South Korea

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South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, a landmass strategically located between China to the west and Japan to the east. To its north, it shares a land border with North Korea. Its geography of mountains, plains, and a long coastline has made it both a natural fortress and a trade route in East Asia. South Korea has a temperate climate, with the coastal areas enjoying milder winters than inland regions. Seoul is the capital of South Korea and its largest city. The population of the country is approximately 52 million people, of whom around half live in the urban area around Seoul. Other major urban centers include Busan, Incheon, and Daegu. The economy is among the most developed in the world, especially in the areas of high-tech, IT and the automotive industry. South Korea is a democratic Republic with a presidential system of government. The President serves as both head of state and government, overseeing the executive branch. The official language is Korean.

Conditions of eligibility and practical arrangements

1. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:

  • They must be between eighteen (18) and thirty-five (35) years old at the time of application;
  • They must hold a valid Luxembourgish passport;
  • They must not be accompanied by any dependents (e.g. children):
  • They must have sufficient financial means to cover their expenses on site (min. €2,500):
  • They must have a return ticket or sufficient financial means to purchase one;
  • They must meet the health criteria required to obtain a medical certificate;
  • They must have a clean criminal record;
  • They must not have previously participated in the South Korean Work & Travel;
  • They must pay the visa application fee;
  • They must officially be residing in Luxembourg at the time of application.

2. General and additional mandatory conditions to be met and supporting documents to be submitted:

  • 1 completed and signed application form;
  • 2 passport photos
  • A passport valid for at least 15 months from the date of issue of the visa
  • The Visa application fee;
  • A legalized criminal record certificate issued within the last three months translated in English
  • A legalized medical certificate issued within the last three months
  • A reservation for a return ticket or proof of sufficient financial means to purchase one;A signed cover letter in English
  • A CV in English
  • Froof of sufficient financial means
  • Proof of accommodation for the first 15 days (hotel reservation, or in case of private accommdation an invitation letter with acopy of an identity document)
  • Health insurance covering accidents at work and healthcare, including medical costs hospitalization and repatriation for their entire stay.

3. How to apply for a work & travel program visa for South Korea:

Luxembourg citizens must submit their application to:

Embassy of South Corea in Brussels

Terhulpsesteenweg 173-175

1170 WATERMAAL-BOSVOORDE – Brussels

Tel: (+32) 2 6755777

Email: eukorea@mofa.go.kr

Website

4. Further information

  • Work & Travel visas are issued to a maximum quota of 100 participants from Luxembourg per year.
  • The applicants will receive a long-stay, multiple-entry visa for 12 months. No extensions or changes in visa type will be authorized thereafter.
  • Participants must register with the office of the Korea Immigration Service with jurisdiction over their residence within 90 days of their arrival.
  • Participants are authorized to take up temporary employment with one or more employers during the period covered by the long-stay visa, unless the position requires specific permission from the Korea Immigration Service.
  • Beneficiaries of this visa are not eligible for unemployment benefits or social welfare.