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Question

How many hours per week am I legally allowed to work?

As of · sources retrieved from official Korean authorities

You may work up to 30 hours per week as a D‑2 (student) or D‑4 (general training) visa holder, with no extra unlimited weekend or holiday allowance permitted; apply for part‑time work permission before starting any job. Full details below.

The rule this rests on

[3]산업안전보건법Article 15-2

Article 15-2 shall apply to mutatis mutandis to the institutions registered with the Minister of Employment and Labor pursuant to Article 31 (5), 31-2 (1) or 32 (3). In such cases, “safety management agency” shall be construed as “institution registered with the Minister of Employment and Labor pursuant to Article 31 (5), 31-2 (1) or 32 (3),” and “designation,” as “registration,” respectively. <Amended by Act No. 11882, Jun. 12, 2013; Act No. 13906, Jan. 27, 2016> [This Article Added by Act No.

[7]근로기준법Article 1

Article 1 (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation: Provided , That the amended provisions of Article 16 (24) of the Addenda shall take effect on April 12, 2007; the amended provisions of Articles 12, 13, 17, 21, 23 (1), 24 (3), 25 (1), 27 through 33, 37 (1), 38, 43, 45, 64 (3), 77 and 107, subparagraph 1 of Article 110, Articles 111, 112, 114 and 116, and Article 16 (9) of the Addenda shall take effect on July 1, 2007; and the amended provisions of Arti

  • Legal baseline – The Foreigner Employment System regulations set a 30‑hour weekly limit for part‑time employment of D‑2/D‑4 visa holders.

  • Eligibility requirements

  • Hold a valid D‑2 (student) or D‑4 (general training) visa.
  • Obtain prior part‑time work permission from the local immigration office (or university International Office).
  • Meet the minimum Korean language proficiency (e.g., TOPIK Level 2 or higher).
  • Application steps
  1. Gather required documents: employment contract, business registration copy, Part‑Time Work Confirmation Form (signed by employer and university), transcript, GPA ≥ C, and official TOPIK score if needed.
  2. Submit the application via your university’s portal (e.g., KUPID) and then to the immigration office.
  3. Receive the permission sticker or online approval before commencing work.

  • Working‑hour record – Keep a log of hours to ensure you do not exceed 30 hours per week; violations can lead to penalties, including possible deportation.

  • If you exceed the limit or are denied permission

  • File a complaint with the local Labor Office (call 1350).
  • Seek free legal aid for foreign students (call 132).
  • Hotlines for assistance
  • Immigration inquiries: 1345
  • Labor issues (hour disputes, illegal employment): 1350
  • Legal aid for foreign students: 132
  • Multicultural foreign‑worker counseling: 1577‑0071
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Sources fetched 2026-09-19 · Korean laws change — verify with the issuing authority before acting.

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