FOHO Blog – Global Housing & Living Guide for Foreigners

Korea Student Work Permit: The Complete 2025 Guide (S-3)

Find out how to apply for a part-time work permit in Korea on a D-2 or D-4 visa. This guide covers eligibility, required documents, and work hour limits.

Evan Han

CEO & Founder of FOHO, a housing platform for foreigners in Korea. Experienced in rental market trends, proptech innovation, and foreign tenant support.

Oct 17, 2025

TIPRegion

Table of contents

01The Ultimate Guide to Student Part-Time Work Permits in South Korea (D-2 & D-4 Visas)
•Understanding the Basics: Key Terms
•Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
•Step 2: The Application Process
•Step 3: Understand the Rules and Limitations
•Violations and Penalties: What You Must Know
•Special Cases and Exemptions
•FOHO: A Smarter Way to Find Your Home in Korea

The Ultimate Guide to Student Part-Time Work Permits in South Korea (D-2 & D-4 Visas)

Working part-time as an international student in South Korea is an excellent way to gain experience and earn extra income. However, the process is governed by strict rules that can be confusing to navigate. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process, from checking your eligibility to understanding the rules you must follow after receiving your permit.

Our goal is to give you the most detailed and trustworthy information available so you can apply for your work permit with confidence and avoid any legal trouble.

Understanding the Basics: Key Terms

Before we dive in, let’s define some essential terms you will encounter during the application process.

D-2 Visa (Student Visa): For students enrolled in full-time degree programs (associate, bachelor's, master's, PhD) or specific research programs at a Korean university.

D-4 Visa (General Trainee Visa): Primarily for students enrolled in a Korean language course at a university-affiliated institute.

S-3 Permit (Part-Time Work Permit): The official permission attached to your D-2 or D-4 visa that allows you to legally work part-time. It is not a separate visa.

Residence Card (RC / 외국인등록증): Your official foreigner identification card in Korea. It is mandatory for the work permit application.

HiKorea: The official web portal for the Korea Immigration Service (www.hikorea.go.kr). You will use this site to book appointments or apply online.

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean): The official standardized test to measure your Korean language ability. Your TOPIK level is a critical factor for eligibility and work hours.

KIIP (Korea Immigration & Integration Program): A government program that helps foreigners adapt to life in Korea. Completing KIIP levels can be used as an alternative to a TOPIK score.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you start looking for a job, you must confirm that you meet the strict eligibility criteria set by the Korea Immigration Service.

Core Eligibility Checklist

You must be able to answer "yes" to all of these questions:

Do you have a valid D-2 or D-4 visa?

Have you been in Korea for at least six months (for D-4 visa holders)?

Was your GPA in the last semester C (2.0) or higher?

Was your class attendance rate for the last semester sufficient (typically above 70% for D-2 and 90% for D-4)?

Do you meet the minimum Korean or English language requirements for your program?

Visa-Specific Waiting Periods

The rules for when you can apply depend on your visa type.

D-2 Visa Holders (Degree Students): You can generally apply for a work permit as soon as your program starts, provided you meet the language requirements. For your very first semester, the GPA requirement is often waived since you don't have a transcript yet.

D-4 Visa Holders (Language Students): You face a mandatory six-month waiting period from your date of entry into Korea. This rule is strictly enforced to ensure you focus on language acquisition before taking on a job.

Academic and Language Standards

Your academic performance and language skills are crucial.

Academic Standing: You must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 and meet your school's attendance requirements. Your university will verify this before approving your application.

Language Proficiency: This is the most complex requirement. It determines your eligibility and how many hours you can work. For students in degree programs taught entirely in English, a TOEFL iBT 71 or IELTS 5.5 score can replace the Korean requirement.

Table 1: Minimum Language Proficiency for Part-Time Work

Program Type	Academic Level	Minimum Required Proficiency (Meet One)
Language Training (D-4)	N/A (after 6 months)	TOPIK Level 2 / KIIP Level 2+
Associate Degree (D-2)	N/A	TOPIK Level 3 / KIIP Level 3+
Bachelor's Degree (D-2)	Freshman - Sophomore	TOPIK Level 3 / KIIP Level 3+
Bachelor's Degree (D-2)	Junior - Senior	TOPIK Level 4 / KIIP Level 4+
Master's / Doctoral (D-2)	N/A	TOPIK Level 4 / KIIP Level 4+

Source: Korea Immigration Service, University International Student Guidelines.

Step 2: The Application Process

The application involves three phases: preparing with your employer, gathering documents, and getting university approval before finally submitting to immigration.

Phase 1: Secure a Job and Sign a Contract

First, you must find a job and receive an offer. Then, you and your employer must complete a Standard Labor Contract (표준근로계약서). This legal document is essential for your application and must clearly state your:

Working period (start and end dates)

Specific work hours and days

Detailed job duties

Hourly wage (e.g., 9,860 KRW/hour, approx. $7.60 USD)

Crucially, the start date on your contract must be in the future. It should be at least one to two weeks after you plan to submit your application. Starting work even one day before your permit is officially approved is illegal.

