Can a D-4 language trainee leave Korea during the course and come back?

Yes. A D-4 language trainee who has completed foreigner registration can re-enter without a re-entry permit if they return within 1 year from the day they left. If the remaining period of stay is shorter than 1 year, you must return within that remaining period.

Key points to check

• You must complete foreigner registration first. If you leave before registering, you cannot get the exemption.
• If your period of stay ends soon, the exemption period gets shorter too. You must return within your period of stay.
• If there is a reason such as an entry restriction, the exemption does not apply. In this case, you must first get a re-entry permit from the immigration office (출입국·외국인관서) with authority over your place of residence (immigration office or branch office).

💡 If you may be away for more than 1 year

If you plan to return after more than 1 year but within 2 years of leaving, you must apply in advance for a multiple re-entry permit.

• How to apply: visit an immigration office, use an application agency, or use the e-civil service on HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr)
• Documents: passport, Alien Registration Card, integrated application form
• Fee: 50,000 KRW (some people, such as government scholarship students, are exempt)

⚠️ Points to be careful about in your studies

The re-entry exemption is an immigration rule. If you are away for a long time during the course, your attendance rate at the language institute may drop. At the next extension, your attendance certificate and grades are checked, so tell your language institute before you leave.

For exact details, check again with HiKorea or the Foreigner Comprehensive Guidance Center (외국인종합안내센터) at 1345.