After conquering pop music, film and food, South Korea woos digital nomads
Al Jazeera
Critics say the criteria for new digital nomad visa are too stringent to attract remote workers in large numbers.
Seoul, South Korea – Riding the wave of enthusiasm for all things Korean, South Korea has in recent years become one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations.
Now, the cultural juggernaut known for the K-pop band BTS, the movie Parasite and Korean BBQ and kimchi is setting its sights on cornering the market for a new kind of traveller: the digital nomad.
In January, the South Korean government launched its “workation” visa, joining the global trend of countries seeking an economic boost by tapping into the growing pool of transient remote workers.
Marco, a software engineer from Switzerland who has been working remotely in South Korea for more than a year, is among those planning to apply for the visa after falling in love with the country’s culture and food.
“For a lot of things, I have to rely on friends to help me out, which constantly makes you feel left out,” Marco, who asked to use only his first name, told Al Jazeera.
