The GoEco South Korea Working Holiday Support Program is designed for independent travelers who want to experience daily life in South Korea while working legally under a Working Holiday visa. The program begins with a structured 4-week orientation in Daegu, including accommodation, administrative setup, and job preparation, helping you settle in with confidence. After this initial period, participants transition to independent living, with access to paid work opportunities and ongoing local support throughout their stay.
Program Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance (Indicative Timing)
Before Arrival:
Preparation materials, visa guidance, and pre-departure session.
Arrival & Orientation (first 4 weeks):
Arrival in South Korea, transfer to Daegu, accommodation provided, and completion of all setup steps. Includes job preparation and social activities.
Working Holiday Period (after orientation):
Participants begin independent living and working, with continued support available throughout their stay.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
South Korea offers a dynamic mix of modern city life, rich traditions, and everyday cultural experiences. From vibrant cafés and street food markets to historic temples and mountain landscapes, living in South Korea gives you the opportunity to experience the country beyond a typical visit.
The program begins in Daegu, one of South Korea’s largest cities, known for its student atmosphere, local culture, and lower cost of living compared to Seoul. During your first month, you’ll get to know the city while settling in, meeting other participants, and adjusting to daily life.
After the orientation period, you may continue your stay in Daegu or move to other locations such as Seoul, Busan, or regional areas depending on job opportunities and personal travel plans. South Korea’s fast and efficient transport network makes it easy to explore different regions during weekends and holidays.
A longer stay allows you to build routines, connect with locals, and experience daily life – from neighborhood cafés and markets to seasonal festivals and local traditions.
About the Program & Local Support
This program is operated in partnership with our experienced local organization based in South Korea that specializes in supporting international participants in working holiday, internship, and cultural exchange programs. The local team has extensive experience assisting participants with relocation, job preparation, and adapting to daily life in South Korea.
Support is provided both before and after arrival, including preparation guidance, structured orientation, and ongoing assistance throughout the stay. The team is based in Daegu and offers support through in-person meetings, as well as phone, messaging apps, and email.
Participants also benefit from a structured first month, which includes guided setup, job preparation, and social activities designed to help them settle in and connect with other international travelers.
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Holiday Work (Paid Work Opportunities)
Participants may take on paid work during their stay in South Korea, with support provided to help prepare for and find suitable opportunities.
Participants can either:
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1) Finding Work Independently
Participants receive support to find work on their own, including:
Typical roles may include:
👉 These roles are not guaranteed and depend on availability, flexibility, and language ability.
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2) Optional: Pre-Arranged Job Placement (Hospitality & Childcare)
Participants may choose a pre-arranged job placement add-on, which provides a structured pathway to securing employment.
This option includes job preparation, interview support, and access to employers, helping participants secure a position before or shortly after arrival. Placement opportunities are available in hospitality and childcare roles, primarily in cities such as Seoul.
The following pre-arranged job options are available as add-ons:
| Job Type | Location | Tasks | Language Level | Salary | Hours | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality | Seoul, Daegu, Busan | Cafés, restaurants, guesthouses, hotels, customer service | Basic Korean usually required | ~KRW 10,030/hour | Up to 25 hrs/week | ~3 months |
| Childcare (Kid’s Cafés) | Mainly Seoul area | Playing with children, activities, simple English interaction | Basic Korean required | ~KRW 10,030/hour | Up to 25 hrs/week | ~3 months |
Job Process & Timeline
👉 Participants should be flexible with job type and location.
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Optional Korean Language Courses
Participants may join Korean language classes during the orientation period in Daegu, which can significantly improve both job opportunities and daily communication.
Course options include:
What you’ll learn:
Additional benefits may include:
👉 While not required, joining a language course is strongly recommended, especially for hospitality and childcare roles where basic Korean is often needed.
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Which option is right for you?
Independent Job Search
Best for participants who are flexible, confident navigating new environments, and open to exploring different job opportunities on their own with guidance and support.
Pre-Arranged Job Placement
Best for participants who prefer a more structured approach, with interview support and a clearer pathway to securing a job before or shortly after arrival.
Your stay in South Korea begins with 28 nights of shared accommodation in Daegu, giving you a comfortable and social base while you settle in, complete your setup, and get to know the city.
The accommodation is designed to be practical and welcoming, with shared apartments that allow you to connect with other participants while still having your own space to relax. Living alongside other international travelers creates a supportive environment during your first weeks, making it easier to adjust to daily life in a new country.
Accommodation options include:
Apartments include:
After the initial 4-week period, participants usually move into independent housing based on their job location and personal plans. The local team can provide guidance and recommendations to help you find suitable accommodation.
To join the South Korea Working Holiday Support Program, participants must meet the following requirements:
Visa Requirements
You must be eligible for a Working Holiday visa for South Korea.
Age requirements vary by nationality (at time of application):
Additional Visa Conditions
Application Notes
Visas are issued by Korean embassies, consulates, or Korea Visa Application Centers (KVAC), depending on your country. Visa fees, requirements, and processing times may vary by nationality.
Am I Eligible?
You can likely join this program if you:
✔ Are eligible for a Working Holiday visa for South Korea
✔ Meet the age requirement for your nationality
✔ Have sufficient funds for the start of your stay (minimum ~3,000,000 KRW)
✔ Have a return ticket or proof of additional funds
✔ Have not previously received a Working Holiday visa for South Korea
✔ Have no criminal record
✔ Are comfortable living independently and adapting to a new environment
Not sure if you’re eligible? The GoEco team can help review your situation before you apply.
Living in South Korea gives you the opportunity to experience the country beyond a short visit. From busy city streets and local cafés to historic temples and mountain landscapes, everyday life becomes part of the experience.
During your stay, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace — whether that means discovering neighborhoods in Seoul, visiting coastal areas like Busan, or taking day trips to cultural and natural sites across the country.
South Korea’s fast and efficient public transport system makes it easy to travel between cities, allowing you to explore different regions during weekends and holidays. Seasonal festivals, local markets, and cultural events offer additional ways to experience the country throughout the year.
With a longer stay, you’ll have the chance to build routines, connect with locals, and gain a deeper understanding of daily life in South Korea.
