If you are an international student in Korea, you have probably wondered about getting a part-time job. But working without a Part-Time Work Permit (시간제취업 피가) can result in up to 3 years in prison, a fine of KRW 30,000,000, and forced deportation. This guide covers all 2026 regulations.
📋 What You Will Learn
- What a Part-Time Work Permit is, and penalties for working without one
- Comparison table: D-2 (undergraduate/graduate/exchange) vs D-4 conditions
- 2026 updated working hours summary
- Step-by-step: HiKorea online application and in-person application
- Complete list of prohibited industries
- FAQ: vacation hours, multiple workplaces, taxes, and more
What Is a Part-Time Work Permit — and What Happens Without One?
Foreign nationals in Korea on a D-2 (Study) or D-4 (Language Training) visa are prohibited from working without a special permit. Working without it, or exceeding approved hours, violates the Immigration Control Act (출입국관리법 제18조). The student may face up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to KRW 30,000,000, visa cancellation, and forced deportation. The employer faces the same penalties.
⚠️ Penalty Summary
- Student: Up to 3 years in prison or KRW 30,000,000 fine + visa cancellation + forced deportation
- Employer: Up to 3 years in prison or KRW 30,000,000 fine
- Exceeding permitted hours = same as working without a permit
D-2 vs D-4 Visa: Eligibility and Working Hours
| Visa Type | TOPIK Req. | During Semester | During Vacation | Earliest Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-2-1 / D-2-2 (Undergraduate) | Level 3+ | 25 hrs/week | Unlimited | Upon enrollment |
| D-2-1 / D-2-2 (Undergraduate) | Below Level 3 | 10 hrs/week | 10 hrs/week | Upon enrollment |
| D-2-3 / D-2-4 (Master's/Doctoral) | Level 4+ or Eng-track | 30 hrs/week | Unlimited | Upon enrollment |
| D-2-3 / D-2-4 (Master's/Doctoral) | Below Level 4 / expired | 15 hrs/week | 15 hrs/week | Upon enrollment |
| D-2-6 Exchange (Year 1-2) | Level 3+ | 25 hrs/week | Unlimited | Upon enrollment |
| D-2-6 Exchange (Year 3-4) | Level 4+ | 25 hrs/week | Unlimited | Upon enrollment |
| D-2-6 Exchange (Below Req.) | Below req. | 10 hrs/week | 10 hrs/week | — |
| D-4 (Language Training) | Level 3+ | 20 hrs/week | Unlimited | 6 months after entry |
| D-4 (Language Training) | Below Level 3 | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | — |
✦ English-track: IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL iBT 71+. TOPIK scores valid 2 years. Source: Ministry of Justice, effective July 2023.
2026 Working Hours — Key Changes
💡 2026 Key Points
- D-2 Undergraduate (TOPIK 3+): 25 hrs/week during semester (increased)
- D-2 Master's/Doctoral (TOPIK 4+ or English-track): 30 hrs/week during semester
- D-2 Master's/Doctoral (below req. or expired): 15 hrs/week, semester and vacation alike
- D-4 (TOPIK 3+): 20 hrs/week during semester, unlimited during vacation
- All visas: unlimited during vacation when TOPIK requirement is met
- TOPIK scores valid for 2 years — hours drop immediately upon expiry
How to Apply — Step-by-Step
STEP 1. Check Visa Type and TOPIK Score
Confirm the visa code on your Alien Registration Card and TOPIK validity. D-4 students must have been in Korea at least 6 months.
STEP 2. Visit the International Affairs Office and Gather Documents
- Original passport and copy
- Original Alien Registration Card and copy
- Certificate of Enrollment (issued within the last 3 months)
- TOPIK score certificate (within 2-year validity, issued by NIIED)
- Part-time work permit application form (Ministry of Justice form)
- University recommendation letter (varies by institution)
- English-track students: TOEFL/IELTS score report
STEP 3. Apply Online via HiKorea or Visit the Immigration Office
- Online: HiKorea (www.hikorea.go.kr) → Log in → Part-Time Work Permit Application → upload scanned documents. Processing: 2-5 business days.
- In person: Nearest Immigration Office (출입국·외국인청). Online appointment recommended.
STEP 4. Confirm Approval and Begin Work
Sign an employment contract only after confirming approval. Application fee is free.
📌 1345 Immigration Helpline: Call 1345 for multilingual support (Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and more).
Prohibited Industries
- Adult entertainment establishments (hostess bars, adult karaoke clubs, etc.)
- Gambling-related businesses (casinos, horse racing, lottery sales, etc.)
- Adult arcades and speculative gaming centers
- Professional occupations requiring E-1-E-7 visas
- Workplaces with a record of illegally employing foreigners
- Certain platform-based delivery/rider jobs
Cafes, convenience stores, restaurants, supermarkets, university administrative support, translation/interpretation (non-professional scope), research assistance, PC rooms, and reading cafes are generally permitted.
FAQ
Q. Unlimited hours during vacation?
Yes, if TOPIK requirement is met. Prohibited industries still apply. Expired TOPIK: graduate students capped at 15 hrs/week; undergraduates and D-4 cannot work.
Q. Can I work at two places?
D-2 students: up to 2 workplaces, but combined hours must not exceed the weekly cap. D-4 students: 1 workplace within the first 6 months.
Q. Can I work without a TOPIK score?
D-2 undergraduate and D-4: no TOPIK Level 3+ = no permit. Graduate students (D-2-3, D-2-4) may substitute IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL iBT 71+.
Q. Do I pay tax?
Yes. Employers withhold income tax at source. Tax refunds are possible — check Hometax (www.hometax.go.kr).
Q. I entered on D-4 four months ago — can I apply now?
No. D-4 holders must wait until 6 months after entry. Working before that is a legal violation.
Make Your Study Abroad Richer with Legal Part-Time Work
Always start with a Part-Time Work Permit. Check your visa type and TOPIK validity, apply through the International Affairs Office or HiKorea, and work legally. If you need guidance, contact DODREAM.
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