In January 2024, South Korea introduced a pioneering opportunity for digital nomads worldwide with the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa.
Effective from January 1, this digital nomad visa caters to foreign remote workers and their families.
It allows a stay of up to one year (with a one-year extension possibility) and is tailored for people employed by companies abroad.
Let’s have a closer look at this new opportunity for remote workers…
South Korea Digital Nomad Visa – Key Points Explained
The South Korea Digital Nomad Visa serves as a beacon for remote workers seeking a Korea workcation experience.
Eligible to foreigners, it eases the process to try out the nomad South Korea life for remote workers and their families. It is valid for up to one year and can even be extended.
To apply for the digital nomad visa Korea, you’ll have to meet some requirements, especially earn a pretty high minimum income and subscribe to private health insurance. More details below.
Is It Hard To Get Digital Nomad Visa For South Korea?
Given the novelty of this visa category within the country, you might be stressed out by the difficulty of obtaining a digital nomad visa for South Korea.
But no need to worry, as compared to other nations with digital nomad visa programs, South Korea actually made it pretty simple.
As long as you meet all the requirements, then you should have no problem securing your digital nomad visa in South Korea.
Digital Nomad Visa South Korea Requirements & Eligibility
Before you start your visa application, make sure you meet all the South Korea digital nomad visa requirements below :
- Annual income : you must demonstrate you earn double the country’s GNI per capita from the previous year. So you’ll have to earn an annual income exceeding 85 million won ($64000).
- Employment : you’ll have to be able to prove your current employment outside South Korea, no matter if you’re working for a company abroad or as a freelancer.
- Age and experience : the digital nomad South Korea visa eligibility mandates you must be at least 18 years old with a minimum of one year of work experience in your industry.
- Have a clean criminal record
- Embassy application : the submission of your application must occur at the Korean embassy within your home country. Note that it can’t be done online.
- Personal medical insurance : you have to hold private medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 100 million won. Subscribe to an insurance with coverage in South Korea to secure your digital nomad visa South Korea.
South Korea Remote Work Visa Income Requirements
This will probably be a drawback for some, the remote work visa South Korea sets a pretty high financial threshold.
The goal here is to attract high-earning digital nomads.
To qualify for this sought-after workcation visa Korea, you must present proof of an annual income exceeding 85 million won ($64000).
This is to ensure you have the financial stability to support yourself during your stay.
Apply For South Korea Digital Nomad Visa With These Documents
To successfully apply for the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa, make sure you gather the following documents.
This list of documents is tailored to meet the digital nomad work visa South Korea requirements :
- Visa request form : a completed application form specific to the digital nomad visa.
- Passport : valid for the duration of your intended stay, plus additional months for buffer.
- Passport copy : a photocopy of your passport’s information page.
- Passport photo : recent, color and adhering to visa photo standards.
- Proof of employment or work : documentation from your employer or evidence of freelance work.
- Pay slips : recent pay slips to validate your income.
- Bank statements : to corroborate your financial stability and income exceeding 85 million won ($64000) annually.
- Clean criminal record : certification proving no criminal record both in your home country and Korea.
- Proof of private insurance : health insurance coverage of at least 100 million won for accidents, transport and medical assistance.
- Address in Korea : proof of residence during your stay.
South Korea Digital Nomad Visa Application Process Step By Step
Here’s a step by step guide on how to apply to the digital nomad visa in South Kora :
- Gather all necessary documents. If you need an onward ticket, consider a dummy ticket to fulfill flight requirements without having to buy a real ticket.
- Fill out the application form. Download and complete the visa application form from the Korean embassy’s website specific to your country.
- Submit your documents. Contact your local South Korean embassy to schedule an appointment for document submission. Unfortunately, this step can’t be done online.
- Wait for a reply. After submission, anticipate a response within two to four weeks. If denied, inquire about the reasons to rectify any issues. Approval means you can proceed with making accommodation arrangements and further travel plans in South Korea.
Renewal Process Digital Nomad Visas In South Korea
The important thing to keep in mind is that you must reapply before your current visa expires.
To reapply, you absolutely have to still meet the requirements.
This means you won’t be able to extend your visa if your income is under the threshold or if your insurance has expired. You’ll have to submit updated documents and fill out the form again.
How Long Is Digital Nomad Visa For South Korea Valid For ?
The visa initially grants a stay of up to one year, but the program also includes an option for a one-year extension.
This means you’ll be able to live and work in South Korea for a maximum of up to two years. This is great news as it gives you enough time to fully immerse yourself in the country.
Digital Nomad Visa South Korea Cost
Unfortunately, we don’t know the exact remote work visa Korea application fees yet. The program has just been launched and the fees haven’t been made public yet.
