South Korea’s Ultimate Workation Guide:
Jennifer R. Weinman

From Urban Hotspots to Rural Retreats

The recent global shift towards remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, has made ‘workations’ – a blend of work and holidays – increasingly popular. South Korea, known for its dynamic urban centers, is also embracing this trend, offering a unique mix of productivity and relaxation.

What is Workation?

Think of ‘workation’ as combining the best of work and vacation. This concept, which started becoming popular in the 2010s in the Americas and Europe, really took off in 2020. In South Korea, it’s an emerging trend, offering a mix of productivity and relaxation. Surveys show that workations can boost creativity, job satisfaction, and help avoid burnout.

Workation in South Korea

For a successful workation, you need good internet and a place to work, plus fun activities for downtime. South Korea ticks all these boxes with its fast internet, great co-working spaces, and plenty of fun things to do. Although new to some international visitors, South Korea is quickly becoming a go-to for workations.

Urban Workation Spots in South Korea

When you think of South Korea, Seoul probably comes to mind. It’s a favorite with tourists and a great place for a workation. Following Seoul, Busan is another top choice, known for its vibrant city life and beautiful views.

Seoul: Modernity Meets Creativity

In Seoul’s dynamic landscape, you’ll find a range of workation options to suit your style. For a sleek, business-oriented experience, head to the TEC Co-working Center in the Yeouido district, complemented by a stay at the Connoisseur. If a buzzing digital nomad scene is more your pace, Hongdae’s Hoppin House offers a vibrant, creative atmosphere. Seoul’s diverse workspaces cater to both corporate professionals and creative minds, making it an ideal workation destination.

1) Workation Offices in Seoul

TEC Co-working Center – Hana Securities Building

Hoppin House Coworking

2) Accommodations for Workation in Seoul

The Connoisseur

Hoppin House Coliving

Busan: Korea’s Second Largest City and Biggest Trading Port

Busan offers a different vibe with its stunning coastline and rich culture. Workation spots like the Busan Workation Hub Center and The Hyuil X Desker Workation Center are perfect for getting things done. When it’s time to unwind, check out the beautiful Huinnyeoul Culture Village and Gamcheon Culture Village.

Seoul to Busan by Train (KTX): Approximately 2.5 hours from Seoul Station to Busan Station.

1) Workation Offices in Busan

Busan Main Workation Center

  • Features: Co-working spaces with city and ocean views, terrace lounge, event lounge
  • Availability: 08:30 a.m. to 08:30 p.m.
  • Homepage: https://www.busaness.com/

THE HYUIL X DESKER WORKATION CENTER

  • Features: Mobile desks, laptop desks, seminar rooms, free internet access
  • Availability: Monday to Friday, 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
  • Homepage: https://www.busaness.com/

2) Accommodations for Workation in Busan

LaValse Hotel

Hotel Adela

Rural Workation Spots in South Korea

When you think of South Korea, big cities like Seoul or Busan likely come to mind first. However, beyond these bustling metropolises, there are diverse and beautiful rural workation spots waiting to be explored.

We highlight three exceptional rural workation locations: Jeju, Yangyang, and Yeosu. Each of these destinations boasts stunning coastlines and offers the perfect blend for digital nomads – fast internet, safe environments, and a variety of cafes and local cuisines. These spots are not just beautiful seaside retreats; they are hidden treasures for those looking to discover a different side of Korea.

Jeju Island: South Korea’s Largest Island with Natural Beauty

Seoul to Jeju by Flight: About 1 to 1.5 hours from Gimpo International Airport to Jeju International Airport.

Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest island, is a natural wonderland perfect for a tranquil workation. Work spaces like Sagye Fishing Village Co-Working Office and Jilgeurang Center offer serene settings. Grand Mer Hotel and Playce Camp Jeju provide cozy stays. Immerse in nature at Jeju Olle Trail and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak.

1) Workation Offices in Jeju

Sagye Fishing Village Co-Working Office

Jilgeurang Center

2) Accommodations for Workation in Jeju

Grand Mer Hotel

Playce Camp Jeju

YangYang: South Korea’s Surfing Mecca

Seoul to Yangyang by Bus: Around 2 to 3 hours from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal.

Yangyang, on the northeast coast, is a haven for those who love the sea and surfing. Its relaxed vibe and scenic beauty make it an ideal spot for a productive yet peaceful workation. Desker Workation Center and Wave Works Yangyang cater to remote working needs. Accommodations at Corallo by Chosun and Karuna offer comfort and style.

1) Workation Offices in Yangyang

Desker Workation Center

Wave Works Yangyang

2) Accommodations for Workation in Yangyang

Corallo by Chosun

Karuna

Yeosu: The Heart of Marine Tourism in South Korea

Seoul to Yeosu

  • by Train (KTX): Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours from Seoul Station to Yeocheon Station.
  • by Flight: About 1 to 1.5 hours from Gimpo International Airport to Yeosu Airport.

Yeosu, famous for its picturesque harbors and historical sites, offers a blend of cultural experiences and serene workspaces. Yeosu, at the heart of marine tourism, combines beautiful seascapes with cultural richness. Workation spots like Darakhyu Yeosu Office and Yeosu Workation Center offer stunning views. Relax at Walkerhill Darakhyu Yeosu Branch or Utop Marina Hotel & Resort. Explore Yeosu Romantic Pocha Street and the scenic Geumodo Island.

1) Workation Offices in Yeosu

Darakhyu Yeosu Office

Yeosu Workation Center

2) Accommodations for Workation in Yeosu

Walkerhill Darakhyu Yeosu Branch

Utop Marina Hotel & Resort

Each of these cities offers a unique blend of work and leisure, making them ideal destinations for a fulfilling workation experience in South Korea.

Joining South Korea’s Digital Nomad Community

For those embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, South Korea is ready with communities and resources. Digital Nomads Korea, for example, offers tips, workation programs, and even visa advice. These communities provide a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share experiences, and find support while exploring South Korea’s diverse landscapes and workation spots.

Homepage: https://www.digitalnomadskorea.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalnomadskorea/

Embrace the Workation Lifestyle in South Korea

Whether you choose the bustling streets of Seoul, the coastal charm of Busan, or the tranquil beauty of rural spots like Jeju, Yangyang, or Yeosu, South Korea offers diverse workation experiences. These destinations are not just about beautiful locations; they provide opportunities to experience the country’s culture while maintaining productivity. From urban energy to rural tranquility, South Korea’s workation spots cater to every preference, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers alike.

For more insights into South Korea’s urban and rural workation spots, and travel tips, keep exploring our blog or visit the Korea Tourism Organization’s website, VISITKOREA – Imagine Your Korea.

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