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With the meteoric rise of Korean culture, especially K-pop, around the world in recent years, it’s no surprise that South Korea has become an attractive destination for tourists.
Whether you’re a fan of BTS and BLACKPINK, K-dramas, or mouth-watering Korean food, it’s easy to see why you’ll be overwhelmed by the bustling city of Seoul or the natural wonders of Jeju’s volcanic island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site A Korean site.
For digital nomads, the country also has a lot to offer, and Busan, tucked away on South Korea’s southern coast, might be one of the best you’ll find.
Here are 5 reasons why Busan is an ideal place for digital nomads.
convenient location
There are a variety of attractions and things to do in the surrounding area of Busan, including the picturesque Gamcheon Culture Village, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, and Jagalchi Market, where you can taste a variety of fresh seafood.
While you can make the seaside of Busan your base, there’s no reason to miss out on experiencing the rest of the country when you’re working remotely from Busan.
Trains run regularly to and from Busan, and by high-speed train you can travel the 417 km/259 miles between Seoul and Busan in just 3 hours. With fares as low as $35 and 76 trains a day, it’s a very convenient trip.
enjoy culture
As mentioned, Korean culture has taken the world by storm over the past few years, so what better way to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavors you love?
If you’ve been jamming with any of the 300+ K-pop groups currently making music, this October’s Busan Asia Samefest probably should be on your list.
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Of course, the festival will give you the chance to see your favorite idols live, but they’ll also host meet-and-greets and the chance to take music lessons from industry professionals!
A trip to Korea not only gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the culture immortalized in Korean dramas, but you also get to actually visit some of the places you might have seen on the big screen.
Busan is the filming location for many popular Korean dramas, including squid game.
By now, people pretty much know that Korean food is synonymous with delicious food. Bibimbap, bulgogi, Korean fried chicken—is your mouth watering already?
Convenience visa coming soon
While U.S. citizens can currently travel to South Korea visa-free for 90 days, the South Korean government is keen to attract more tourists in the near future, in fact calling 2023 and 2024 the “Visit Korea” years.
To this end, the country plans to introduce two new visas to encourage travelers. Please pay close attention to the upcoming Korean cultural visa and work visa!
The K-culture Visa is reportedly expected to launch in 2024 for those who want to immerse themselves in Korean content and culture and learn more about the country’s “content creation system” korea times. The visa will allow people from all over the world to do practical training and work in South Korea’s entertainment industry.
The work visa is essentially a digital nomad visa for those who want to stay longer, as it will allow tourists to stay in the country for up to two years. Expected in the second half of 2023, so now could be any day!
Access the best internet in the world
Throughout South Korea, you’ll find some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, with free WiFi in major cities and most cafes.
If you want to use your own internet connection with peace of mind, “pocket WiFi” or “WiFi eggs” are common in Korea.
These are small rentable devices (you can pick them up at the airport) that provide a personal connection to your device.
If you choose to use public WiFi, most cafes offer free and fast internet, and it’s perfectly culturally acceptable to stay for hours at a time as long as you order a drink. If you need more privacy or structure, you can also find plenty of local and international coworking spaces.
Enjoy a convenient and affordable lifestyle
While Busan may be more expensive than other countries in the region (if cost is an important factor for you, consider Thailand or Vietnam!), it’s definitely about 15% to 30% cheaper than Seoul.
As with any location, prices will vary depending on the activity you choose, but you can buy a latte for a few bucks and get everything from dumplings at a street food stand to a typical meal for a few bucks $5 to $10. That’s not very fancy.
In addition to a low cost of living, Busan offers a variety of activities for all types of travelers.
Haeundae Beach, the longest beach in South Korea, is conveniently located within the city of Busan, surrounded by almost endless food options, from beach snacks of french fries and beer to the infamous eel alley, which serves fresh seafood. Casual restaurants serving traditional dishes abound.
Busan also has a variety of spas, from hot springs to luxury experiences where you can enjoy soaks in water of different temperatures, massages and various skin treatments.
There are hiking trails around Busan for all tastes and ability levels, making it easy to get out of the city for exercise and stunning views.
While mouth-watering food and catchy K-pop music might initially lure you to South Korea, there’s much more to see in the city of Busan, and for any digital nomad looking for a new destination, Busan will Be the center of perfection.
Traveler Alert: Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article was originally published on TravelOffPath.com
