INSPIRATION
Workation,
Is It Still a Hot Trend?
A Curious Guide for Those Who Haven’t Tried It Yet
editor_UJ
More than just a simple trip, it’s about living a life where you can work in a place you want to stay. The very fact that this is possible shows we’re living in a pretty remarkable era.
*Unsplash
Once the hottest buzzword, “workation” (Work + Vacation) now seems to have faded. But has it really?
The trend may have cooled, but the lifestyle continues. After the pandemic ended, remote work, which had quickly disappeared, has returned quietly in the form of “hybrid” work. Meanwhile, freelancers and digital nomads continue to choose a life that blends work and travel.
Workation is still open for business. For those who think it’s too late, here are a few FAQs.
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1. Isn’t remote work—the core of workation—gone now?
The dreamy era of “fully remote work” has long ended. Even global corporations have reset office attendance as the default. Yet surprisingly, hybrid work arrangements have expanded even more since the pandemic.
According to a report by the U.S. talent consulting firm Robert Half, hybrid job postings in the U.S. jumped from 9% in Q1 2023 to 24% in Q1 2025. Even if you only get two days of remote work a week, it’s more than enough to enjoy a short workation over a long weekend.
In Korea as well, many companies—especially in the IT sector, including Naver and Kakao—continue to support flexible and partial remote work. Local governments are also actively promoting workation programs.
Jeju Island, for instance, offers a “workation voucher” that subsidizes airfare, lodging, and leisure expenses. Across the country, themed workation programs are being developed, such as “water-gazing retreats,” rural life experiences, and heritage culture stays.
*Studio Ghibli <Kiki’s Delivery Service>
2. What should I prepare for a domestic or overseas workation?
It’s not as simple as just packing your laptop. Bring along your “desk routine”—your usual mouse, keyboard, headset, and other essentials. Always check if your accommodation offers stable Wi-Fi. It’s also wise to identify nearby coworking spaces in case of unexpected work requests or fax needs.
Since workation is essentially “living temporarily,” access to daily necessities is also key. Check if there’s a supermarket or convenience store nearby, and whether food delivery or overnight grocery services are available. Washing machines, kitchen facilities, and storage space for long stays can also make a big difference.
For freelancers planning an overseas workation of several months, visa requirements are the most crucial. Countries such as Thailand, Japan, Spain, and Italy offer “digital nomad visas” lasting six months to a year. The Philippines officially launched a similar program this past April. Since each country has its own criteria and requirements, always check carefully on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs site.
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3. What do people who’ve tried workation see as pros and cons?
The blurred line between work and rest is both a blessing and a curse. Replacing a dull office with a forest view or an endless ocean is undeniably attractive. But work is still work, and with a sense of leisure, people sometimes end up working even longer.
The “reality check” can also be tougher than expected. Unless covered by company policies or government support, costs for lodging and living infrastructure fall entirely on the individual.
Accommodation and meals are typically the biggest expenses. This is why Thailand is often praised as a “workation paradise”—with its world-class tourist infrastructure and relatively low cost of living.
4. If I want a short domestic workation, where should I go?
In Korea, Jeju remains the top destination, followed by the second capital city, Busan. In Gangwon Province, Sokcho and Gangneung are perennial favorites, while culture-rich cities like Jeonju and Daegu are also rising in popularity.
Among them, Sokcho has become a prime hub for “long-stay workations.” The city has actively embraced digital nomads, launching various programs. As a result, last year, Sokcho recorded an average of 120,000 “living population” per day—defined as those staying at least three hours in the city at least once a month—despite its registered population being only 80,000.
*UH Flat The Sokcho Supporters Image
From Sokcho’s wide-open beaches to the seaside pavilion Yeonggeumjeong and the lake-turned-ocean Cheongchoho, the city offers one of the rare combinations of strong urban infrastructure and pristine nature. For those in the Seoul metropolitan area, it’s just a few hours by bus—a convenient getaway.
*UH Flat The Sokcho Supporters Image
If you book accommodation near Sokcho Central Market, you can also indulge in gourmet food tours every day. UH Flat The Sokcho features simple cooking facilities with induction stoves and microwaves, plus ocean-view balconies perfect for clearing your mind. It’s no wonder it gets so many reviews saying, “I just want to live here.”
The freedom to work where you want to live
Workation has quietly settled in as a lifestyle. More than just a trip, it’s about living a life where you can work in a place you’d love to stay. The very fact that this is possible shows we’re living in a pretty remarkable era.
If you have the romance in your heart, all you need now is the decision to go.