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Korean work and holiday visas for Spaniards: Complete guide
Are you a fan of the Korean Wave, Hallyu? Then apply for the Korean Work and Holiday visas for Spaniards and enjoy South Korea in 2025.
If you’re unfamiliar with this type of visa, some countries have agreements with the Spanish government so that young people can travel, live, and work abroad. That’s why today we’ll talk about the Korean Work and Holiday visas for Spaniards—your great chance to discover the culture of this country, which has become incredibly popular recently.
Imagine spending an entire year covering your expenses through work while still enjoying free time in the land of K-pop, K-dramas, Hanbok, and the Korean Wave that fascinates so many young Westerners. Don’t miss the information we’ve prepared so you’ll know every requirement, document, and step needed to obtain this visa. Your flight to South Korea is about to take off!
What work-and-holiday visas does South Korea offer Spaniards?
If you want to live and work in South Korea, you can apply for a traditional employment visa aimed at qualified foreign professionals. These visas have one condition: You must already hold a job offer from a local company.
Because it’s hard for young people without professional experience to obtain this kind of work visa, South Korea introduced the Working Holiday visa in October 2018. The country thus became one of only five offering a visa that combines work and tourism for young Spaniards.
South Korea Working Holiday Visa (H-1)
Let’s look at the main features of the South Korea Working Holiday Visa, whose goal is to promote cultural and tourist exchange between both countries for twelve months. During this period, you can work temporarily or attend short-term courses. These are its key benefits:
- Duration: Up to 12 months of legal stay in South Korea.
- Work: You can work part-time in hospitality, language teaching, tourism, or service sectors.
- Study: Option to enrol in Korean courses or other short educational programmes.
- Tourism: Freedom to travel nationwide and explore modern Seoul, ancient temples, or Jeju and Gyeongju’s traditional landscapes.
Who is this visa for?
The South Korea Working Holiday Visa is aimed at Spanish citizens aged 18 to 30 seeking a fully immersive cultural experience in Korean life. It also suits those who want to learn the language while financing part of their stay through part-time work.
Typical applicants include recent graduates, digital nomads, temporary workers, adventurous travellers, and enthusiasts of K-culture.
Requirements and documentation
If you’ve decided to apply for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa, first confirm you meet all requirements and prepare the official documents. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Age: Between 18 and 30 at the time of application.
- Passport: A valid Spanish passport with at least six months’ validity.
- No previous beneficiary: You must not have previously held this visa in South Korea.
- Financial proof: You must show sufficient funds—around $2,770 (€2,560)—through an official bank statement.
- Return ticket: Provide a return flight ticket or funds proving you can purchase one.
- Travelling alone: You can’t bring dependants such as children or a partner.
- Health insurance: Hold valid international medical insurance covering your entire stay.
- Travel insurance: Purchase a travel insurance policy covering more than $30,000 (€25,580) for healthcare and repatriation.
- Form: The Visa Application Form must be completed in capital letters and signed.
- Academic certificate: Provide proof of your most recent studies.
- Criminal record: Request it online through the Spanish Ministry of Justice website.
- Travel plan: Complete this document explaining your trip’s purpose and activities in about 20 lines.
Steps to obtain the South Korea Working Holiday Visa for Spaniards
Do you meet every requirement for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa? Then let’s review the application process. This visa offers 1,000 spots for 2025, and you must follow these steps carefully to secure yours.
1. Book an appointment at the South Korean Embassy in Spain
To apply for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa, book an appointment at the Embassy of South Korea in Madrid. If you live in Catalonia, the Valencian Community, or the Balearic Islands, apply instead at the Consulate in Barcelona. There’s also a consular office in Las Palmas for Canary Islands residents.
2. Submit your application
On your appointment day, bring every required document, all written in Spanish, English, or Korean. Check them carefully before attending, because missing paperwork means you’ll need another appointment at the embassy.
In case you didn’t know, you won’t pay any fees, since a bilateral agreement waives consular charges entirely.
3. Wait for the result
The South Korea Working Holiday Visa process usually takes between two and three weeks. During peak periods—June to August and December to February—it might take over a month. You’ll receive an email notification with the decision, and if approved, further instructions will follow.
4. Print your approval notice
Since 2020, you no longer need a physical visa stamp in your passport. If your application is approved, print your visa directly from the official Korea Visa Portal. Simply enter your personal details and download the document, which you’ll need to enter the country.
Internet while working, resting, or studying in South Korea
Once your South Korea Working Holiday Visa is approved, it’s time to plan your trip—especially your internet connection from the moment you land at Incheon International Airport (ICN).
For your first days, get the Holafly South Korea eSIM. It gives unlimited data and quick app activation.
With Holafly’s monthly plans, you’ll get flexible 5G coverage across South Korea and 160 destinations. No eSIM changes needed. If you choose the unlimited plan, you can connect multiple devices simultaneously from $50.50 (€46) per month. Holafly’s monthly plans
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Price and expenses for obtaining the South Korea Working Holiday Visa for Spaniards
The main advantage of the South Korea Working Holiday Visa is that it’s completely free, meaning you don’t pay any consular fees. However, there are several additional expenses you should consider when applying. Below are approximate costs to help you plan:
| Category | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Embassy Fee | Free |
| Medical insurance | From $325 (€300) for one year. |
| Return flight | Between $650–975 (€600–900). |
| Travel to the Embassy | From $54 (€50) round trip. |
| Travel Insurance | From $430 (€400) for one year. |
Approximate expenses for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa.
Frequently asked questions about the South Korea Working Holiday Visa
This visa is free for Spanish citizens, so you don’t need to pay any application fees. However, other expenses apply, such as medical and travel insurance, transport to the embassy, and flight tickets.
Yes, both medical and travel insurance are mandatory. You’ll need them to apply for the South Korea Working Holiday Visa. In addition, your travel insurance must cover over $32,400 (€30,000), including medical assistance, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
Yes, the South Korea Working Holiday Visa allows multiple entries. You can travel to nearby destinations and return freely during its validity.
This visa lets you balance work and travel. You can work up to 25 hours weekly, leaving time for studying or sightseeing. This way, you’ll have enough time to study or explore the country.
It lasts 12 months and cannot be renewed. Once it expires, you’ll need a new visa for study or employment.
