In short
- The main route for a professional internship is the D-10 (구직, Job Seeker) visa — it allows job-hunting and internships in fields that qualify for E-1 to E-7 (professional) work.
- Students on a D-2 can intern only during vacations with immigration approval; D-4 language trainees cannot intern.
- You must report any internship to immigration within 15 days of starting. Interning without reporting risks deportation. Manufacturing, construction, and kids' cafes are excluded.
- Paid internships for non-Korean speakers are rare — many are unpaid or via paid placement programs. The real payoff is experience and a bridge toward an E-7 job.
Internships can be a genuine on-ramp to a Korean career — but the visa rules are specific and easy to get wrong. Here's the map. This is general info, not immigration advice — always confirm with HiKorea or the 1345 Immigration Contact Center. See also the D-10 visa, student visa, and finding work.
Which visa lets you intern?
| Visa | Internship allowed? |
|---|---|
| D-10-1 (Job Seeker) | Yes — job-hunting + paid internships in E-1~E-7 fields (main route) |
| D-2 (student) | Only during vacations, with immigration approval |
| D-4 (language trainee) | No |
| H-1 (working holiday) | Can work up to ~25 hrs/week (eligible nationalities) |
Note: someone who previously held an E-1~E-7 and switched to D-10-1 can job-search but generally can't do internships or part-time work.
The D-10 internship, in practice
1. Get onto a D-10
Fresh graduates of Korean universities are often exempt from the 60-point test for their first D-10; others use the points system (age, education, Korean ability). Issued 6 months–1 year at a time, extendable (commonly up to 2–3 years depending on category).
2. Find an internship in an E-7 field
Must be a professional/technical role (marketing, tech, business, media, design, etc.) — the same job scope as a D-2 student. Not simple labor, factory, construction, or kids' cafe work.
3. Report to immigration within 15 days
Mandatory. The company usually files the report. Max 6 months per single company (extend by changing company or visa); there's no cap on total internship time across different companies, but not more than ~1 year cumulative at any one company.
4. Convert to E-7 when hired
When you sign a job contract, switch to E-7 (or E-1/E-2/E-3 by field) — done in-country, no need to leave. The employer must meet E-7 rules (e.g. minimum Korean-employee count, foreigner ratio).
How to find one
- University career centers and professor networks — the most common route for students.
- Foreigner job platforms (e.g. those specializing in E-7 hiring) and general Korean job boards.
- Placement programs (e.g. AIP and similar) that arrange host companies, housing, and visa guidance — convenient but usually unpaid and fee-based, mostly in Seoul and Busan.
- Government/embassy programs and startup tracks (K-Startup, OASIS) for specific profiles.
- Direct applications — tailor your resume, research the company, and mind the etiquette (a polite bow goes a long way).
Reality check
- Budget realistically: unpaid interns often spend ~$1,000–1,800/month to live. Look at cost of living and cheaper housing like goshiwons.
- Korean helps a lot — even where a role is "English-friendly," language ability widens your options and matters for converting to E-7.
- Think of it as a bridge: the value is the experience, network, and E-7 pathway, not the paycheck.
Common questions
Can I intern on a student visa?
On a D-2, only during vacations and with immigration approval. D-4 language trainees can't intern.
Do internships have to be reported?
Yes — within 15 days of starting, or you risk deportation. The company usually files it.
Are internships paid?
Paid roles exist but are rare for non-Korean speakers; if paid, they must meet minimum wage. Many are unpaid or program-based.
What jobs are off-limits?
Simple labor, manufacturing, construction, and English kids' cafes aren't allowed on D-10 internships.
Sources: Ministry of Justice D-10 manual (사증민원 자격별 안내 매뉴얼, 2026), KOWORK, and 2026 D-10/internship guides. 2026 minimum wage ₩10,320/hr.
Last verified: July 2026. Visa rules change — confirm with HiKorea or 1345. General information, not immigration or legal advice.
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