Part-Time Work Rights for International Students in South Korea 2026

South Korea allows international students to work part-time, providing Nepali students a valuable opportunity to earn income, build Korean work experience, and offset living costs — all while completing their degree. Understanding the exact rules and permission process is essential to staying legally compliant.

South Korea allows international students to work part-time, providing Nepali students a valuable opportunity to earn income, build Korean work experience, and offset living costs — all while completing their degree. Understanding the exact rules and permission process is essential to staying legally compliant.

Work Hours by Visa Type

Your right to work in South Korea depends entirely on your visa category. D-2 visa holders (enrolled in degree programs) may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester. During official vacation periods — January and February (winter vacation) and July and August (summer vacation) — D-2 students may work unlimited hours with no weekly cap. This vacation work window is when many Nepali students take on higher-paying factory or construction roles to save significantly. D-4 visa holders (Korean language program students) are restricted to a maximum of 10 hours per week at all times, including during vacations.

Obtaining Part-Time Work Permission

Neither D-2 nor D-4 visa holders can legally begin working without first obtaining a part-time work permission certificate (시간제 취업허가) from the local immigration office. This is a critical step that many students overlook — working without this permit is a visa violation that can result in deportation and a ban from returning to Korea. To apply, visit your local immigration office (출입국·외국인청) with your ARC (Alien Registration Card), university enrollment confirmation letter, a completed application form (available at the immigration office), and your passport. Approval typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. The permit specifies the number of hours you are allowed to work, and you must show it to employers before starting work.

Minimum Wage and Earnings Potential

South Korea’s minimum wage in 2026 is KRW 10,030 per hour (approximately NPR 1,000/hour). Working 20 hours per week at minimum wage generates approximately KRW 800,000–900,000 per month — comparable to the KGSP monthly stipend. During vacation periods, D-2 students working full-time (40 hours/week) can earn KRW 1,600,000–1,800,000/month at minimum wage, with higher-paying jobs at factories paying KRW 12,000–15,000/hour. This makes Korean vacation periods a meaningful opportunity to save for the following semester’s expenses.

Common Part-Time Jobs for Nepali Students

The most common part-time jobs for Nepali students in South Korea include convenience store cashier work (편의점) at chains like 7-Eleven, GS25, and CU — these jobs are foreigner-friendly, widely available, and pay minimum wage. Restaurant work (both Korean eateries and international food chains) is also very common. English tutoring pays exceptionally well at KRW 15,000–25,000 per hour, making it the highest hourly earning option for students with strong English skills. During vacation periods, factory and manufacturing work pays KRW 12,000–15,000/hour and provides accommodation in some cases. University campus jobs (library assistant, lab assistant, teaching assistant) are also available and offer flexible schedules suited to student timetables.

Tax on Part-Time Income

Part-time income in South Korea is subject to a 3.3% withholding tax, deducted by employers at source from each payment. This covers income tax and local income tax combined. If you earn above a certain annual threshold, you may be required to file an annual tax return in May — however, many part-time student workers receive a tax refund at this time due to tax credits. Keep all payslips and work contracts as documentation. Nepal and South Korea have a tax treaty that may affect your overall tax liability — consult EVEC or a Korean tax advisor for personalised guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions