The Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA) initiated the 15th cohort of its ‘Woholfriends’ working holiday mentor program on March 27, 2024. The program was launched at the Korea Foundation Global Center, aiming to support Korean youth who wish to participate in working holiday programs abroad. Working holiday programs allow young people aged 18–30 to stay in partner countries for tourism, employment, and language study, offering valuable cultural and life experiences. South Korea currently has working holiday agreements with 28 countries, including Australia, Canada, and Japan. The mentor program is designed to enhance safety and provide useful information for participants.
The ‘Woholfriends’ mentor group consists of 20 experienced youth who have participated in working holiday programs in nine countries, such as Canada, Australia, the UK, and Japan. These mentors share their firsthand knowledge and local insights with new applicants, acting as guides and advisors. In 2024, approximately 40,000 Korean youth are expected to join working holiday programs, with the largest numbers going to Australia (16,000), Canada (8,400), and Japan (7,400). The mentors’ activities are accessible through multiple platforms, including the Info Center website, Naver Cafe, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
The 15th cohort will produce content such as card news and short-form videos, disseminating practical advice and safety tips for prospective participants. Mentoring activities will be conducted both online and offline, targeting young Koreans preparing for overseas experiences. For example, mentor Park Jida, who participated in the Czech Republic from August 2023 to August 2024, expressed commitment to helping new participants succeed. The OKA plans to further expand the mentor program to increase global opportunities for Korean youth.
Frequently asked questions include: What is the purpose of the ‘Woholfriends’ mentor program? It aims to provide real-life guidance and safety information to Korean youth joining working holiday programs. How can participants access mentor content? Information is available on official websites and social media channels. What impact is expected? The program is designed to improve understanding, ensure safety, and encourage more youth to gain overseas experience.
The ‘Woholfriends’ mentor program, now in its 15th cohort, is a targeted response to the growing demand for safe and informed overseas experiences among Korean youth. By utilizing mentors with real working holiday experience and distributing content across multiple platforms, the Overseas Koreans Agency ensures accessibility and relevance. The program’s scale, covering 28 countries and thousands of participants, reflects a robust policy approach to international youth mobility. This initiative is likely to improve participant outcomes and encourage more Korean youth to pursue global opportunities.