🇰🇷 South Korea

Choose a city, then explore residence options, documents and housing below.

F-1-D Workation: terms updated in 2026

From 30 June 2026, the program allows up to three years; income requirements vary by age and region.

• The route is for remote work for a foreign employer or foreign business and requires at least one year of experience. Ordinary local-market employment is not permitted under this status.
• For ages 18–34, the income multiplier is 1.5× GNI in the capital region and 1× outside it; from age 35, 2× and 1.5× respectively. The reduced category can also cover designated depopulation areas—check the address rather than the city name alone. Check the applicable GNI and residence evidence rather than reusing an outdated fixed amount.

From 30 June 2026, the program allows up to three years; income requirements vary by age and region.

183 days: count continuous residence

The tax test does not automatically reset on 1 January.

• Residence can arise from domicile or a stay of at least 183 days; a continuous period can span two tax years. An F-1-D visa is not itself a tax exemption.
• National marginal rates are 6–45%. Local tax, deductions, foreign income and treaty treatment need separate individual review.

Jeonse and wolse differ beyond monthly rent

A large deposit is neither an ordinary monthly expense nor a guaranteed safe asset.

• Jeonse uses a substantial deposit; wolse combines a deposit with monthly rent. Separate the deposit as upfront capital and verify return conditions.
• Before paying, verify ownership, registered encumbrances and available deposit protection. Ask separately about heating controls, utility bills and building charges.

The warning summary above shows retrieval dates and regional scope. It is FCDO advice for British nationals, not a crime ranking.

Heavy rain, typhoons and landslides

Coastal housing and semi-basement apartments face different exposures.

• Check flooding, typhoons, landslides and wildfires in the relevant region. Floor level and escape access matter for families with young children.
• Review geopolitical warnings separately from weather. A natural-event color on the map does not estimate the likelihood of war.

Police certificate and insurance before departure

Employment and income evidence, bank statements, apostilled police certificate and insurance.

• Prepare passport, application with photo, evidence of foreign employment or business and experience, income documents and bank statements. Regional eligibility may require residence evidence.
• A police certificate with the required authentication and private insurance of at least ₩100 million are required. Family applications add relationship records. Confirm document format and validity with the consulate handling your application.

Two cities, two different scenarios. These are starting points, not a finished neighborhood ranking.

Seoul

Workation distinguishes the capital region, with different income multipliers. For housing, compare the jeonse or wolse deposit as well as monthly rent.

Busan

Location outside the capital region matters for workation terms, but residence must be evidenced. Check storm and flood exposure separately for coastal housing.

Reviewed: 2026-09-12

• Ministry of Justice · June 2026 reform
• Korean consulate · current Workation conditions
• Korean embassy · F-1-D checklist
• Korean Income Tax Act
• National Tax Service · individual income tax
• Seoul Metropolitan Government · housing
• FCDO · South Korea safety

Dates and limitations appear with each dataset. This guide is not a substitute for individual legal and tax review.