South Korea extends Jeju workcation stays to 90 days and halves income floor

South Korea eases Jeju workcation rules

South Korea's Ministry of Justice agreed in principle to extend visa-free workcation stays on Jeju from 30 to 90 days and cut the income threshold for the island's workcation framework by roughly half, the ministry confirmed in May. The measures sit on top of the national digital nomad visa (D-8-5), which currently requires annual income of about 84.96 million KRW (roughly $65,000) and allows stays of one year, extendable to two.

Jeju has run a "Jeju-style" workcation push since November 2024, layered on its long-standing visa-free entry regime for most nationalities. The new package was adopted as policy direction but still awaits formal implementation rules covering the exact start date, application channel and documentation.

Who gains from the changes

Three groups stand to benefit. Visa-free tourists who work remotely get a three-month window on Jeju instead of one, provided they qualify under the island's special entry regime; nationals from excluded countries remain barred.

Mid-income remote workers who fell short of the 84.96 million KRW bar for the national workation visa may now qualify under Jeju's halved threshold when basing themselves on the island. The same package also references easier visa rules for international school families and student visa holders tied to Jeju's international schools.

Expats already in Korea on E-series or F-series visas see no change to their underlying work rights, only to how long they can base a work-leisure stay on Jeju.

What applicants should do now

Hold off on bookings keyed to the 90-day stay until the Justice Ministry publishes the implementing notice. Press reports describe the measures as approved but not yet operational and detailed guidance typically appears later in Korean-language government bulletins.

Applicants targeting the national digital nomad visa still need:

• Employment with an overseas company and one year of industry experience
• Health insurance coverage of at least 100 million KRW
• Employer letter confirming full-time remote work, plus income and tax records

Confirm the effective date with a Korean consulate or immigration office before travel, since the Jeju-specific income cut may carry separate registration steps.

Read our full South Korea guide for the complete picture.