Even if they get a work permit, the total hours foreign students are allowed to work varies according to the level of their Korean language skills.
To be considered proficient in Korean, freshmen and sophomores must have TOPIK level 3, completion of KIIP level 3 or KIIP pre-evaluation of at least 61 points, or completion of intermediate 1 in at the King Sejong Institute Foundation.
For juniors and seniors, the criteria are at least level 4 in TOPIK or KIIP, a KIIP pre-evaluation test score of 81 points, or completion of intermediate 2 at the Sejong Institute.
The standard for those in master's or doctor's courses is the same as for juniors and seniors.
The aforementioned criteria allow up to 25 hours of work during weekdays, with no limits during weekends, holidays or school breaks, though some schools set their own, stricter rules.
Individuals whose grades for the semester averaged at least A, or who have TOPIK level 5 or completed level 5 of the Social Integration Program are allowed extra five hours of weekday work.
Students who have not met the required language levels may work only 10 hours on weekdays.
A work permit is not required for temporary work for non-regular payment or prize money, such as class assistant, librarian, temporary assistance with domestic or office work, or one-off participation in movies or events.
