Lilshira
Jeju reduces digital nomad visa‑free stay to 12 hours
Jeju announced that the visa‑free stay for foreign nationals will be limited to 12 hours, while a proposal to allow longer remote‑work stays is under discussion. The change takes effect immediately, affecting travelers who enter the island without a visa and wish to work remotely.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Visa‑free stay limited to 12 hours
- Timing
- Effective immediately upon announcement
- Who is affected
- Foreign nationals entering Jeju under visa‑free arrangements
The details
- Announced by
- Jeju Tourism Organisation
- Previous rule
- Visa‑free entrants could remain on Jeju for an unspecified period, but no extended remote‑work stay was formally permitted.
- New rule
- The proposal would let eligible foreign nationals entering Jeju visa‑free apply for an extended stay for remote work, subject to income criteria and a provincial recommendation.
Background and proposal
Jeju’s tourism board is seeking to attract international remote workers by revising its visa‑free policy. A regional digital nomad arrangement was presented during South Korea’s visa and residence policy consultation and received official support.
Proposed eligibility and conditions
Under the draft scheme, foreign nationals who arrive without a visa could request a longer stay for remote‑work purposes. Eligibility would depend on meeting an income threshold and obtaining a recommendation from the provincial authorities.
Implementation timeline and next steps
The proposal has not yet been finalized, and formal implementation arrangements are still being discussed. Until a decision is made, the 12‑hour limit remains in force for all visa‑free arrivals.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing visa‑free bookings must ensure arrival and departure within a 12‑hour window.
- Those planning remote‑work stays should monitor upcoming policy updates before finalising itineraries.
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced for the 12‑hour stay limit.
- Applicants for the future extended stay will need to provide proof of income and a provincial recommendation.
What you need to do
- Check airline and airport schedules to align flights with the 12‑hour stay restriction.
- If interested in the extended remote‑work option, prepare income documentation for the pending application process.
Who this affects
-
Visa‑free foreign nationals
They enter Jeju without a visa and are now limited to a 12‑hour stay.
What to do Plan arrivals and departures within the 12‑hour window or await the extended‑stay proposal.
-
Remote‑work applicants
The proposal targets foreign nationals seeking longer stays for remote work.
What to do Gather income proof and await provincial recommendation guidelines.
-
Domestic conference organisers
They may benefit from the Green MICE incentive scheme announced on 28 October 2026.
What to do Apply for sustainable‑event support if hosting 100+ participants in Jeju.
-
Visitors to restaurant certification campaign
The campaign runs until 31 December 2026 offering KRW 20,000 vouchers.
What to do Visit two participating restaurants and submit two social‑media reviews for the voucher.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new visa‑free stay limit for Jeju?
The visa‑free stay is now limited to 12 hours for foreign nationals entering Jeju without a visa, effective immediately.
When will the extended digital nomad stay become available?
The extended stay is part of a proposal that has received support but still requires formal implementation, so no specific launch date has been announced.
Do I need to pay any fee for the 12‑hour stay?
No additional fees are mentioned for the 12‑hour visa‑free stay; the change only adjusts the permitted duration.
What documents are needed for the future extended remote‑work stay?
Applicants will need to show proof of sufficient income and obtain a recommendation from Jeju provincial authorities, according to the proposal details.
Can I still attend the restaurant voucher campaign with the new visa rule?
Yes, the restaurant incentive runs until 31 December 2026 and is unrelated to the visa‑free stay limit; visitors can still earn the KRW 20,000 voucher.
