Embark on a journey with the South Korea digital nomad visa introduced in January 2024. This visa lets remote workers experience a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology, rich culture, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
We outline the requirements and steps for obtaining the South Korea digital nomad visa (Workation or F-1-D Visa), enabling you to explore the country’s vibrant cities, ancient history, and unique attractions. We hope our quick guide helps determine if this South Korea work visa suits you.
We use affiliate links throughout our site, recommending services and products that have served us well as digital nomads and travelers. If you make a purchase, we receive some money at no extra cost. If you find our content helpful or inspiring, you can buy us a coffee or tea to support our work.
South Korea Digital Nomad Visa
Visa Requirements & How to Apply
We aim to provide a quick but accurate synopsis of the South Korea digital nomad visa requirements and steps. Please contact us and let us know if we need to make any corrections.
Country: | South Korea |
Currency: | South Korean Won or KRW Important Note: We list all digital nomad visa costs and requirements below in US dollars or USD ($). |
Visa Category: | Digital Nomad Visa South Korea (Workation Visa or F-1-D). It’s a multi-entry visa. |
Visa Length: | 1 year |
Renewable Visa? | Yes. You can renew for an additional year to extend your stay. |
Visa Cost: | About $80 (may vary by country) |
Income Requirements: | Twice the Korean Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of the previous year after taxes (as per the Bank of Korea). For example, 2024 is a $67,000 annual net income or $5,583 monthly income (about 88 million won annually or 7.3 million won monthly). |
Tax Implications: | Income may be taxed. It partially depends on your home country. Korea does have a double taxation avoidance agreement with some countries. Further information about Tax Treaties at the National Tax Service. |
Dependents Allowed? | Yes. You can bring a dependent spouse and children. Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate) is required. Anyone over 13 years old must undergo a criminal record check. |
Application Location Options: | Apply from your home country or from within South Korea. |
South Korea Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
- A passport with a minimum of six months validity left
- Passport photo
- Completed visa application form (PDF download)
- Proof of income meeting requirement (pay stubs and past 3 months bank statements)
- Proof of remote work as either an employee for a company or owner of your own company for at least a year (e.g., a letter from your employer no older than two weeks)
- Criminal record check with apostille from home country or any country you’ve resided for a year (within the past six months)
- Certificate of TB screening (for applicants from specific countries only)
- Proof of medical insurance that covers you in South Korea (minimum €70,000 and includes repatriation)


We’ve been using Genki for our travel health insurance. They have long-term and short-term options.
3 South Korea Digital Nomad Visa Application Steps
Make an appointment with your local South Korean embassy or consulate (translate the page from Korean with your web browser).
Bring all required documents and application forms to the appointment.
Wait for approval (generally, 10 to 15 days).
Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad in South Korea
We spent over a year in Busan and enjoyed working and traveling in South Korea. If you’re considering working and living there as a digital nomad, we think the pros outweigh the cons.
Benefits of Living in South Korea
- Some of the fastest global internet speeds
- Excellent infrastructure
- Rapid, modern, widespread transportation
- Excellent healthcare
- Low crime rates
- Abundant coworking spaces
Disadvantages of Living in South Korea
- Densely populated and crowded cities
- Language barrier as English is not widely spoken
- Poor air quality, especially in spring
- Traffic congestion in urban areas
- Hot, humid summers
Average Monthly Costs of Living in South Korea (USD)
1 Bedroom Apartment: | $860 to $1,000+ |
Food: | $400 to $500+ per adult |
Utilities: | $165 to $200+ |
Data Plan: | $46+ for a 10 GB data plan |
Single Fare Public Transport: | $1.05+ |
5 Top Cities in South Korea for Digital Nomads
- Busan
- Daejeon
- Gwangju
- Jeju island
- Seoul (capital city)
7 Top Things To Do in South Korea

- Gyeongju: Discover the ancient country capital, known for its archaeological sites, including Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple, and the ancient burial mounds around Tumuli Park.
- Historic Palaces: Admire the traditional architecture of Seoul’s ancient palaces, like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.
- Festivals: Take in traditional Buddhist lantern festivals and cherry blossom festivals throughout the country.
- Hike: Go on a short day trek near the city or venture out to one of the many lush national parks, such as Seoraksan, Jirisan, or Bukhansan.
- Jeju Island: Known for its stunning natural beauty, Jeju Island offers attractions such as Hallasan National Park, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Sunrise Peak), beautiful beaches like Jungmun and Hyeopjae, and the unique Jeju Stone Park
- K-Pop Culture: Experience the vibrant pop culture scene, which includes K-pop music, K-dramas, and the entertainment district of Gangnam.
- Jimjilbang: Unwind in a traditional sauna and bathhouse by soaking in hot pools, enjoying sauna rooms, and getting a spa treatment.
We’ve curated a list of 15 affordable, high-quality South Korean excursions Viator offers. You can book ahead and cancel free of charge.
Digital Nomad Visa for South Korea Summary
Securing the South Korea digital nomad visa is not just a process—it’s a gateway to a world of possibilities. With high-speed internet, historical wonders, mouthwatering cuisine, and friendly locals, South Korea is a digital nomad’s dream. This visa is your golden ticket to this captivating world.
By fulfilling the requirements and following the outlined steps, digital nomads can immerse themselves in an unforgettable adventure that showcases South Korea’s perfect combination of work and play.
Check out other digital nomad visas if this one doesn’t appeal to you.
Digital Nomad Visa South Korea FAQs
These are the most frequently asked questions about the South Korean digital nomad visa.
Does Korea offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes. South Korea offers a digital nomad visa, also known as the “Workation Visa” (F-1-D), allowing remote workers to live and work there.
Can I work remotely in Korea?
Yes. In January 2024, South Korea introduced the Workation visa. This visa allows foreign nationals to work remotely and experience South Korea’s unique culture and work environment.
Is Seoul good for digital nomads?
Yes. Seoul is an excellent destination for digital nomads, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern culture, fast-paced city life, and a thriving startup ecosystem with coworking spaces and high-speed internet.