Photo: Getty Images

With the surging contribution of digital nomads’ income (people who do not work in a fixed place) and K-culture revenue to the GDP (Gross Domestic Production) of South Korea, this country has launched Digital Nomad visa in January and is planning to roll out the Hallyu visa for K-pop enthusiastics. 

Starting from January 1, 2024, remote workers no longer have to apply for Korean tourist visas or stay for up to 90 days without a visa, but they will be granted Digital Nomad visa (also known as remote work visa or long-term permanent resident visa) with up to 2 years validity.

What are the requirements for this type of visa?

• Applicants are not allowed to seek employment within South Korea;

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a minimum of one year of work experience in their current field;

• Proof of finance of an annual income surpassing 84.96 million won (~$66,000);

• Applicants must have a private health insurance with a coverage of at least 100 million won.

Digital Nomad visa is hoped “to make remote work and vacation of foreigners in Korea smoother”, said the South Korea Justice Ministry. Foreigners are once approved with this visa, can also bring along their spouse and children who are below the age of 18. 

However, this visa policy is still on a trial period, and is contingent upon the success to be made permanent.

Zerobaseone (ZB1) is a boy group formed out of 98 trainees in a survival program "Boys Planet" (Source: Collected)

Hallyu visa, or K-culture visa, is a part of South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "Tourism Promotion Master Plan" - a five-year project to boost their cultural growth and tourism revenue, and undoubtedly the country’s economy in general.

This specific visa is aimed at young foreign individuals who are interested in Korean music, films, dramas, etc and want to pursue professional training at local performing arts academies in South Korea. The visa is valid for one year and renewable for another year. 

With an effort to attract more inbound tourism, in the Visit Korea Year 2023–2024 campaign, the nation has announced its intention to grant electronic visa waiver for more nationalities, raise the thresholds for immediate tax refunds on duty-free acquisitions, and enhance transportation reservation services and payment options.