Korea, Canada further expand 2023 working holiday program

Delegates are silhouetted in a venue of a conference in Vancouver, British Columbia on July 11. [AP/YONHAP]

Canada and Korea agreed to accept 2,000 more applications in 2023 for their annual working holiday program, giving a total of 8,500 young Koreans and Canadians a chance to work and study in each other's countries throughout the year.

“The Korean and Canadian governments decided to expand the program, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and support the people-to-people exchanges between young adults,” Seoul's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

The announcement Friday was the second expansion of the program this year. The two countries had already expanded the program from its original quota of 4,000 to 6,500 in February.

Working holiday schemes allow young people to visit a country for a period longer than an average tourist and also take on part-time jobs during their stay. Korea and Canada have had this agreement since 1996.

The age limit, currently between 18 and 30, will also be lengthened to 35 starting in 2024.

Starting next year, the two governments will also roll out additional exchange programs, aimed at supporting some 12,000 young adults from both countries to visit each others' countries, find internships or part-time experiences as well as participate in other programs.

Further information can be found at whic.mofa.go.kr.

BY ESTHER CHUNG [chung.juhee@joongang.co.kr]