South Korea to Launch K-Culture & Digital Nomad Visas

The province of Jeju in South Korea has unfolded plans to introduce a “Jelu-style Digital Nomad Visa” to attract remote workers.

Authorities in Jeju, together with the Jeju International Convention Center (ICC Jeju), on November 14, announced that they hosted a “Jeju Workation with Global Digital Nomads,” which brought together a large number of digital nomads from several countries.

Digital Nomad Visa allows foreigners to reside legally in Jeju while working remotely for companies or clients located in other countries, VisaGuide.World reports.

In the recent event that was held from October 31 to November 7, participants were allowed to work from shared office spaces in this city while enjoying local experiences.

A survey carried out later related to the matter revealed that 100 percent of participants were interested in returning to Jeju, while 77 percent expressed their hopes to stay for extended periods of more than three weeks after the program’s conclusion.

The survey’s positive responses led authorities in Jeju to consider implementing their own Digital Nomad Visa.

The province is now conducting research to develop its own version of the digital nomad visa.

“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,” Kim In-young, director general of Jeju’s Economic Vitality Bureau.

He added that the workstation, “as a new lifestyle in the digital age, will become a growth engine for Jeju.”

South Korea Offers Digital Nomad Visa

From January 1, 2024, internationals and their dependents are eligible to obtain a Digital Nomad Visa. The visa is valid for a period of two years.

The introduction of the pilot program for digital nomads called “Workcation” was announced by the South Korean government on December 29, 2023.

The new changes gave internationals the opportunity to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa at South Korean embassies and consulates.

In addition, tourists in South Korea may apply for Digital Nomad Viss from within the country, provided they meet all the needed requirements.

If approved, these visas are then granted for an initial period of up to one year, with the possibility of being extended for an additional year.

Among the requirements to benefit from this kind of visa is to work for companies and clients abroad or be a freelancer abroad. Earn more than 88 million won in 2024, and be at least 18 years old.