How to Get a Part-Time Job in Korea (D-2 / D-4 Visa Holders)

A Step-by-Step Guide for International Students Who Want to Work Legally in Korea


1. Can You Work Part-Time on a Student Visa in Korea?

Yes! If you're in Korea on a D-2 (degree) or D-4 (language training) visa, you can legally work part-time — but only with permission.

The immigration office requires that you:

  • Hold a valid D-2 or D-4 visa

  • Get approval for part-time work (아르바이트 허가)

  • Meet language or academic performance requirements

💡 Working without permission can lead to visa cancellation or fines.

2. Eligibility Requirements for Part-Time Work

To apply for a work permit, you must:

  • Have stayed in Korea for at least 6 months

  • Hold a TOPIK Level 2+, OR

  • Maintain an academic GPA of C (2.0/4.3) or higher

  • Get a recommendation letter from your school

📌 Exceptions exist for students in intensive Korean programs or those on scholarships.

3. How to Apply for Work Permission (출입국 아르바이트 허가)

Steps:

  1. Prepare the following documents:

    • Application form (출입국 part-time work permit form)

    • Passport and ARC

    • School-issued permission letter

    • Employer’s business registration (사업자등록증)

    • TOPIK certificate or transcript

  2. Submit via:

  3. Wait for approval (1–2 weeks typical)

🛂 Once approved, you’ll get a stamp or letter authorizing your work hours and job type.

4. Job Types Allowed for Foreign Students

You can work in:

  • Cafés, bakeries, convenience stores

  • Restaurants (non-kitchen work preferred)

  • Private academies (as assistants only)

  • Warehouse or packaging jobs

  • Retail and basic service industry roles

🚫 You cannot work in:

  • Nightclubs, karaoke bars, adult entertainment

  • Jobs unrelated to your visa or education

  • Full-time employment positions

5. Legal Working Hours for D-2 / D-4 Visa Holders

Category During Semester During Vacation
D-2 (University) 20 hours/week (Mon–Fri only) Unlimited
D-4 (Language School) 10 hours/week (Mon–Fri only) Unlimited

🕒 You cannot work on weekends during semesters unless it’s school-approved.

💡 Tip: Keep a copy of your permit — employers may ask to see it.

6. Where to Find Part-Time Jobs in Korea

Best job search platforms for foreigners:

  • Albamon (알바몬) and Alba Heaven (알바천국) – Korean only

  • Craigslist Seoul (Jobs > Part-time) – English listings

  • Facebook Groups:

    • “Jobs for Foreigners in Korea”

    • “Seoul Job Search – Part-time / Full-time”

  • University bulletin boards and Korean classmates

📱 Use Google Translate or Papago when browsing Korean job boards.

7. Useful Korean Phrases for Job Hunting

  • “아르바이트 구하고 있어요.” — I'm looking for a part-time job.

  • “학생 비자로 일할 수 있어요.” — I can work on a student visa.

  • “근무 시간은 어떻게 되나요?” — What are the working hours?

  • “외국인도 지원할 수 있나요?” — Can foreigners apply?

Practicing these will help during walk-in applications or phone calls.


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