To South Korea as a volunteer

Member since 12 December 2018

KidSiberiaMember12 December 2018 12:40:59

Hello, guys, I am Ivko, from Russia.

Not sure I have chosen the right forum to ask a question, but still.. I am interested in moving to South Korea for a month (or so) as a volunteer. It is not about some organisation, it is about single volunteering at a hostel where I am supposed to work for food and accommodation.

So, the question is, if I go to the country as a single volunteer (not a member of a volunteering organisation), would it be legal? Do I need a specific visa for this? Or, the usual touristic visa would be enough?

What should I say to an officer (the person who checks arriving people) at the airport in this case?

Any help or advice would be very appreciated!

Mélanie25 Member

Member since 31 July 2021

Mélanie25Member31 July 2021 21:30:41

Hello,

I know this is quite an old post but just in case (and for the next people looking for answers) I will answer to the best of my knowledge.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE A TEACHING VISA AVOID LANGUAGE CAFES AT ALL COSTS.

I went to Korea for a few months last year and volunteered at a language cafe on a tourist visa. But there were other volunteers with all kinds of visas (student visa, EVEN working holiday visa, business visa). We did not receive money but we were living together in a dorm so we didn't have to pay for accommodation. IT WAS ILLEGAL.
One day, the immigration came to the cafe, we had to follow them and in the end we were detained at Seoul immigration center for 5-7 days (10 of us) and we all had to pay a huge fine (otherwise we wouldn't have been able to ever return to Korea) Most of us also had to leave within a month.

If you're unsure about something, get a written email from your embassy stating that it is legal. I called but it wasn't enough apparently.

Good luck and enjoy your time in Korea,

Mélanie

Priscilla ViP

Member since 30 May 2013

PriscillaViP03 August 2021 10:58:04

42358

@Melanie:

We appreciate your contribution and thanks for the wise advice.

Priscilla
Expat.com Team

amir hameed Member

Member since 27 June 2021

amir hameedMember08 August 2021 12:58:43

Priscilla wrote:
@Melanie:

We appreciate your contribution and thanks for the wise advice.

Priscilla
Expat.com Team

harounelaslouni Member

Member since 03 August 2021

harounelaslouniMember08 August 2021 13:13:46

Hello , i wish you are doing well i'm Haroune from Algeria 🇩🇿, i have Bachelor degree in English language . Could someone guide me how Can i get work permit in south Korea . Just Contact me : *** what's app number and kakao talk

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stagemother Member

Member since 09 December 2023

stagemotherMember09 December 2023 21:44:26

@Mélanie25

Why was your non-paid volunteering illegal? Also, how much was the fine?

partofthatworld Active member

Member since 24 July 2023

partofthatworldActive member18 January 2024 09:52:05

@KidSiberia Just be careful with volunteering if you're on a tourist visa. Like Melanie mentioned, the language cafes can get you in trouble if you're living and working there without the proper visa. Your best bet is to look into volunteering with an established organization. That way you know everything is above board legally. Maybe check out some international volunteer groups in South Korea and see what options they have. Have fun exploring if you do go!