South Korea Launches 2-Year Workation Visa For Digital Nomads

Workation Visa launches this 2024

Working situations have evolved post pandemic and since then, a workation (work + vacation) has officially become the standard for most employees. And get this, South Korea‘s getting in on the bandwagon with their new Workation Visa that had just launched this 2024.

So if you’re a digital nomad with Korea as a dream destination in mind, then you can apply for this new visa to work and travel within South Korea, and make it an unforgettable experience. Here’s how.

2-year stay for digital nomads

Image credit: The Korea Herald

With workation becoming a trend, the South Korea Ministry of Justice has officially rolled out a groundbreaking visa program – Workation Visa – that’s catered to digital nomads or anyone with a Work From Anywhere (WFA) setup. Unlike the tourist visa, where you can only stay for less than 90 days, you’ll be able to stay in the country for a year. And if you wanted to, you can extend for another year, making it two years of stay in Korea.

Not only will it be for economic gain, but this visa will also allow foreigners to immerse themselves in Korea’s vibrant culture while seamlessly balancing work and pleasure. This visa guarantees a longer stay, in which you can a form a deeper connection with the country.

Requirements for visa application

Image credit: Yena Kwon via Unsplash

While it’s practically every digital nomad’s dream, this transformative visa is still on its early stages, so there’s not a lot of information to take note as of yet.

However, initially, here’s how you can qualify as an eligible visa applicant:

• You’re 18 years old and above.
• You have a year of experience in your current profession.
• You have private health insurance amounting or equivalent to KRW100,000,000 (~roughly P4.2 million).
• Your annual income exceeds double the amount of South Korea’s gross national income per capita of the previous year (KRW84,960,000, ~roughly P3.5 million).

Additionally, you must be able to present employment verification and criminal record check documents upon application. Take note that these policies may still be subject to change as the visa is new.

As of this moment, the Republic of Korea Embassy in the Philippines hasn’t given announcements regarding the application process for Filipinos, so make sure to check their page for further updates.

Update: The South Korean Embassy in the Philippines just announced that visa requirements have been simplified. Starting February 2024, selected individuals are exempted from submitting financial documents, such as income tax returns (ITR) and bank statements, when applying for a visa.

The exempted individuals are as follows: elected politicians, government officials, professional license holders, and BDO Gold & BDO Elite Credit Card Holders.

Note: If you feel that still submitting financial documents could help your case in getting your visa approved, then you’re free to do so.  

Nomadic bliss in South Korea

South Korea is welcoming digital nomads with open arms with the Workation Visa, so start packing your bags for the long ride. There has never been a better time to combine work and exploration in the captivating corner of the world that is South Korea.

It’s time to seize this opportunity and let your workation adventure begin!

For more current affairs in the country, visit The Smart Local Philippines.

Cover image adapted from: The Korea Herald