Among Japanese students studying in Korea, many look for part-time jobs because they want to “earn a little living expense” or “learn Korean through real-life experience.”
However, the part-time work environment and labor conditions in Korea are quite different from those in Japan. Because of language barriers and cultural differences, troubles can sometimes occur…
So in this article, we’ll introduce five popular part-time jobs among Japanese students and also cover important precautions and some behind-the-scenes realities you should definitely know before working!
Whether you’re planning to start a part-time job soon or are already searching for one, this is a must-read!
Check first! Conditions for Japanese students to work part-time in Korea
Before starting a part-time job, you must confirm the legal requirements.
Part-time work permit conditions for international students (as of 2025)
- For those holding a student visa (D-2)
- You must obtain permission for part-time work from the Immigration Office
- You can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester / up to 40 hours per week during vacations
- In some cases, language ability (such as TOPIK Level 2 or higher) may be required
📌 Working without permission is considered illegal employment, and in the worst case, it can lead to visa cancellation.
Always check the latest information with your university’s international exchange center or the Immigration Office before starting.
Top 5 Popular Part-Time Jobs for Japanese Students in Korea (2025 Updated Edition)
① Japanese Language Teacher / Conversation Partner
Hourly Pay: 15,000–30,000 KRW
A classic job where simply being Japanese becomes a strong advantage!
You can teach Japanese at a language academy or through online platforms.
Recommended Points:
- Possible even with limited Korean skills
- Online classes mean no commuting
- Flexible scheduling in many cases
💡 You can register on apps like “TalkTalk,” “HelloTalk,” or “LingoTalk.”
Many Korean university students also look for Japanese conversation partners through personal SNS or online bulletin boards.
② Café / Restaurant Staff
Hourly Pay: 9,860–12,000 KRW
Work at popular Korean cafés or Japanese-style restaurants.
Perfect for those who want to use Korean in real-life situations while working.
Main Duties:
- Taking orders, serving customers, handling payments
- Making drinks and serving food
- Dishwashing or cleaning tasks
📌 Basic Korean (orders, menu, greetings, etc.) is essential.
Before applying, check working conditions on job sites like “Albamon” or “JobKorea.”
③ Japanese Restaurant Hall Staff
Hourly Pay: 9,860–11,000 KRW
Working at places like sushi or tonkatsu restaurants tends to be easier for Japanese people and doesn’t require a high Korean level.
Advantages:
- Many workplaces can handle Japanese
- Owners and coworkers often understand Japanese culture
- Some provide meals for staff
💡 Caution:
Since these are often non-regular positions, contracts can be unclear. Always keep written or message-based proof of your working conditions for safety.
④ Interpreter / Translator
Pay: Varies by project (equivalent to 20,000–40,000 KRW per hour)
Recommended for those with high-level Korean (TOPIK Advanced) or bilingual fluency.
Work includes interpreting for tourism, exhibitions, and K-pop events, or translating company materials.
Useful Skills:
- Understanding of technical terminology
- Polite and precise language ability
- Strong time management
📌 These jobs are often found through personal networks, SNS, or LinkedIn rather than job sites.
Having a portfolio or record of past work will greatly increase your chances.
⑤ Convenience Store / Supermarket Cashier
Hourly Pay: Around 9,860 KRW
A popular choice for those who want direct local work experience.
At stores like CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven, you’ll mostly interact with Korean customers.
Features:
- Quickly improve practical Korean skills
- Higher pay for night shifts (with night allowance)
- Easy routine work once you get used to it
💡 If you feel unsure about your speaking ability, look for stores that have previously employed foreign workers — they tend to be more understanding and supportive.
Things to Watch Out for When Working Part-Time in Korea & How to Prevent Troubles
In Korea, part-time jobs often start based on verbal agreements only, so extra caution is needed.
1. Always Sign a Written Contract
- Record your working hours, hourly wage, and payment date in writing or via message.
- Even chat records on LINE or KakaoTalk can serve as valid evidence if issues arise.
2. Prepare for Delayed or Unpaid Wages
- Clearly agree on the exact payday before starting.
- If payment is delayed, you can report it to the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
- Consulting with your school’s international center can also be very helpful.
3. Be Careful of Sudden Changes in Work Conditions or Shifts
- Cases like “a day off was suddenly canceled” or “working hours were doubled” do occur.
- If anything differs from the original agreement, don’t hesitate to speak up or consult someone.
Useful Websites & Apps for Finding Part-Time Jobs (For Japanese Students)
| Platform | Features |
|---|---|
| Albamon (알바몬) | Korea’s largest part-time job site, with filters for foreign applicants |
| JobKorea (잡코리아) | Offers both short- and long-term jobs, plus company recruitment info |
| Craigslist Seoul | Occasionally posts part-time jobs where Japanese speakers are preferred |
| Danggeun Market (당근마켓) | Local short-term jobs and tutoring offers available nearby |
| Facebook Communities | Groups like “Japanese in Seoul” often share job information and advice |
Finally: The Benefits of Working Part-Time in Korea & Real Experiences
Working part-time in Korea offers many advantages — such as improving your Korean skills, understanding Korean society, and making new friends.
However, since labor conditions and treatment differ depending on the workplace, research and careful judgment are essential.
💬 Examples of Real Experiences:
- “While working at a kimbap shop, I was given meals worth about 5,000 KRW per day! It really helped me save on food expenses.”
- “I taught Japanese twice a week at a language school and earned about 400,000 KRW a month. My language skills improved, and I expanded my network.”
- “My salary was delayed for a week, which made me anxious, so I quit… That’s when I realized how important a written contract is.”
A Small Step You Can Take Right Now
- Sign up on a job site that interests you
- Check your Korean proficiency and choose job types that match your level
- Post on social media saying “Looking for a part-time job” — it’s surprisingly effective!
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