South Korea officially established a digital nomad visa on January 1, allowing foreigners to live and work remotely while visiting the country. While announcing the breakthrough, the Korean Ministry of Justice stated that the government will begin issuing the so-called "workcation" visa for digital nomads on January 1, 2024.

For one year, the digital nomad visa will allow foreigners to work remotely from South Korea for a foreign company. Holders of the digital nomad visa can seek for a one-year extension after the one-year period expires. According to the minister, the digital nomad visa will facilitate remote work and vacation for foreigners in South Korea.

Unlike prior limits, which required remote workers to rely on tourist visas or limit their stay to 90 days, this new method allows digital nomads to stay for a longer amount of time. The new law will allow employees and employers from abroad enterprises to stay for extended periods of time, establishing a flexible work environment and encouraging them to tour South Korea.

Check out these instructions for applying for a digital nomad visa in South Korea:

1. Foreigners will be able to work in South Korea for up to two years under the new visa. They will also be able to bring family members. 

2. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have worked in their present field for at least one year. 

3. Applicants must demonstrate a yearly income of roughly $65,860.

4. Applicants for digital nomad visas must also demonstrate that they have no criminal history and provide proof of employment.  They must also provide proof of having obtained travel health insurance.

In case, an eligible candidate is already in South Korea and now wants to apply for the digital nomad visa, they can do it as long as they meet all the requirements. However, the new visa will not allow digital nomads to apply for a job in South Korea. For that, foreigners need a work visa. South Korean embassies abroad will be responsible for accepting applications for digital nomad visas. The new visa scheme will be tested and then the authorities will decide whether the digital visa will be adopted permanently.