What’s the Best Environment for Remote Work in Korea?

If you’re thinking about working remotely in Korea, which city would be the best choice?

I’ve worked remotely in different countries, but I’ve also traveled across Korea, testing out cities to see which ones are truly suitable for remote work. The goal isn’t just to visit as a tourist—it’s about finding a city where you can balance work and lifestyle.

For me, these are the essentials for a good remote work environment:

• Fast and reliable internet
• Safe surroundings (so you can work during the day and explore at night)
• Work-friendly cafés with flexible policies
• Easy public transportation (so you don’t need a car)
• Reasonable cost of living and interesting things to do

Of course, every city has its pros and cons. In this guide, I’ll go over the best places in Korea for remote workers and places that might be less ideal.

Also, if you’re wondering about English accessibility, all of the areas mentioned here are popular tourist spots, so you should be able to get by with basic English.

Seoul – The City with the Most Remote Workers in Korea

✅ Recommended Areas

Euljiro, Seochon, Yeonnam-dong

Seoul has excellent internet and infrastructure, but not all areas are equally good for remote work. The following districts are ideal for balancing work and leisure.

• Euljiro: A mix of hip cafés and quiet work-friendly spots.
• Seochon: Traditional Hanok-style cafés and modern coworking spaces.
• Yeonnam-dong: A relaxed neighborhood with stylish cafés, perfect for working undisturbed.

❌ Not Recommended Areas

Gangnam, Apgujeong, Jamsil, Seongsu, University Areas (Hongdae, Sinchon, Konkuk University, etc.)

These areas are well-developed, but they are more focused on lifestyle and entertainment rather than remote work.

• Gangnam, Apgujeong, Jamsil: Busy commercial areas with high foot traffic. Many cafés limit seating time due to high turnover.
• Seongsu: Known for its trendy atmosphere, but most cafés are designed for social gatherings rather than work.
• University areas (Hongdae, Sinchon, Konkuk Univ.): Affordable but often crowded with students, making it hard to find quiet workspaces.

📌 Tip: If you need a stable place to work in Seoul, check out coworking spaces like WeWork or FastFive.

Busan – Work with a Beach View

✅ Recommended Areas

Haeundae, Yeongdo, Jeonpo

• Haeundae: Beachside cafés with stunning ocean views and coworking spaces.
• Yeongdo: A quieter coastal area, ideal for focused work.
• Jeonpo: A trendy café district with plenty of comfortable workspaces.

❌ Not Recommended Areas

Seomyeon, Gwangalli

• Seomyeon: More of a nightlife and shopping area, which can be noisy.
• Gwangalli: Great for enjoying the beach, but work-friendly cafés are limited. Check ahead before choosing a spot.

📌 Tip: If you can’t find a good café, Starbucks is always a reliable choice in Busan.

Jeju Island – The Best Spot for a Remote Work Retreat

✅ Recommended Areas

Hamdeok

• One of the most convenient places in Jeju for public transportation.
• A balanced mix of affordable stays and coworking spaces.

❌ Not Recommended Areas

Jeju City, Aewol, Seogwipo

• Jeju City: A decent hub, but not particularly exciting for long-term stays.
• Aewol: Great for a short café visit but less practical for daily work.
• Seogwipo: A beautiful area, but challenging to navigate without a car.

📌 Tip: If you plan to stay in Jeju for a while, renting a car is highly recommended.

Daejeon – A Quiet but Convenient Work Spot

✅ Recommended Areas

Government Complex Area

• A great midpoint if you’re traveling between Seoul and Busan.
• Offers a peaceful, well-equipped work environment.
• Home to the famous bakery Sungsimdang (성심당), a must-visit for food lovers.

❌ Not Recommended Areas

None

• Since Daejeon is relatively small, you won’t have trouble choosing a good place to stay.

📌 Tip: Daejeon has great bike paths and a free public bike rental service called Tashu.

Summary – Best Places for Remote Work in Korea

This list is based on my personal experience and practical factors for digital nomads.

Korea has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, so in theory, you could work from anywhere. But choosing the right city for your work style and lifestyle will make a huge difference.

If you’re considering smaller cities, be aware that English accessibility may be limited. However, if you start with the locations I’ve listed above, you’ll have an easier time settling into your remote work life in Korea.