What is a working holiday?
The Working Holiday Visa is a special visa issued through agreements between countries, allowing young people to travel and work abroad for a certain period of time. Typically targeting young people between the ages of 18 and 30, it provides an opportunity to earn a living through employment while experiencing the culture and language of the host country firsthand. It's a valuable experience that can be a turning point in your life, far more than just a simple trip.
List of countries with which Korea has a working holiday agreement (25 countries in total, as of 2025)
Korea currently has a total of 25 countriesThe countries that have working holiday agreements are:
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Israel, Belgium, Chile, Argentina, Hong Kong, Taiwan
Top 5 Working Holiday Countries Preferred by Young People Worldwide and Korea

1. Australia
-
Reason: High wages, Various jobs, pleasant climate and environment
-
Pros: High proportion of working holidaymakers, well-established community. As an English-speaking country, it's advantageous for language acquisition.
-
Recommended for: People who want to make money through working holiday, people who love the ocean and nature
-
Note: Some areas are expensive.
-
Average hourly wage: approximately AUD 24.1 (approximately KRW 22,000) - as of 2025
-
Satisfaction: ★★★★★
-
It is the most popular country for Koreans, with high demand for part-time work at farms, restaurants, and cafes, and an active working-holiday community.


2. Canada
-
Reason: Safe society, multicultural acceptance, English + French use
-
Pros: A variety of part-time jobs available in a large city, and excellent natural environment.
-
Recommended for: Those who want to experience both nature and the city while learning English.
-
Note: Winters are long and cold, and some areas have fierce competition for jobs.
-
Average hourly wage: Varies by region, averaging approximately 17.75 CAD (approximately 18,000 KRW)
-
Satisfaction: ★★★★☆
-
It is a country where you can experience the lifestyle and culture of major cities like Vancouver and Toronto, and where work-life balance is good.


3. New Zealand
-
Reason: Clean nature, peaceful life, stable jobs such as farms
-
Pros: The Warhol experience is focused on healing, and the local atmosphere is laid-back.
-
Recommended for: People who want to enjoy nature rather than the city.
-
Note: Due to the small population, life in the big city can be somewhat boring.
-
Average hourly wage: approximately 23.50 NZD (approximately 20,000 Korean Won)
-
Satisfaction: ★★★★☆
-
Although it is not crowded, it is recommended for those who want a true 'healing working holiday'.


4. Japan
-
Reason: The most popular working holiday destination in Asia, due to accessibility and cultural similarities.
-
Pros: Easy language learning, lots of part-time jobs in the tourism and restaurant industries
-
Recommended for: People interested in Japanese culture and those living abroad for the first time.
-
Note: Difficult working conditions, Japanese required.
-
Average hourly wage: Varies by region - approximately 1,000 yen (approximately 9,900 won)
-
Satisfaction: ★★★★☆
-
Warhol has a low barrier to entry, with low initial costs and easy adaptation.


5. Germany
-
Reason: The center of European culture, ideal for traveling around Europe
-
Pros: Diverse industries, freedom of movement within Europe, Warhol's popularity in the art and design world
-
Recommended for: People who enjoy European sensibilities and those considering studying abroad or immigrating.
-
Note: If you don't speak German, you may be limited and administrative procedures may be slow.
-
Average hourly wage: approximately 12.8 euros (approximately 20,000 won)
-
Satisfaction: ★★★★☆
-
Popular with working holidaymakers in the arts, including those in the fine arts, design, and music industries. While jobs are available in English, learning German will make finding work much easier.


Pros and Cons of a Working Holiday Visa
✅ Advantages
-
Acquiring foreign culture and language
-
Expand your career and network
-
Life experiences and growth opportunities
-
Exchange with friends from different countries
❌ Cons
-
Difficulty in initial adaptation
-
language barrier
-
lack of job security
-
loneliness or culture shock
Working holidays around the world are a valuable opportunity to travel, work, and learn a language.
Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada consistently rank high in popularity due to their high satisfaction levels.
Experience a more fulfilling and regret-free working holiday through thorough preparation and sufficient information gathering!