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Can International Students Work in Seoul? 2026

International students in Seoul can work while studying if they hold a D-2 visa and get permission from the immigration office. After graduation, there are visa paths that can let them stay and look for work.

With a D-2 Student Visa, international students may work part-time during their studies to help support themselves financially. Students should obtain permission from the immigration office before starting work and follow their visa conditions.

During the semester, the published work rights allow up to 20 hours per week. During vacation periods, full-time work is allowed.

After finishing their studies, graduates may apply for a different visa category, such as the D-10 Job Seeker Visa. This visa allows graduates to stay in South Korea for up to six months to seek employment in their field of study.

Some graduates may also be able to extend their visa if they secure a job offer from a South Korean employer. Seoul has several universities, including Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and Korea University, which can help students build connections before graduation.

Universities in Seoul

SN Seoul National University logo

Seoul National University

Seoul, Seoul Capital Area, South Korea · Public University

★ 69 QS World #31 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
KRW 6,885,000 – KRW 9,315,000/yr
Founded
1946
YO Yonsei University logo

Yonsei University

Seoul, Seoul Capital Area, South Korea · Private University

★ 68 QS World #56 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
KRW 10,330,000 – KRW 13,970,000/yr
Founded
1885
KU Korea University logo

Korea University

Seoul, Seoul Capital Area, South Korea · Private University

★ 64 QS World #67 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
KRW 10,330,000 – KRW 13,970,000/yr
Founded
1905

All universities in South Korea →

Questions about working & jobs in Seoul

Can international students work while studying in Seoul?

Yes. Students with a D-2 Student Visa may work part-time during their studies, as long as they get permission from the immigration office and follow visa conditions.

What happens to work rights after graduation?

After graduation, students may apply for another visa category such as the D-10 Job Seeker Visa, which can let them stay in South Korea for up to six months to look for work in their field.

Can graduates stay longer if they find a job?

Yes. Some graduates may be able to extend their visa if they secure a job offer from a South Korean employer.

Other student cities in South Korea

Each one has its own guide to life, costs and working.

More on South Korea: destination overview · universities · scholarships · student visa

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