The cost will probably depend on the Korean embassy through which you apply as well as your nationality.
On top of the visa fee, remote workers in South Korea will have to take into account some additional expenses like:
- the criminal background check fees
- health insurance purchases
- and potential costs for document translations or notarizations
South Korea Digital Nomad Visa Tax To Expect
South Korea remote worker visa comes with some local tax laws you absolutely need to be aware of if you wish to live and work in South Korea.
You’ll either be classified as residents or non-residents, with distinct tax obligations for each.
- As a resident – if you stay in the country for more than 183 days within a tax year – you are taxed on your global income.
- As a non-resident, you are only taxed on income earned within the country.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional tax advice to make sure you don’t make any mistakes.
How Long You Wait To Get South Korea Digital Nomad Visa
It really depends on the embassy you apply at and your nationality.
You should anticipate a processing time from a few weeks to a couple of months, so be sure to apply well in advance of your planned departure to South Korea.
Any error in your application form could lead to several weeks of additional waiting time.
Bringing Family With You
Good news, the digital nomads who apply for the Korea digital nomad visa may bring their close family members along. Here we talk about spouses and children.
Please note that the minimum annual income requirement may rise a little as the government will take your family into account in their calculations.
Cost Of Living In South Korea
The cost of living in South Korea will mainly depend on the city and lifestyle you choose.
Major cities like Seoul and Busan tend to be more expensive, especially in terms of accommodation and dining out.
But South Korea actually offers many options to suit different budgets. Let’s have a look at what to expect in terms of expenses.
| Accommodation | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | 500 to 1000 € / $550 to $1100 |
| Buy | From 100000 € / From $110000 |
| Hotels | 50 to 200 € / $55 to $220 |
| BnB | 30 to 150 € / $33 to $165 |
| Food | Cost |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | 10 to 20 € / $11 to $22 |
| Groceries | 200 to 400 € / $220 to $440 /month/pers |
| Fast Food | 5 to 10 € / $5,50 to $11 |
| Transports | Cost |
|---|---|
| Train | Around 20 € / $22 per 100 km |
| Bus | Around 1,50 € / $1,65 per trip |
| Taxi | Around 2 € / $2,20 per km |
| Car rental | 30 to 70 € / $33 to $77 per day |
| Airplane | Around 100 € / $110 per domestic trip |
| Leisure | Cost |
|---|---|
| Day excursion | 20 to 100 € / $22 to $110 |
| Nightlife | 10 to 30 € / $11 to $33 |
| Museum / attractions | 5 to 10 € / $5,50 to $11 |
| Outdoor activities | 20 to 60 € / $22 to $66 |
You can also check the cost of living in South Korea here.
Is There Digital Banking In South Korea
Yes, there are more and more digital banking services in South Korea.
So digital nomads will enjoy the convenience of managing their finances easily thanks to modern banks like Bank of Korea or KakaoBank.
Those banks offer comprehensive online banking services. You’ll be able to make transfers, payments and financial tracking directly online.
Also there are more and more mobile banking apps designed to manage expenses like Toss Bank or K Bank. These tools will add up to your best apps for expenses.
Which VPN Works Best In South Korea For Digital Nomads?
Once there, we would recommend you to subscribe to a reliable VPN to help you secure your online activities and to access global content.
Amongst the best VPN solutions we could find in South Korea, NordVPN clearly is our top recommendation.
Known for its high-speed connections and strong security features, NordVPN comes with a user-friendly interface. Plus it supports a wide range of devices and ensures privacy with strong encryption protocols.
Popular Digital Nomad Hotspots (Cities) In South Korea
Wishing to join some nomad hotspots while contributing to the local economy ?
Here our South Korea’s best digital nomad hotspots we could find.
- Seoul – The capital of South Korea stands as a top choice for digital nomads. The city offers many coworking spaces, high-speed internet and a bustling urban life. Its diverse districts cater to all preferences from the historical charm of Insadong to the trendy vibes of Hongdae.
- Busan – Known for its beautiful beaches and scenic mountains, Busan offers a more relaxed atmosphere for digital nomads. It combines urban convenience with natural beauty. It really is a top choice if you seek balance between work and leisure. Our firm favorite ? The city’s Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches !
- Jeju Island – This island is a paradise for digital nomads who love nature and a slower pace of life. Famous for its stunning landscapes (prepare to live amongst beaches, waterfalls and the Hallasan volcano !), Jeju offers a unique workation experience. Plus the island also has a growing number of coworking spaces !
Are There Coworking Communities In South Korea
If you run your own business and work remotely, you might want to join some local coworking communities to meet some new people.
Good news, we found several coworking communities in South Korea !
