Korea D-4 Language Study Visa Guide (2026)
The D-4 is the visa most people use to come and learn Korean. You enrol in a university language institute, prove you can support yourself, keep your attendance up, and you can live in Korea while you study the language — often as a stepping stone to a full degree on the D-2. This page explains the money you need to show, the attendance and work rules, and how long you can stay — honestly, with the official sources that decide each case.
Who the D-4 visa is for
The D-4 (general training) is mainly for people enrolling in an intensive Korean language program at a university language institute, and for certain other non-degree training. It is the standard route for studying Korean before entering a degree program. The steps below cover what most applicants do — treat it as orientation, not a guaranteed list.
1. Get accepted to a language program
2. Prove funds
3. Apply for the visa / certificate
4. Register after arrival
Funds you must show (2026)
You generally need a bank balance certificate proving you can pay tuition and living costs. Reported 2026 figures cluster around the range below, and the standard is trending stricter as Korea's GNI rises — the figures that matter are the ones immigration and your school apply.
| School region | Reported 2026 balance proof |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan area (e.g. Seoul) | Around KRW 10 million |
| Provincial universities | Around KRW 8 million |
The exact required balance is set officially and changes. Confirm the current figure for your school and region on HiKorea, with your university, or by calling 1345.
Attendance & part-time work
Attendance is the single biggest factor in keeping a D-4. Institutes report attendance to immigration, and a high rate — commonly reported around 90 percent — is widely needed to extend smoothly; low attendance can shorten or block your extension. Part-time work is generally allowed only after an initial waiting period (commonly around 6 months) and with permission: reported 2026 rules allow up to about 20 hours per week in the semester for students with TOPIK Level 2+, and fewer hours (around 10) below that level, with more hours during vacations. These figures change and require approval — confirm on HiKorea before working.
How long you can stay, and the move to D-2
The D-4 is typically issued for about 6 months to a year at a time and extended semester by semester, with a commonly reported maximum of around 2 years for pure language study. To keep studying beyond that, most students move into a degree program on the D-2 student visa, which usually means a change of status — see our change of visa status guide. Confirm the current duration limits on HiKorea.
Frequently asked questions
What is the D-4 visa for?
Mainly enrolling in an intensive Korean language program at a university institute, plus certain non-degree training. It's the common route before a degree on the D-2. Confirm your case officially.
How much money do I need?
Reported 2026 figures are roughly KRW 8-10 million (Seoul-area higher, provincial lower), trending stricter. The exact amount is set officially and changes — verify before applying.
Can I work part-time?
Generally only after about 6 months and with permission — up to ~20 hours/week with TOPIK 2+, fewer below that, more in vacation. Confirm limits on HiKorea.
How important is attendance?
Very — commonly around 90% is needed to extend smoothly. Low attendance can shorten or block your extension. Confirm the standard with your school and HiKorea.
How long can I stay?
Usually 6 months to 1 year at a time, extended semester by semester, up to around 2 years for language study. Beyond that, students typically move to the D-2.