South Korea Workation Guide: Embrace the Digital Nomad Lifestyle : VISITKOREA

- - South Korea Workation Guide:
    Embrace the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
    
    02/28/2024
    
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You dream of traveling, but still need to continue working? You’re not alone. As the world embraces remote work, professionals are combining their careers with travel, leading to the popularity of the digital nomad lifestyle. South Korea, which has already become a top global tourism destination, is a great choice for workation. The country’s safety, advanced technology, rich cultural heritage and unique cafe culture make it a perfect fit for those looking to be productive and adventurous at the same time.

What are the advantages of a Workation?
There are many advantages to go on workation:
- • Work-Life Balance: Work during your leisure time while enjoying the backdrop of a beach or a beautiful cafe in the city while meeting deadlines.
- • Boosted Productivity: The change in environment stimulates creativity and focus, breaking the monotony and sparking new ideas.
- • Networking and Growth: Shared and co-living spaces are melting pots for meeting fellow nomads, fostering personal growth, and creating opportunities for collaboration.
Why is South Korea an ideal Workation for you?

Korea has one of the best internet networks in the world, modern cafes, a rich food tradition, the ocean, the mountains, modern and bustling cities, charming countryside, a strong culture, and many international airports. In 2023, Seoul even became one of the top global tourism cities.
6 reasons why you should choose South Korea for your workation:
- • Safety and Cleanliness: South Korea stands out among developed nations for its exceptional safety, making it a top pick for digital nomads. The risk of petty crimes is notably low, offering peace of mind to visitors. Furthermore, Korea's advanced development ensures that essentials like tap water are safe, foods are hygienic, and public facilities, including subway stations, maintain a high standard of cleanliness.
- • Vibrant Cafe Culture: Cafes in South Korea have free Wi-Fi and delicious beverages, providing an ideal setting for work.
- • Tech-Savvy Environment: Benefit from South Korea's world-leading internet connectivity and tech infrastructure, essential for the modern digital nomad, available even in the most remote areas.
- • 24/7 Convenience: Experience the ultimate convenience with facilities that cater to every need, any hour of the day. From 24-hour cafes and restaurants to saunas that never close, the country's service industry is designed to make your stay as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, particularly for those juggling different time zones.
- • Efficient and Affordable Public Transportation: South Korea’s public transportation system is extremely efficient and relatively cheap. This is important as it cuts your commute and allows you to travel around the cities and the whole country while saving time.
- • UNESCO-recognized Culinary Heritage: Dive into a gastronomic adventure with Korea's unique and rich food culture. From the legendary kimchi to a myriad of fermented delicacies, the flavors of Korea are steeped in a history of royalty, temples, and spices, offering an unforgettable taste experience that's been honored by UNESCO.
Many local governments in Korea offer workation programs with subsidies to support remote workers. For example, Busan provides benefits such as free shared spaces, accommodation subsidies, and travel vouchers. To participate, simply visit their website Busaness and submit your application for the program.

You can also consider joining workation programs organized by Hoppin and Nomad Her for a more immersive local experience with convenient logistics. Hoppin hosts a variety of workation events catered for the Digital Nomads Korea, a community of international and local digital nomads. While Nomad Her specializes in travel camps designed for global female solo travelers looking to discover Korea together. Both programs are a great way to meet like-minded people and build lifelong friendships.

Do I need a visa for Workation in Korea?

Visitors can enjoy a workation under the 3-month visa exemption available to many countries.

South Korea also offers a special F-1-D Workation Visa (Digital Nomad), allowing stays of up to two years for remote professionals and their families. To be eligible, you need to:
- • Work for a company abroad
- • Earn more than twice the average gross national income in Korea (85 million won in 2023)
- • Be 18 or older and have worked for at least a year in the same industry
- • Subscribe to a medical insurance covering at least 100 million won for hospital treatment and repatriation
Further details can be found on the Korean Immigration website.

Another option is the H-1 Working Holidays visa, which allows you to stay in Korea up to 12 months. To be eligible, you need to:
- • Be aged between 18 and 30 (or up to 35 for specific countries)
- • Reside in a country that signed an agreement with Korea (including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, Taiwan, USA, etc.)
- • This visa lets you work in Korea under certain conditions (25 hours per week, 1300 hours per year)
Specific information for each country should be obtained by contacting embassies and consulates.
More info
- 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)
* This column was made and managed by the Europe, Americas, Oceania Team of Korea Tourism Organization.

* This column was last updated in February 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to confirm details before visiting.