Student part-time work: permit first
Getting startedChecked against source 2026-09-22Last checked 2026-09
The day we opened the government source and matched the numbers. This is not a labor attorney's review.
If you are on a D-2 (study) or D-4 (language training) visa, you must get a part-time work permit (permission for activities outside your status) before you start working (Immigration Act, Article 20).
Where to apply
- Apply online at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or visit your local immigration office.
- Ask your school’s international student office first. School confirmation is often required.
- For the procedure, call the foreigner information center 1345 (foreign languages available).
Why there are no numbers here
The allowed hours and workplaces have limits, and they differ by year, program and grades, and the rules change. Language training (D-4) also limits when you may start working, so first check the possible start date and the permit conditions with your school’s office in charge and 1345. We do not copy numbers here — check the current rules on HiKorea or at 1345 when you apply.
These apply to students too
- The minimum wage applies to student part-time work. Check the “Minimum wage and allowances” guide and the wage calculator.
- If you meet the conditions, you also get weekly holiday pay. See the “Weekly holiday pay and annual leave” guide.
- If you are not paid, you can report it regardless of your visa status. See “How to report unpaid wages”.
CautionWorking without the permit can lead to problems with your stay if caught. What exactly happens differs case by case, so we do not state it here — checking with 1345 before you start working is the safest way.
Read next
Is my 2026 pay above minimum wage?10,320 won per hour. Agriculture and workplaces under 5 people are calculated differently.How to file when your wages go unpaidIt is free. You can file even without valid residence status.Weekly holiday pay and annual leave15+ hours a week with full attendance: even the smallest workplace owes you holiday pay.
1350
Rules change often, and the same rule applies differently to different people. Check your own case with 1350 (Ministry of Employment and Labor customer center). Its phone counseling in foreign languages is in English and Chinese. For your own language, ask 1345 (Immigration Contact Center).
This is reference material. Rules change often — always confirm with the hotline below before you file anything.
Sources
- Immigration Act, Article 20 — activities outside the status of stay 출입국관리법 제20조(체류자격 외 활동) checked 2026-09-22
- HiKorea — immigration portal (where to apply for the part-time work permit) 하이코리아 — 출입국·체류 민원 포털(시간제취업 허가 신청 창구) checked 2026-09-22