South Korea's Ultimate Workation Guide: From Urban Hotspots to Rural Retreats
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Tim Marting
Freelance Writer
Published
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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.
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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.
Workation Offices in Seoul
TEC Co-working Center – Hana Securities Building
Features 4 meeting rooms, gym, wellness rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, etc.
Availability Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm
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Hoppin House Coworking
Features 14 seats, meeting room, 2 phone booths, Wi-Fi, office amenities
Availability Monday to Friday, 10 am – 7 pm (24/7 open for members)
Accommodations for Workation in Seoul
The Connoisseur
Room Types Standard double, deluxe double, executive twin, etc.
Hoppin House Coliving
Room Types Private room and Shared room
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.
Workation Offices in Busan
Busan Main Workation Center
Features Co-working spaces with city and ocean views, terrace lounge, event lounge
Availability 8:30 am - 8:30 pm
THE HYUIL X DESKER WORKATION CENTER
Features Mobile desks, laptop desks, seminar rooms, free internet access
Availability Monday to Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
Accommodations for Workation in Busan
LaValse Hotel
Room Types Standard ocean, corner city, corner ocean
Hotel Adela
Room Types Standard twin city, deluxe twin harbour, deluxe double city
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.
Workation Offices in Jeju
Sagye Fishing Village Co-Working Office
Features Open lounge, 4-person tables, Wi-Fi, business desks, power outlets
Availability Weekdays, 9 am - 6 pm
Jilgeurang Center
Features Free parking, dual monitors, personal lockers, OA services, on-site café
Availability Weekdays, 9 am - 8 pm
Accommodations for Workation in Jeju
Grand Mer Hotel
Room Types Standard room, family room, junior suite
Playce Camp Jeju
Room Types Double room, twin room, deluxe double, deluxe twin
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.
Desker Workation Center
Features Business desks, meeting rooms, phone booths, monitors, scanners, printers
Availability Weekdays, 9 am - 6 pm
Wave Works Yangyang
Features Workation concierge, wireless internet, OA services, micro-library
Availability 10 am - 6 pm
Accommodations for Workation in Yangyang
Corallo by Chosun
Room Types Deluxe, pet-friendly, grand deluxe, duplex, suite
Karuna
Room Type Standard
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.
Workation Offices in Yeosu
Darakhyu Yeosu Office
Features Tables, seats, library, internet, printing and copying facilities
Availability 9 am - 6 pm
Yeosu Workation Center
Features Personal seats, communal tables, relaxation areas, open lounges
Availability 9 am - 6 pm
Accommodations for Workation in Yeosu
Walkerhill Darakhyu Yeosu Branch
Room Types Ocean view (double), standard (double)
Utop Marina Hotel & Resort
Room Types Double, twin
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. It is a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share experiences, and find support while exploring South Korea’s diverse landscapes and workation spots.
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.
Author
Tim Marting is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Citizen Remote a site for remote workers and digital nomads. Although from the US, Tim currently lives in Spain, and has been a world citizen for the last 5 years, living in 3 different countries. He had other long-term stops in Australia, Italy, Indonesia, Thailand and the UK. His life goal is “to enable border-less travel and border-less relations for the rest of this beautiful world.
