South Korea has become one of Asia's most exciting digital nomad destinations, combining world-class internet infrastructure, K-culture attractions, and a dedicated Workation Visa (F-1-D) launched in January 2024. The country offers 90-day visa-free access for most Western nationalities with K-ETA exemption until December 2025. While the Digital Nomad Visa requires a high income threshold (~$66,000/year), it provides up to 2 years of legal stay with access to banking, healthcare, and local services.
5
Visa Types
106
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Visa-Free Entry (B-2)
Citizens from over 100 countries can enter South Korea visa-free for 90 days (Canada: 180 days). K-ETA exemption extended until December 2025 for 67 countries.
90 days
Duration
$0
— fee
+$58 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No application required for eligible nationalities
✓Immediate entry for tourism, business meetings, family visits
✓Multiple entries during validity (each stay up to 90 days)
✓K-ETA exemption valid until December 31, 2025 for 67 countries
•Complete the e-Arrival Card online before your flight to skip paper forms
•Have accommodation and return ticket details ready for immigration
•Exchange some Korean Won before arrival for immediate expenses
•Border runs to Japan are popular for resetting 90-day periods
•Immigration may question intent if you have many recent Korea stamps
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work
Workation Visa (F-1-D)
South Korea's Digital Nomad Visa launched January 2024. Allows remote workers employed by foreign companies to stay up to 2 years. Requires ~$66,000 annual income.
365 days
Duration
$130
— fee
+$900 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $88,000,000/per_year
Alternative: Must demonstrate income equal to at least double South Korea's GNI per capita from the previous year. For 2025, this is approximately KRW 88 million (~$66,000 USD). No savings alternative.
✅ Key Benefits
✓Legal status for remote work in South Korea for up to 2 years
Process: Extension for one additional year is possible at the local immigration office. Must demonstrate continued remote employment and income requirements. Apply before current visa expires.
Renewal: After 2 years (initial + 1 extension), must apply for a new visa or leave Korea.
💡 Pro Tips
•The income requirement (~$66,000) is among the highest for DN visas globally - verify you qualify
•Join Digital Nomads Korea community on Discord for firsthand experiences
•If already in Korea on tourist visa, you can switch to F-1-D at immigration office
•Keep all pay stubs and contracts organized - they scrutinize income proof
•Consider tax implications: 183+ days makes you tax resident
•Set up a Korean bank account ASAP after getting ARC for convenience
Working Holiday Visa (H-1)
WorkPopular
Available to citizens aged 18-30 from 25 countries. Allows travel with part-time work (25 hours/week max) for up to 1-2 years depending on nationality.
365d
Duration
$70
— fee
+$3,500 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱2-4 weeks
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa application feeApproximately, varies by nationality
$70—
Additional (estimated)
Health insurance (1 year)Strongly recommended
$500—
Initial funds proofMinimum savings to show at application
$3,000—
Required Total
$70—
+ Additional (estimated)
$3,500—
Estimated Total
$3,570—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Citizen of eligible country (25 countries including US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU)
•Age 18-30 at time of application
•Valid passport with 6+ months validity
•No previous Working Holiday Visa for Korea
•Return ticket or funds to purchase one
•Proof of funds (~$3,000 USD minimum)
•Health insurance
•Clean criminal record
•No accompanying dependents
📝 Application Steps
1Verify your country has Working Holiday agreement with Korea
2Check quota availability (limited spots per year per country)
3Gather passport, photos, bank statement, health certificate
4Apply at Korean embassy/consulate in your home country
5Cannot apply from within Korea
6Wait for processing (2-4 weeks typical)
7Enter Korea within 3 months of visa issuance
8Register for ARC within 90 days of arrival
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot work more than 25 hours per week
•Cannot work more than 6 months with same employer
•Cannot work in adult entertainment
•Must be primary purpose travel/tourism
•Age limit strictly enforced (18-30)
•One-time only for most nationalities
•No dependents allowed
•Annual quota limits per country
💡 Tips
•Apply early in the year as quotas fill up quickly for some countries
•Popular jobs: English cafes, hostels, restaurants, translation work
•Study Korean - it greatly improves job prospects
•Minimum wage in Korea is KRW 10,030/hour (2025)
•Join WHV Korea groups on Facebook for job leads and tips
•Consider using this as stepping stone to sponsored work visa
Short-term Business Visa (C-3-4)
business
For business activities like meetings, conferences, and market research. Not for employment. Up to 90 days, often visa-free for many nationalities.
90d
Duration
$60
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱5-10 business days if visa required
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa fee (if required)Many nationalities can use visa-free entry for business
$60—
Required Total
$60—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Business invitation letter from Korean company (if applying for visa)
•Company registration documents
•Proof of business purpose
•Return ticket
•Proof of accommodation
📝 Application Steps
1Check if your nationality allows visa-free business visits (most Western countries do)
2If visa-free, simply enter with proof of business purpose
3If visa required, obtain invitation from Korean business partner
4Apply at embassy with supporting documents
5Enter Korea for business meetings, conferences, etc.
