South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published its updated list of countries eligible for the Working Holiday Visa (H-1) for 2026/27, confirming which nations can send applicants and how many slots each country receives annually. The announcement, made public on 18 September 2026, outlines partner countries, age requirements, annual quotas, and restrictions on both employment and academic activity during the visa period.
Key Details of the H-1 Working Holiday Visa
All holders of the H-1 visa are permitted to work up to 25 hours per week, with employment period limits varying depending on the partner country. The federal government also specified that applicants must meet age requirements, though these vary by country, and restrictions apply to both employment and academic activity during the visa period.
The updated list includes 30 countries whose citizens can apply for the Working Holiday visa to South Korea. These nations span multiple continents, reflecting South Korea's broad international partnerships.
Complete List of 30 Eligible Countries
The 30 countries named by South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs are: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom (UK), and United States of America (USA).
Several countries have been assigned a set number of visa slots per year. Canada tops the fixed-quota list with 12,000 spots annually. A separate group of partner countries were granted unlimited quota access, meaning no annual cap restricts the number of applicants. These countries include Australia, Germany, and Sweden.
Quota System and Applicant Implications
The distinction between fixed and unlimited quota countries is significant for prospective applicants. Those applying from capped nations may face more competitive selection processes depending on demand in any given year. For example, applicants from Canada, with its 12,000-slot cap, will need to consider the level of demand when planning their applications.
Applicants are advised to consult the South Korea Working Holiday Information Centre directly for the most current eligibility requirements, age restrictions, and application procedures specific to their country. This direct consultation is recommended to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
Related Visa Updates and Regional Context
In a similar report, Legit.ng published that South Korea listed 15 visa categories that foreigners can apply for in 2026. This broader visa framework complements the Working Holiday visa programme, offering multiple pathways for foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Japan updated its Working Holiday visa programme, which now allows eligible citizens from eight countries to apply for a second stay. The revised arrangement also gives participants the chance to work while travelling and experience Japanese culture more deeply. The change was introduced in stages, beginning in December 2024, with South Korea and Taiwan later added under rules requiring their two stays to be non-consecutive. For many young travellers, the update offers a rare second chance to live in Japan while helping to fund the journey through temporary work.
