Working has become a normal part of life for many students studying in South Korea. The reason is clear: rent, food, transport, and other daily expenses are quite expensive. Because of this, students try to find part-time jobs during their free time between classes.
This article gathers the most common jobs among students in Korea as of 2026, along with their approximate pay. The figures are general and can vary somewhat depending on the region, workplace, and experience.
About the minimum wage
In 2025, the minimum wage was around 10,030 won per hour. Starting in 2026, this figure has been set at 10,320 won/hour.
This means that even a student working at a café, store, or in a basic service job is legally entitled to no less than this amount.
Popular jobs and pay for students (2026)
Calculations are based on an average of 80 hours a month (20 hours a week).
| # | Job type | Hourly pay (KRW) | Monthly pay (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Café barista | 10,320 – 11,000 | 825,000 – 880,000 |
| 2 | Restaurant server | 10,320 | 825,000 |
| 3 | Convenience store clerk | 10,320 | 825,000 |
| 4 | Supermarket cashier | 10,320 | 825,000 |
| 5 | English tutor | 25,000 – 40,000 | 2,000,000+ |
| 6 | Daycare assistant | 10,000 – 11,000 | 800,000 – 880,000 |
| 7 | Library assistant | 10,320 | 825,000 |
| 8 | Delivery worker | 11,000 – 15,000 | 880,000 – 1,200,000 |
| 9 | Call center operator | 10,000 – 12,000 | 800,000 – 960,000 |
| 10 | Mall promoter | 10,500 – 13,000 | 840,000 – 1,040,000 |
| 11 | Cleaning services | 10,320 | 825,000 |
| 12 | Clothing store clerk | 10,320 | 825,000 |
| 13 | Fast-food employee | 10,320 | 825,000 |
| 14 | University campus assistant | 10,320 | 825,000 |
| 15 | IT technical assistant | 12,000 – 18,000 | 960,000 – 1,440,000 |
Important rules about working
For those on a D-2 student visa:
- up to 20 hours a week during the semester,
- full-time work is allowed during vacation periods.
Permission from the university and the immigration office is required before starting a job.
📩 Telegram: https://t.me/odilxanivich
If you have any questions or comments, Contact →