Korea Working Holiday vs Employment Visa – What's the Difference? (Filipino Guide, 2025)

Planning to work in Korea but not sure which visa to choose?
Here’s a full 2025 comparison between Korea’s Working Holiday (H-1) and Employment (E-7) visas, especially for Filipinos.

1. Visa Purpose & Overview

Korea offers different types of work-related visas, and two of the most common for young Filipinos are: H-1 (Working Holiday):
A short-term visa for cultural exchange and temporary part-time work. It’s great for those who want to experience Korea for up to a year while traveling. E-7 (Employment):
A long-term work visa designed for skilled professionals in fields like IT, education, hospitality, and manufacturing. It allows full-time employment and can lead to residency.

2. Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)

H-1 (Working Holiday): - Age: 18–30 years old - No dependents or children - First-time applicant only - Basic English or Korean skills preferred E-7 (Employment Visa): - Bachelor’s degree or higher - At least 1–2 years of relevant work experience - Job offer from a Korean company - TOPIK or Korean language not required, but helpful

3. Duration of Stay

H-1: 1 year maximum, non-renewable E-7: 1–2 years (renewable, can lead to F-2 or F-5 residency visa) 💡 If your goal is long-term employment or permanent stay, E-7 is the better choice.

4. Job Types You Can Do

H-1: - Cafe staff - Farm worker - Hotel receptionist - Theme park assistant Jobs must be part-time or temporary. Some industries (like entertainment) are restricted. E-7: - English teacher (non-E2), IT specialist - Chef, barista trainer - Auto mechanic, welding, electronics technician - Hotel or global customer service Jobs must match your degree or work history.

5. Salary Comparison

H-1: Hourly wage (~₩9,860 KRW/h in 2025) - No guaranteed hours - May need 2 jobs to survive E-7: Monthly salary (usually ₩2.5M to ₩3.5M KRW) - Regular working hours - Health insurance + housing + bonuses (sometimes)

6. Pros and Cons

H-1 (Working Holiday) ✅ Travel-friendly ✅ Less paperwork ✅ Good for gap year ❌ Not renewable ❌ Part-time only ❌ No long-term career E-7 (Employment Visa) ✅ Long-term career ✅ Higher salary ✅ Path to permanent residency ❌ More requirements ❌ Must match degree + job ❌ Application can be slower

7. Which Visa Should You Choose?

If you're young and want to experience Korea casually for one year, choose H-1.
If you’re ready to build a serious career and maybe even settle in Korea, E-7 is the right path.

8. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I change from H-1 to E-7 while in Korea?
A: Not directly. You must exit and reapply with a job offer and documents. Q: Do I need a job offer for H-1?
A: No, you can enter without a job and look after arrival. Q: Can I bring family with me?
A: Only possible with E-7, and even then only after some time. Q: Is TOPIK needed?
A: Not required but helpful for interviews and visa points.

9. Related Guides You’ll Love

👉 How to Apply for the D-10 Job Seeking Visa in 2025
👉 E-7 Visa Requirements for Skilled Workers
👉 Top Korean Companies Hiring Foreigners

10. Final Thoughts

Korea is a great destination for work and travel – but choosing the right visa is key. Whether it’s a fun one-year adventure or a long-term career, pick the visa that suits your goals. If you're still unsure, drop a comment or message us — we're here to help!