Seoul
The coworking scene literally thrives in Seoul ! Working on a South Korea nomad visa or South Korea remote work visa ?
Spaces like WeWork, Seoul Startup Hub and Hey Ground offer great communities for digital nomads. These spaces are equipped with the latest amenities and often host events and workshops.
Busan
Busan’s coworking environment is growing more and more.
We particularly love Waveon Coffee and Study Cafe with their beautiful views and productive atmosphere. A top choice if you’re on a South Korea nomad visa.
These spaces will help you find balance between work and leisure thanks to their community events, high-speed internet and comfortable workstations.
Jeju Island
A very recent hotspot for digital nomads. O-PEACE Jeju and Jeju Space’s communities offer resources and networking opportunities.
Ideal for entrepreneurs and freelancers looking for inspiration away from the city, this community is also great to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in South Korea.
Is South Korea Safe For Digital Nomads?
Yes, South Korea boasts a low crime rate and a high standard of living.
The country’s advanced infrastructure, efficient public transport and good healthcare system contribute to a secure environment for foreigners.
But you never know what could happen, so this is why we always recommend digital nomads to invest in travel insurance to cover unexpected medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
Don’t hesitate to compare Safety Wing and World Nomads and choose the coverage that best suits your lifestyle. Both offer comprehensive plans tailored to the needs of digital nomads.
Final Pros & Benefits
The digital nomad South Korea offers numerous advantages.
The blend of ultra-fast internet, thriving tech scene and coworking spaces creates an ideal ecosystem for South Korea freelancers.
We also like South Korea’s rich cultural heritage and its modern conveniences. It offers a unique living experience that balances work with exploration and leisure.
Plus the country is one of the safest and cleanest in Asia !
Few Drawbacks To Have In Mind
It’s true, the South Korea digital nomad comes with many advantages, but there are a few drawbacks to consider.
- The cost of living in major cities like Seoul is very high, particularly for housing.
- The language barrier can pose challenges in daily life and professional interactions for South Korea freelance workers, but keep in mind many locals speak English.
- Also the competitive work culture of South Korea may influence the work-life balance. You might feel pushed to adapt to longer working hours…
3 Alternative Countries With Similar Requirements We Recommend
Still uncertain about the Korea Workation visa? Here are some alternative Asian countries you might find appealing.
Philippines
The Philippines’ welcoming visa policies for digital nomads presents an attractive alternative to South Korea.
Philippines offers a freelancer visa for remote workers who respect the minimum income requirement. We love this country for its tropical beaches, English-speaking population and lower cost of living.
Japan
Thanks to the new freelancer visa for Japan, you can now enjoy a cultural and technological experience comparable to South Korea.
It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in ancient culture and cutting-edge technology. Japan also boasts a high standard of living and provides an enticing environment for digital professionals.
Vietnam
It’s a more and more popular destination for digital nomads thanks to its affordable cost of living and new Vietnam digital nomad visa opportunities.
With its lively cities, stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches and growing number of coworking spaces, Vietnam is a great alternative if you’re looking for the cheapest option.
FAQs
Does South Korea have a digital nomad visa ?
Yes, South Korea offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers and freelancers.
Is South Korea good for digital nomads ?
Yes, especially with its high-speed internet, coworking spaces and vibrant culture.
Can US citizens work in South Korea ?
Yes, US citizens can work in South Korea as long as they apply for the appropriate work or digital nomad visa.
When is the Best Season to Visit Korea When You're a Digital Nomad ?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal for their mild weather.
Can I work in Korea with the digital nomad/workation visa ?
Yes, the digital nomad/workation visa allows remote work for foreign companies in Korea.
Can I extend South Korea digital nomad visa ?
Yes, an extension is possible for up to one additional year as long as you still meet the requirements.
Is South Korea introduces digital nomad visa that will permit foreigners to stay there for 2 years ?
Yes, South Korea’s digital nomad visa allows up to a 2-year stay for foreigners.
Does South Korea have a community for digital nomads ?
Yes, there are growing digital nomad communities, especially in Seoul and Busan.
Can digital nomads avoid taxes in South Korea ?
No, digital nomads must comply with local tax laws based on their income and residency status.
What is the maximum duration of remote work allowed for digital nomads in South Korea ?
The maximum duration is up to two years, and this includes a one-year extension.
Can I apply for permanent residency through the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa ?
No, the digital nomad visa does not directly lead to permanent residency.
Wrap up
South Korea is a compelling destination for digital nomads.
With the introduction of the South Korea digital nomad visa, remote workers now have the chance to explore the country while enjoying the benefits of flexible work arrangements.
The visa’s clear requirements and the potential for a two-year stay make South Korea an attractive option !
