whenever possible. The interviews are typically conducted virtually over platforms like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime, making it convenient for you to participate from the comfort of your home before you embark on your trip. The key to a successful job match is simple: attend the interview on time and approach it just like any other professional interview. By demonstrating professionalism and enthusiasm, you'll increase your chances of securing a job offer without any complications. In the unlikely chance you are unsuccessful with your initial interview, our team will get to work organising you another interview. You can rest assured we are committed to finding the right opportunity for you and guiding you through each and every step of the job matching process to ensure success. For more details, please refer to your booking conditions.

Will I have any free time to travel?

Absolutely! While the jobs we help you land usually provide full-time hours, they often come with flexibility that will allow you to take time off for side trips, exploring, and fun. We understand the importance of travel experiences, and our aim is to provide opportunities that balance work and leisure. While the level of flexibility can vary based on the specific job and employer, we strive to match you with positions that provide allowances or arrangements for time off. This way, you can plan and enjoy additional adventures before, during, or after your work placement!

What job opportunities do you offer?

Ever since our inception in 2008, we have been dedicated to providing exceptional job opportunities to our travellers. We take pride in having built the largest network of partner organisations across the country, all vetted and perfectly suited to host a working holidayer. One of the greatest advantages of going Global is that we streamline the entire process for you, meaning, you won't need to go through the hassle of attending job fairs (like our competitors make you do) or spending countless hours job hunting. We take care of the hard work by understanding your job and location preferences, then connect you with one of our awesome partner organisations. We then ensure you are well-prepared for the interview, to help you land a job before you leave home*. To explore all the amazing options available, we invite you to check out our Working Holiday jobs & locations section located above.

Why do a working holiday?

The benefits of doing a Working Holiday trip are numerous. It offers you the opportunity to experience a new country, immerse yourself in a different culture, gain international work experience, develop new skills, make lifelong connections, and create unforgettable memories. It is a chance to combine travel and work while exploring a new destination.

What support is provided by Global Work & Travel during my Working Holiday trip?

We provide comprehensive support throughout your Working Holiday trip, from the initial planning stages until your return home. Our team is available to assist you with visa applications, job placements, accommodation options, and ongoing support from our worldwide offices while you are overseas, including a 24/7 emergency line. We also provide pre-departure guidance and resources to help you prepare for your adventure.

Will I earn enough to support myself?

Absolutely! While the earning potential may vary based on your destination and job type, the income you'll receive is more than sufficient to support you comfortably while abroad. It can cover all your living expenses, accommodation, transportation, and even allows for savings to explore your new home or continue travelling afterward. Additionally, many of our partner organisations offer fantastic perks like discounted staff housing, food and beverage, ski passes, and more, helping you save money and make the most of your Working Holiday experience.

Why should I book now?

Covid-19 threw us a curve ball and pretty much halted all travel. This means that we have a backlog of travellers, just like you, who are desperate to get out and explore the world! Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12 months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend?

Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I want to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

How it works

1. Choose a trip style

Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!

2. We become friends

Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.

3. Time to go!

We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!

4. 24/7 support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support and check-ins. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24/7.

Still have questions?

Why go Global

Flexible trips

The unexpected can happen sometimes. Can't travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.

Worldwide support

Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/7.

We're the experts

With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.

Partner network

We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.

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