One of the questions frequently asked by students and parents considering studying in South Korea is: If students work part-time while studying, can their income cover their living expenses?
In reality, part-time income can provide significant financial support and, in some cases, may cover most of a student's living expenses. However, actual earnings depend on the permitted working hours, hourly wage, type of job, Korean language ability and the area where the student lives. Therefore, students should not build their financial plan based solely on part-time income.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LIVE IN SOUTH KOREA?
According to information from Study in Korea, operated by the Korean Government, the average living expenses for international students are estimated at around KRW 750,000–1,000,000 per month.
The main expenses include:
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Accommodation: approximately KRW 500,000–700,000 per month
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Food: approximately KRW 200,000–300,000 per month
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Transportation: approximately KRW 50,000–100,000 per month
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Other expenses such as mobile phone, internet, health insurance and personal spending: approximately KRW 100,000–200,000 per month
Actual living expenses can vary considerably depending on the city, type of accommodation and individual lifestyle. Staying in a university dormitory, sharing accommodation or choosing suitable housing can help reduce monthly living costs.
Students who want to learn more about the expenses and preparations required before travelling to South Korea can also refer to Tohoku's Guide to the South Korea Study Abroad Process for further information about applications, costs and preparation. Guide to the South Korea Study Abroad Process
HOW MUCH CAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS EARN FROM PART-TIME WORK?
From 1 January 2026, the minimum wage in South Korea is KRW 10,320 per hour. This is the statutory minimum wage, while actual wages may be higher depending on the position and employer.
For example, based on an hourly wage of KRW 10,320:
Working 10 hours per week:
Approximately KRW 412,800 per month.
Working 20 hours per week:
Approximately KRW 825,600 per month.
Working 25 hours per week:
Approximately KRW 1,032,000 per month.
The figures above are calculated based on four weeks per month and the minimum wage and are for reference only. Actual earnings depend on the number of hours permitted, the type of job, the employer's wage rate and the student's study schedule.
CAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WORK PART-TIME FREELY?
No.
International students in South Korea must meet the requirements applicable to their visa status and Korean language ability and must obtain the necessary permission before starting part-time employment.
For international students holding D-2 and D-4 visas, the permitted working hours depend on factors such as the study programme, Korean language proficiency, academic status and other relevant conditions.
Therefore, the same working-hour limit does not apply to all international students.
Before starting a part-time job, students should check the requirements applicable to their visa and complete the required permission procedures.
COMMON PART-TIME JOBS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN SOUTH KOREA
Part-time jobs for international students are generally positions that can be combined with their studies.
Common examples include:
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Restaurant support staff
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Restaurant and café service staff
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Convenience store staff
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Sales staff
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Office support work
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Tourism-related support work
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Sales support at duty-free shops
However, the types of jobs that a student may undertake depend on their immigration status, individual eligibility and the regulations in force at the time.
Tohoku also provides more detailed information about common part-time jobs for international students in South Korea, including the characteristics of different types of work and points to consider when choosing a job. What Part-Time Jobs Do International Students in South Korea Usually Do?
CAN PART-TIME INCOME COVER LIVING EXPENSES?
When average living expenses of around KRW 750,000–1,000,000 per month are compared with potential part-time earnings, it is possible for students to cover a significant proportion of their living expenses, depending on their circumstances.
For example, if a student works 20 hours per week at the minimum wage of KRW 10,320 per hour, the income over four weeks would be approximately KRW 825,600.
This amount may cover a large proportion of living expenses for students who stay in university accommodation, cook for themselves and manage their spending carefully.
However, students living in areas with high accommodation costs, renting a private room, eating out frequently or having significant personal expenses may find that this income is not enough to cover all their living costs.
Conversely, if a student earns more than the minimum wage and manages their living expenses carefully, part-time income may cover a substantial proportion of their monthly costs.
HOW DOES KOREAN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY AFFECT PART-TIME WORK?
Korean language proficiency is an important factor when international students look for part-time jobs.
Good communication skills can make it easier to understand job advertisements, communicate with employers and supervisors, interact with customers and adapt to the working environment.
Korean language proficiency is also related to the conditions and permitted working hours applicable to international students.
For this reason, achieving TOPIK Level 2, Level 3 or Level 4 can be important not only for studying in South Korea but also when considering part-time employment and future career opportunities.
Tohoku provides further information about TOPIK Levels 2, 3 and 4 and part-time work requirements for international students in South Korea. TOPIK Levels 2, 3 and 4: Part-Time Work Requirements for International Students in South Korea
CAN PART-TIME WORK COVER BOTH TUITION FEES AND LIVING EXPENSES?
This is not a realistic approach.
Tuition fees and living expenses should be considered separately. Tuition fees are generally paid by semester or academic year, while part-time income depends on the student's study schedule, permitted working hours and ability to find suitable employment.
When preparing a financial plan for studying in South Korea, families should consider the following expenses separately:
Tuition fees + accommodation + food + transportation + health insurance and personal expenses.
Part-time income should be regarded as additional financial support after the student has settled into their studies and meets all the requirements for part-time employment.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER PERMITTED WORKING HOURS, NOT JUST THE WAGE
A job with a higher hourly wage does not necessarily result in high monthly income if the permitted working hours are limited.
At the same time, stronger Korean language skills can give international students access to a wider range of job opportunities and make communication in the workplace easier.
Therefore, learning Korean and improving TOPIK proficiency should remain an important part of preparing for study in South Korea.
Students should also avoid working beyond the permitted hours or taking jobs for which they do not have the required permission simply to increase their income. Part-time work must be carried out in accordance with the regulations applicable to their immigration status and after obtaining the necessary permission.
PREPARING FINANCES BEFORE TRAVELLING TO SOUTH KOREA
International students should not rely on part-time income from the moment they arrive in South Korea.
Before travelling, families should prepare sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses during the initial period.
After arriving in South Korea, students should first settle into their studies and living environment, improve their Korean language skills and understand the part-time work requirements applicable to their visa before completing the necessary procedures.
In particular, part-time employment should not negatively affect attendance or academic performance. The primary purpose of studying abroad is education. Students should focus on developing Korean language proficiency and professional knowledge to support their future career plans.
When preparing a financial plan for studying in South Korea, it is important to understand the required costs before submitting an application. Tohoku also provides information about financial proof requirements for studying in South Korea. Financial Proof for Studying in South Korea: What Should You Prepare?
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