Preedee TeoDream of working from a Korean coffee shop with BTS playing in the background? Your dream could be a reality! South Korea is now offering digital nomad visas, allowing remote workers to immerse themselves in the country’s vibrant culture for up to two years.
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Launch of the workation visa
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On 1 Jan 2024, South Korea’s Ministry of Justice launched the “workation visa,” which is currently in its trial phase. This visa program allows remote workers to stay for one year, with the option to renew for an additional year. Previously, tourists could only reside in South Korea for up to 90 days.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for South Korea’s digital nomad visa, applicants must:
- Be a remote worker employed by a foreign company.
- Have an annual income of at least twice South Korea’s previous year’s per capita GNI (about $64,000 in 2023).
- Have at least one year of experience in their current industry.
- Provide proof of health insurance and possess a clean criminal record. Successful applicants with families can bring their spouses and children under 18 without additional visas.
South Korea’s tourism goals
The digital nomad visa plays a crucial role in South Korea’s plans to attract more than 15 million foreign tourists in 2024. South Korea will be following in the footsteps of countries like Japan, Portugal, Costa Rica, Greece, and Spain in offering long-term stays for remote workers.
K-culture training visa
Image credit: Korea Tourism Organisation London | Facebook
South Korea has also announced a K-culture training visa. As the name implies, this visa will focus on drawing in people who share a deep interest in “Hallyu,” also known as “Korean Wave,” which is a growing trend due to the consumption of popular Korean media. As such, the new visa aims to provide opportunities within South Korea’s entertainment industry to facilitate education and employment opportunities. This visa aims to complement the digital nomad visa in South Korea’s goal to attract 20 million foreign tourists in 2024.
Government efforts and tourist preferences
Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Yu In Chon emphasised the government’s commitment to attracting tourists: “The preferences of international tourists have changed and solo travel has grown more popular. We are planning all-out efforts to unearth and spread differentiated tourism content to allow foreign tourists to visit Korea and enjoy K-Culture.”
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South Korea’s new digital nomad and K-culture training visas are set to enhance the country’s appeal to international travellers and remote workers, supporting its ambitious tourism goals for 2024.
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