Renowned British YouTuber Ashley Humphries, known for his travel videos exploring South Korea’s attractions such as the DMZ and Yongma Land, is now eyeing the country for more than just leisure. Humphries is among the first wave of applicants for South Korea’s new “workation” visa, introduced by the government in 2024.
Designed for remote workers like Humphries, whose YouTube channel “Ashley’s Planet” focuses on Asian travel, the visa offers a maximum two-year stay, aiming to facilitate a blend of work and vacation for visitors.
The surge in popularity of “digital nomad” or working vacation visas during the pandemic has been noted globally, with destinations like Dubai and the Cayman Islands embracing this trend. South Korea’s Justice Ministry views the digital nomad visa as a means to streamline remote work and leisure for visitors, as reported by the Korea Herald.
However, some experts suggest that these visas represent more than just a travel convenience; they could serve as a strategy to address South Korea’s declining birth rate and attract foreign talent.
Professor Jungho Suh, project director of the Korean Management Institute at George Washington University, interprets the workation visa as a “soft launch” for a broader initiative aimed at boosting the country’s workforce and fostering cultural diversity.
South Korea faces the challenge of the world’s lowest birth rate, with its fertility rate projected to decline further by 2025. Additionally, the country’s homogenous population has led to concerns about racial discrimination and a lack of diversity.
Jeong Hyun Cho, founder of Digital Nomads Korea, highlights the enthusiasm within the foreign community for the workation visa, citing high interest among members. While acknowledging South Korea’s infrastructure and amenities, Cho emphasizes the need to address high living costs, particularly in urban areas like Seoul, which impact quality of life and family planning decisions.
Despite the potential benefits, some critics argue that the stringent requirements for the workation visa may deter prospective applicants. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a minimum annual income from a non-Korean company, along with health insurance and a clean criminal record.
While South Korea offers attractions such as vibrant nightlife and rich youth culture, challenges remain regarding LGBT acceptance and English-language accessibility. Nevertheless, Humphries remains optimistic about the visa’s potential, highlighting South Korea’s natural beauty, diverse cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere.
With the workation visa opening new possibilities for foreigners, South Korea aims to position itself as a desirable destination for remote work and leisure, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth in the process.
