Q: I am a foreign student living in Busan and I currently attend a university here in the city. I have been thinking about 휴학, taking a half year off next semester. Can I stay in Korea as a foreign student even after I do 휴학?

A: I am afraid you cannot.

If you are a foreign student here in the country, I believe that you are required to posses a D2-Visa.

Once your school accepts your gap year, your D2 will expire and you will be required to leave the country within 15 days.

If you don’t leave the country within 15 days, there is a possibility that you will be categorized as an ‘undocumented immigrant’.

I don’t think this is something that you want.

But if you are a F-type visa holder, things can be a lot easier.

Even after you do 휴학, you are free to stay in Korea without any restrictions.

I recommend you communicate with someone in your school’s admin’s team.