Well, that’s South Korea’s goal with their January 1, 2024 announcement of an enticing Digital Nomad Visa. The new visa allows digital nomads to stay up to 2 years.
According to BBC t this is a big change from foreigners only being eligible previously for a tourist visa, or a stay of less than 90 days. BBC goes on to say that with the new “workcation” 2- year visa not only digital nomads but their families as well can stay in the country up to 2 years.
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Let’s be clear there are requirements to document a legitimate professional working status. You are required to be employed by a foreign (non-South Korean) employer, and to have worked in the same industry for at least 1 year. You must be earning at least $54,300 (50,000 Euros), and be able to prove person health insurance coverage valued at slightly over $61,000 (59,000 Euros). Note- these figures vary by source. For example, according to Forbes the earning requirement is $66,000. Make sure you do your research.
South Korea’s plan is for this to a gateway to increasing overall tourism. From travel sites like TripAdvisor and TravelTriangle to even community networks like Reddit South Korea is an overlooked travel destination gem. Descriptions from travelers having spent time there include; “absolute travel delight,” “incredible blend of tradition and modernity,” Travelers even indicate there are great places for solo dining with Jagalchi Market getting high recommodifications. There’s a definite Airbnb presence and a lot of kid friendly options. According to Quora visitors will be able to enjoy “a vibrant cultural heritage including UNESCO Heritage sites.”
And according to Hammer Tsui, who blogs as “A Fun Couple,” 2 months spent there was “about immersing ourselves in a tapestry of history, technology and hospitality.” Lindsay Galloway of BBC actually spoke with some digital nomads who recently made their home in south Korea. One of those she spoke with was Heather Markel, who writes a travel blog under “Heather Begins,” She says, “It’s a unique blend of cosmopolitan meets history. And you get the best of Korean skincare, food and small markets. If you are looking for networking opportunities, real city life and technology she recommends you stay in Seoul.
Another digital nomad Lindsay Galloway spoke with was Hayley Parrish who now lives in Seoul which she describes Seoul as having an emerging café culture. Apparently some Westerners think of the South Korean people as cold or rude. Hayely, however, describes the people as quiet, polite and keeping to themselves,. And she says the definitely display kindness and a willingness to help. She says Western norms on what is considered rude do not apply in south Korea. For example, it is bustling and people are moving at a fast pace so someone bumping into you isn’t rude…. It is a person on a mission, according to Hayley. Don’t expect someone to hold the door or press the elevator button for you.
South Korea has also announced a Hallyu visa also known as a K Culture visa that will allow foreigners to attend local performing arts academies, also allowing foreigners to stay in the country 2 years. The country is planning a “K Tourism Roadshow” in countries including the USA and Sweden.