Phase 2: Compile All Required Documents

Gathering the correct paperwork is critical. A missing document can result in rejection.

Table 2: Master Document Checklist for S-3 Permit

Document Name (English & Korean)	Who Provides It
Integrated Application Form (통합신청서)	Student
Passport & Residence Card (여권, 외국인등록증)	Student
Proof of Enrollment (재학증명서)	University
Academic Transcript (성적증명서)	University
Language Proficiency Certificate (능력 증빙서류)	Student
Part-Time Work Confirmation Form (시간제 취업확인서)	Student, Employer, & University
Standard Labor Contract (표준근로계약서)	Employer
Employer's Business Registration (사업자등록증)	Employer

Phase 3: Get Your University's Confirmation

You must take the completed Part-Time Work Confirmation Form to your university's international student office. An advisor will verify your GPA, attendance, and enrollment status. By signing the form, the university confirms to the immigration office that you are a student in good standing and eligible to work. This step is mandatory.

Phase 4: Submit Your Application to Immigration

Once you have the signed form from your university, you can submit your application.

Online Application (Recommended): The fastest method is through the HiKorea website (www.hikorea.go.kr). Navigate to the "e-Application" section and upload scans of all your documents. Processing usually takes 1-2 weeks.

In-Person Application: You can also apply in person, but you must book an appointment on the HiKorea website first.

There is generally no application fee for D-2 students seeking an S-3 permit. The fee status for D-4 visa holders should be confirmed with immigration, as this is [Unverified].

Step 3: Understand the Rules and Limitations

Your S-3 permit is not a free pass to work anywhere, anytime. You must strictly follow the rules regarding hours and job types.

Permitted Work Hours

The maximum hours you can work per week depend on your visa, academic level, and language ability. Working even one hour over your limit is a serious violation.

Table 3: Maximum Weekly Work Hours

Visa / Program	Language Met?	During Semester (Mon-Fri)	Weekends & Vacations
Language Training (D-4)	No	10 hours	10 hours
ㅤ	Yes	20 hours	20 hours
Associate/Bachelor's	No	10 hours	10 hours
ㅤ	Yes	25 hours	No Limit
Master's / PhD	No	15 hours	15 hours
ㅤ	Yes	30 hours	No Limit

Source: Korea Immigration Service regulations.

Permitted and Prohibited Jobs

Students are generally limited to simple labor jobs.

Generally Permitted:

Translation or interpretation

Restaurant or café staff

General office assistant

Tour guide assistant

Strictly Prohibited:

Construction work

Private tutoring

Jobs requiring professional licenses (e.g., doctor, lawyer)

Work in bars, clubs, or other adult entertainment venues

Food delivery riding, designated driving, or door-to-door sales

Working for a third-party dispatch agency (your contract must be directly with the employer)

The manufacturing sector (제조업) is generally off-limits, but an exception exists for students with TOPIK Level 4 or higher.

Changing Employers

Your S-3 permit is tied to a specific employer. If you quit your job or find a new one, you must apply for a new S-3 permit for the new workplace. You cannot start the new job until the new permit is approved. You are legally required to report this change to immigration within 15 days of leaving your old job.

Violations and Penalties: What You Must Know

The South Korean government enforces these rules very strictly. Ignorance is not an excuse, and the penalties are severe for both the student and the employer.

Working Without a Permit: If you are caught working before your permit is approved, you face a large fine (up to 30 million KRW, approx. $23,000 USD) and a one-year ban on applying for a work permit. In serious cases, you could be deported.

Breaking Permit Conditions: If you have a permit but exceed your hours or work in a prohibited field, you will be banned from part-time work for one year on the first offense. A second offense results in a ban for your entire study period, and a third can lead to your student visa being canceled.

The "One-Strike" Rule for Construction: Any student caught working illegally in the construction industry will face immediate deportation, even for a first offense. There are no exceptions.

Special Cases and Exemptions

Not all work requires an S-3 permit. The following activities are generally exempt:

On-Campus Work: Working as a teaching or research assistant for your university when paid via a scholarship or stipend.

Mandatory Internships: An internship that is a required, credit-bearing part of your degree program does not need a permit. However, a non-mandatory internship is considered regular work and requires an S-3 permit.

Incidental Payments: Receiving one-time prize money or small rewards for non-regular activities.

By understanding and following these official procedures, you can ensure your work experience in Korea is both rewarding and fully compliant with the law.

FOHO: A Smarter Way to Find Your Home in Korea

Navigating the rules for life in Korea can be complex. Finding the right place to live is one of the biggest challenges, often involving language barriers, high upfront costs, and stressful back-and-forth with landlords.

FOHO simplifies the entire process. We connect you with verified, affordable listings across Korea and provide reliable support every step of the way. Enjoy seamless communication with landlords and spend less on service fees, so you can settle into your new home with peace of mind.

Get Foreigner-Friendly Housing Tips

Get the latest news delivered to your inbox.

Looking for a room? Discover the most affordable options now.

Subscribe to the FOHO newsletter

Actionable housing insights in your inbox.