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot receive payment from Korean sources
•Cannot engage in employment
•Limited to 90 days
•Cannot provide services for profit in Korea
💡 Tips
•For most digital nomads, visa-free entry covers business needs
•Keep business invitation letters handy for immigration questions
•Korea has excellent conference and coworking facilities
Student Visa (D-2)
Education
For formal degree programs at Korean universities. Allows part-time work (20 hrs/week during semester, full-time during breaks). Can study Korean language on D-4 visa.
365d
Duration
$60
— fee
+$5,000 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱2-4 weeks
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa application feeSingle entry
$60—
Additional (estimated)
Tuition (varies widely)Per semester, Korean universities relatively affordable
$5,000—
Required Total
$60—
+ Additional (estimated)
$5,000—
Estimated Total
$5,060—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Acceptance letter from Korean university
•Valid passport
•Financial proof ($10,000+ recommended)
•Academic transcripts
•Health certificate
•Clean criminal record
📝 Application Steps
1Apply and receive acceptance from Korean university
2Gather financial proof and other documents
3Apply at Korean embassy in home country
4Receive Certificate of Admission from university
5Enter Korea and register for ARC
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must maintain student status
•Work hour limits enforced
•Cannot work during first 6 months (language programs)
•Must have adequate attendance
💡 Tips
•Korean language programs use D-4 visa (different from D-2)
•Many scholarships available for international students
•Seoul National, Yonsei, Korea University are top options
•Great pathway if considering long-term stay in Korea
Does South Korea have a dedicated digital nomad visa?
Yes! South Korea launched the Workation Visa (F-1-D) in January 2024, specifically designed for remote workers employed by foreign companies. It allows stays of up to 2 years (1 year initial + 1 year extension). However, it has one of the highest income requirements globally at approximately $66,000 USD per year (double Korea's GNI per capita). You also need at least 1 year of work experience in your industry and private health insurance covering at least $75,000.
Can I work remotely on a tourist visa in South Korea?
Technically, the visa-free/tourist status is for tourism only and does not permit any work. However, in practice, many digital nomads work remotely for foreign employers during short stays. This is a legal gray area. For longer stays or full compliance, the Workation Visa (F-1-D) is the proper option. What is absolutely prohibited is any local employment or receiving payment from Korean sources.
What is K-ETA and do I need it?
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel permit introduced in 2021 for visa-exempt travelers. Good news: as of December 2025, 67 countries (including US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan) are EXEMPT from K-ETA until December 31, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, K-ETA will likely be required again. The cost is approximately $8 USD and it's valid for 3 years with multiple entries.
How can I stay longer than 90 days in South Korea?
You have several options: 1) Apply for the Workation Visa (F-1-D) if you meet the ~$66,000 income requirement; 2) Do a border run to Japan or Taiwan to reset your 90-day period (risky if done repeatedly); 3) Apply for a student visa (D-2 or D-4 for language study); 4) Get a Working Holiday Visa if you're 18-30 from an eligible country; 5) Find a Korean employer to sponsor a work visa. Note that extensions of tourist status from within Korea are generally not possible.
What is the Alien Registration Card (ARC) and do I need one?
The ARC is a residence card required for all foreigners staying in Korea more than 90 days. You must apply within 90 days of arrival at your local immigration office. The ARC is essential for everyday life in Korea - you need it to open a bank account, get a phone contract, sign apartment leases, and access many services. From 2025, a Mobile ARC option is also available. Cost is about KRW 30,000 and processing takes 2-4 weeks.
Can I open a bank account in South Korea as a foreigner?
Yes, but it requires an Alien Registration Card (ARC) and a Korean phone number. Without an ARC, you can only open very limited accounts. Popular foreigner-friendly banks include KB Kookmin, Shinhan, and KEB Hana - look for branches in major areas with English-speaking staff. Once you have a bank account, you can use convenient apps like Kakao Pay and Naver Pay. Designate one bank for international transfers.
Is health insurance mandatory in South Korea?
For short tourist stays, no. But if you stay longer than 6 months (with any long-term visa), you are automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and must pay monthly premiums (~76,000-130,000 KRW depending on income). For the Workation Visa specifically, you must have private insurance covering at least KRW 100 million (~$75,000) before applying. Unpaid NHIS premiums can block your visa renewal.
How good is the internet for digital nomads in South Korea?
South Korea has some of the fastest and most reliable internet in the world! Average speeds exceed 100 Mbps, with 5G widely available. Cafes, coworking spaces, and most accommodations have excellent WiFi. You'll never have connectivity issues for video calls or heavy uploads. Mobile data is also fast and affordable - prepaid SIM cards for tourists cost around KRW 30,000-50,000 for unlimited data.
What happens if I overstay my visa in South Korea?
Overstaying is taken seriously. Consequences include: immediate fines (increasing daily), potential detention, deportation, and multi-year entry bans to Korea. Even overstaying by one day creates a record. If you realize you've overstayed, go to immigration immediately - voluntary reporting may result in lighter penalties than being caught. Always track your visa expiry and plan departures or extensions well in advance.
Can family members join me on the Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes! Family members (spouse and dependent children) can apply for accompanying visas (F-1) when the main applicant receives the Workation Visa (F-1-D). They don't need to meet separate income requirements but must be listed in your application. This is one of the advantages of the F-1-D visa over tourist status.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 3, 2025