For detailed updates on South Korea’s national digital nomad visa, visit the Korean Immigration Service. Learn about the broader concept of workcations on platforms like Remote Year and explore how Jeju compares to other Asian digital nomad hotspots.
Imagine an island that blends breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and a welcoming environment for remote work. Jeju Island, a sought-after destination in South Korea, is stepping up its appeal by launching a specialized digital nomad visa, inviting professionals worldwide to embrace the workcation lifestyle.
A Perfect Workcation Destination
Jeju Island, a volcanic paradise often called the "Hawaii of South Korea," boasts UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hallasan Mountain and the Manjanggul Lava Tube. has long attracted tourists with its scenic beauty and unique local culture. In a bold move to position itself as a digital nomad hub, the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province announced on November 14, 2024, its plan to introduce a "Jeju-style" digital nomad visa. This initiative aims to provide remote workers with extended stays and seamless access to the island’s amenities, combining work and leisure in a unique setting.
Currently, Jeju Island offers a visa-free system under the Special Act on the Establishment of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Development of a Free International City. This arrangement allows visitors from most countries to stay up to one month without a visa. Building on this foundation, the proposed Jeju-style visa will provide greater flexibility, catering specifically to digital professionals.
A Successful Pilot Event Shapes the Future
To test the waters and refine its approach, Jeju hosted the "Jeju Workation with Global Digital Nomads" event from October 31 to November 7, 2024. The program attracted over 30 digital nomads from 14 countries, including the United States, France, and Australia. Participants were introduced to shared workspaces and immersed in Jeju’s local attractions, such as hiking the renowned Olle Trail and enjoying the island’s signature tangerine-picking experiences.
Feedback from this pilot event was overwhelmingly positive. Every participant expressed interest in returning, with 77% indicating a desire to stay for extended periods exceeding three weeks. Such enthusiasm underscores Jeju’s potential as a destination for long-term remote work.
Supporting a New Lifestyle Trend
The introduction of this digital nomad visa aligns with South Korea’s broader efforts to attract global talent. The national government launched a Digital Nomad (Workcation) Visa on January 1, 2024, targeting remote professionals. However, the Jeju-style visa aims to offer a more accessible alternative by leveraging the island’s visa-free policy and reducing stringent application criteria.
Kim In-young, director general of Jeju’s Economic Vitality Bureau, stated, “In line with the national government’s policy to attract foreign talent, we plan to ease visa issuance criteria and actively recruit global digital professionals. Workation, as a new lifestyle in the digital age, will become a growth engine for Jeju.”
Jeju joins a growing list of Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, that are offering digital nomad-friendly visas. However, Jeju’s distinctive approach—blending its unique natural and cultural assets with practical incentives—sets it apart as an exceptional destination for remote workers.
Looking Ahead
With its "Jeju-style" visa, the island is poised to become a magnet for digital nomads seeking balance between work and leisure. For detailed updates on this initiative and other digital nomad opportunities, visit Nomadica. You can also find information about South Korea’s digital nomad initiatives on Hi Korea and compare it with global options on Nomad List. You can also explore general information about Jeju’s attractions on the official Jeju Tourism Organization website.
As Jeju embraces its new role in the digital age, it’s not just offering a visa but redefining what it means to work and live in harmony with nature. Whether you're a seasoned nomad or new to the remote work lifestyle, Jeju Island could be your next inspiring destination.