Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Korea regarding Working Holiday Visas

October 8, 1998

The Agreement between the Government of Japan ant the Government of the Republic of Korea regarding Working Holiday Visas was signed on October 8 (Thu.) in Tokyo (Akasaka Palace) by Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. Hong Soon-Young, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea. This Agreement will enter into force on April 1, 1999.

Outline of the Agreement

(1)	Both Governments will issue, free of charge, to the nationals of the other country (in principle aged between 18 and 25) single entry working holiday visas that are valid for one year from the date of issuance. Each government will grant nationals of the other country who have valid working holiday visas permission to stay in the country and to engage in employment to supplement their travel funds.
(2)	Both Governments will permit the nationals of the other country who possess valid working holiday visas to stay in its territory for one year and allow them to engage in employment for the purpose of supplementing their travel funds.
(3)	Both Governments will endeavor to encourage youth, cultural and community organizations in their respective countries to provide appropriate counseling facilities for nationals of the other country who have entered the other country with working holiday visas.
(4)	This Agreement will be implemented in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in each country.

The ROK side proposed the introduction of the working holiday program between Japan and the ROK at the consultations between their consular authorities held in Tokyo in July 1996. In response to this proposal, the Government of Japan held negotiations with the Government of the ROK on this Agreement so as to make it possible to introduce this program, and agreement was reached recently. It is hoped that the conclusion of this Agreement will help to promote mutual understanding between young people of the two countries of the culture and general way of life in the other country and contribute to closer cooperative relations between the two countries.

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