The D-4 visa is issued to foreigners visiting Korea to participate in Korean language studies or specific professional training programs. Generally, the D-4-1 visa refers to language training, and the D-4-7 visa shares the same issuance and qualification criteria as the D-4-1 visa. Below is an outline focusing on the D-4-1 visa provided by TalentLink.

• 1

  Eligibility

  
  • 1)

    Individuals intending to study Korean at language institutes affiliated with universities.

    
  • 2)

    Those receiving education at institutions other than those eligible for the D-2 visa (e.g., non-academic institutions or research organizations).

    
  • 3)

    Individuals undergoing training in technical or functional skills at national or public research institutes or training centers.

    
  • 4)

    Interns or trainees at foreign-invested enterprises or companies that have invested abroad, engaged in education, training, or research activities

    
• 2

  Duration of Stay

  
  • 1)

    Maximum Stay: Up to 2 years. (Single-entry visa. Extensions are required every 6 months.)

    

    See details on extending the period of stay

• 3

  Types of D-4 Visas

  

  Category			Description
  Language Training and Study Abroad	D-4-1	Korean Language Training	Training at a language institute affiliated with a higher education institution or a foreign education institution
  	D-4-7	Foreign Language Training (Excluding Korean)
  	D-4-3	Primary and Secondary Education	Study at educational institutions up to high school level.
  Training Programs	D-4-2	Other Institutional Training	Training or research activities at educational institutions, companies, or organizations not covered under D-4-1.
  	D-4-5	Korean Cuisine Training	Training at institutions designated for Korean cuisine education.
  	D-4-6	Technical Training at Private Institutions:	Technical training for foreigners at excellent private educational institutions.

• 4

  Part-Time Work

  

  Foreign students on D-4-1 or D-4-7 visas (language training) are allowed to engage in part-time work under specific conditions.

  See details on part-time work regulations

• 5

  Changing Schools

  

  While the general rule requires students to exit Korea and reapply for a visa to transfer to a new school, exceptions are made under the following conditions

  • 1)

    If the language institute closes, or a transfer becomes unavoidable due to reasons beyond the student’s control.

    
  • 2)

    If the student possesses a TOPIK Level 3 or higher (or KIIP equivalent) and provides a valid reason for the transfer.