According to the latest updates, South Korea has introduced a new visa category tailored for foreign nationals engaging in a working holiday. This initiative responds to the increasing popularity of remote work and extended vacation periods.

Under this visa program, foreign residents are permitted to stay in South Korea for up to two years while maintaining employment in their home country, as reported by various media sources quoting officials.

Recognizing the emerging trend of ‘workcation,’ wherein individuals work remotely from diverse locations, South Korea’s Justice Ministry is set to launch the workation visa starting January 1, 2024. The objective is to encourage individuals to stay in the country for an extended duration, aligning with the global workation trend.

Currently, foreigners interested in working and traveling in Korea typically require a tourist visa, limited to stays of fewer than 90 days. The proposed workation visa aims to extend this duration, allowing individuals to stay for up to one year from their entry date, with the option to renew for another year.

In an effort to facilitate remote work and vacation for foreigners in Korea, the ministry has also announced the introduction of a new digital nomad visa.

Referring to ‘workation’ as a blend of work and vacation, it represents a contemporary working trend where individuals maintain their regular work routine while undertaking long-term travel. Several countries in Europe, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia have recently implemented workation visas for digital nomads in response to the evolving nature of work.

Applicants for the digital nomad visa must submit necessary documentation to the South Korean Embassy in their respective countries, including proof of an annual income exceeding 84.96 million won—double South Korea’s gross national income per capita as of 2022. Additional required documents include employment verification and a criminal record check. Additionally, applicants must possess private health insurance with coverage of at least 100 million won to ensure their ability to return home in emergencies.

To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years or older and have at least one year of experience in their current field. Successful visa holders, who are digital nomads, have the option to bring their spouses and children. Importantly, the initial one-year stay in South Korea is extendable for an additional year.

An attractive feature of this initiative is that foreigners already in South Korea on short-term tourist visas such as B-1, B-2, or C-3 can apply for the new digital nomad visa. However, it is essential to note that this visa does not grant digital nomads the ability to seek employment within South Korea.