Want to live in South Korea? Its new digital nomad visa lets you do so

Your dreams of living in South Korea may finally come true as it launches a workation visa which started on January 1!

Recognizing the rise of the workcation trend, South Korea will now allow foreign nationals who are working remotely to stay in the country for up to two years and even bring their family.

“To make remote work and vacation of foreigners in Korea smoother, we have decided to launch a new digital nomad visa,” the justice ministry said in a statement.

“So far, foreigners were required to apply for tourist visas or just stay for less than 90 days without a visa for ‘workcation’ in Korea. The new system will allow employees and employers in overseas firms to tour and work remotely in Korea for a longer period of time.”

Tourists who have an annual income exceeding 84.96 million won (P3.6 million), 18 years or older with a minimum of one year of work experience in their current field are allowed to apply for this type of visa. Foreigners must also submit proof of employment and details of any criminal record.

These individuals, however, are not allowed to apply for jobs within the country.

They must also secure private health insurance with coverage of at least 100 million won (P4.2 million).

Additionally, they may bring along their spouse and children under 18 years of age.

The government has introduced the digital nomad visa as a pilot program, with the potential of becoming permanent.

“We hope the workcation visa will allow high-earning foreigners to stay in Korea’s various regions and vitalize the local economy,” the justice ministry said.

Those who are currently in Korea can switch from the visa exemption (B-1), tourist visa (B-2), or short-term stay visa (C-3).

This new visa will allow foreigners to explore South Korea for one year, with an opportunity to extend for another year.

Previously, Indonesia and Thailand also launched a digital nomad visa option for foreign remote workers.