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VISAPosted by Leo M. 🇫🇷 France · 1 month ago
Can I work part-time in Korea on a D-4 student visa?
I'm starting a Korean language course in Seoul soon (planning 2 semesters). I'd like to earn a little money while I study. Is it legal to work part-time on a D-4 visa? When can I start, and how many hours per week are allowed?
8 comments
OFFICIAL ANSWER
KyaALLO TEAM
Founder & Head Consultant · Seoul
Yes, you can — but not right away. Here's exactly how it works for language students.
1. No work during your first 6 months. The D-4 visa doesn't allow paid work when you first arrive. You need to complete 6 months of your course first.
2. After 6 months, apply for a part-time work permit. You apply through immigration (HiKorea) with a confirmation from your language school. Most students do this at the start of their second semester.
3. Up to 20 hours per week during term. Immigration checks your attendance — keep it above 90% — and may ask for a basic TOPIK level.
4. Some jobs are off-limits. Cafes, restaurants, shops and offices are fine. Nightlife venues and delivery riding are not allowed even with the permit.
ALLO tip: most of our students find their first job near campus after one semester, once their Korean is ready for a simple interview. If you applied through ALLO we remind you when your 6 months are up and help you prepare the permit paperwork — free.
Immigration rules can change — this reflects the rules as of July 2026.
1. No work during your first 6 months. The D-4 visa doesn't allow paid work when you first arrive. You need to complete 6 months of your course first.
2. After 6 months, apply for a part-time work permit. You apply through immigration (HiKorea) with a confirmation from your language school. Most students do this at the start of their second semester.
3. Up to 20 hours per week during term. Immigration checks your attendance — keep it above 90% — and may ask for a basic TOPIK level.
4. Some jobs are off-limits. Cafes, restaurants, shops and offices are fine. Nightlife venues and delivery riding are not allowed even with the permit.
ALLO tip: most of our students find their first job near campus after one semester, once their Korean is ready for a simple interview. If you applied through ALLO we remind you when your 6 months are up and help you prepare the permit paperwork — free.
Immigration rules can change — this reflects the rules as of July 2026.
Was this helpful?Updated 4 weeks ago
8 comments
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You can still post anonymously after signing in.Does the 6-month rule count from the visa issue date, or from when classes actually start?· Translated from French
12
From your course start date. If you start in September, you can apply for the permit in March — we send our students a reminder so nobody misses it.
18
perfect, thanks a lot!· Translated from French
3
I did this last year — worked weekends at a cafe in Hongdae. The permit took about a week at immigration. Get your attendance certificate from the school office first, they know the drill.
9
Covered my goshiwon and food. Don't expect to save much though.
6
Was the pay ok? Enough to cover rent?
4
Thanks everyone, this helps a lot. One more thing — does the permit renew every semester, or is it one-time?
5
It's tied to your period of stay — when you extend your visa for the third semester you renew the permit at the same visit. One trip to immigration, and we walk you through it.
11
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