Part-time Job
💡Summary of FAQ on part-time jobs that international students must know
2026-03-13
More and more international students in Korea are doing part-time jobs to cover living expenses or gain new experiences!
But finding a part-time job in the unfamiliar setting of Korea isn't as easy as it looks. 🥲 From language barriers to drafting contracts, basic labor laws, there's a lot you must know before starting a part-time job.
That's wwhy VIVISA has clearly summarized the essential info you must know bbefore starting a part-time job in Korea from a student's perspective.
Before diving into job hunting, let's get familiar with the key details together. 💡
1️⃣ What is the part-time minimum wage in 2025?
The minimum hourly wage in 2025 is 10,030 won.
It will change to 10,320 won (about a 2.9% increase) in 2026.
⚠️ Note: If the amount listed on your employment contract is lower than the minimum wage when applying for part-time work permits, it can be rejected.
2️⃣ What is a weekly holiday allowance? Can foreigners receive it?
The weekly holiday allowance is pay for working over 15 hours a week, granting a paid day off once a week.
Even if you work less than 40 hours a week, as long as you work over 15 hours, it is granted proportionally. 👉 Foreigners meeting conditions can get the weekly holiday allowance like Koreans.
📌 Eligibility conditions
You must work over 15 hours a week.
You must attend all scheduled working days of the week.
If you work less than 15 hours or miss a day, the allowance is not granted.
📌 Payment method
A weekly holiday is granted as a paid day off once a week.
The formula for calculating the weekly holiday allowance is:
(Weekly work hours ÷ 40 hours) × 8 hours × hourly wage
3️⃣ What kind of part-time jobs can international students do?
International students in Korea (D-2, D-4 visa holders) can do part-time jobs related to their major or manageable alongside studies.
✅ Permitted job sectors
General restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, marts, kitchen support
On-campus work (library, office aid, etc.)
Translation, interpretation, assistant teacher, hagwon assistance, etc.
❌ Prohibited job sectors
Manufacturing, entertainment, delivery/platform labor
Facilities related to foreign language education for minors, etc.
⚠️ Note: Working outside the allowed range can negatively affect visa issuance!
4️⃣ When can I start part-time work?
D-2 student: You can apply right from obtaining eligibility.
D-4 student: You can apply after 6 months post-eligibility.
⚠️ Note: Duration and available places of work
D-2: Maximum 1 year within the stay period, up to 2 places at once.
D-4: Maximum 6 months within the stay, only 1 place allowed.
5️⃣ How many hours can a student work part-time in a week?
D-2 (Bachelor's/Master's/PhD)
Bachelor's: Depending on TOPIK Level 3 (1st-2nd year) / Level 4 (3rd-4th year), up to 25 hours weekdays (30 hours if a certified university), with unlimited work on weekends and vacations.
Master's/PhD: Depending on holding a TOPIK Level 4, up to 30 hours weekdays (35 hours if a certified university)
D-4 (Language Students)
If you have a TOPIK Level 2 or higher, you can work up to 20 hours a week.
6️⃣ Can I start a part-time job immediately after getting hired?
No. Before starting, you must obtain a part-time work permit. Working without it is considered illegal employment, affecting future visa extensions negatively!
📌 Application method
Visit the immigration office or apply online via Hikorea.
📌 Basic required documents
Enrollment certificate, transcripts (D-2) / Attendance certificate (D-4)
Employment contract
Copy of employer's business registration certificate, Copy of employer's ID
TOPIK score certificate (if applicable)
7️⃣ Can I work part-time without receiving the alien registration card yet?
No, you can't.
Only after the alien registration card is issued, can you apply for a part-time work permit and work.
8️⃣ What should I do if I want to change my part-time workplace?
Stop working at the current place first, then reapply for a part-time work permit for the new place.
🙅♂️ No need to canncel the existing permit separately at this time.
🙆♂️ When applying for a permit at a new place, attach a termination certificate in the “other documents” section.
💡 A termination certificate simply needs a signature from the former employer, and you can easily find forms online!
9️⃣ Where can I find part-time jobs?
The VIVISA app constantly updates part-time job postings for international students. Listings can be viewed and applied for free, and you can also create resumes directly within the app.
After applying, VIVISA helps with connecting with employers and subsequent processes. 💼
💬 If you're confused or need further clarification during the job search process, feel free to use Contact Us to ask VIVISA.
VIVISA is always supporting your smooth life in Korea. 💙