Seoul For Digital Nomads: Nomadic Guide

Seoul, the popular and bustling capital of South Korea, is a metropolitan city. Famous for its modernized environment, Seoul is home to skyscrapers, high-end technology, innovation, pop culture, and so much more.

While it has always been a prominent tourist destination, the city has also gained fame as a digital nomad destination over the recent years.

If this place has caught your attention and intrigued you to learn more then keep reading this article. Let’s discuss what it is like to live in Seoul and the digital nomad life there.

Where is Seoul located?

Seoul is the capital city of South Korea, located in the northwestern part of the country. It is situated in the center of Northeast Asia and lies on the famous Han River.

Fact: Did you know that Seoul houses 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites?

Why Choose Seoul as a Digital Nomad? Pros and Cons

Seoul has plenty to offer. This modern city is every digital nomad’s dream but it’s not prone to some flaws. Let’s evaluate some of the pros and cons to see whether South Korea is really worth it.

Pros	Cons
High-speed internet	Cold winters
Very safe	Crowded
Plenty to do	Language barriers
Good healthcare
Safe roads
Good air quality
Family-friendly
Digital nomad community

As you can see, there are only some minor cons that are easily tolerable. For those willing to overlook them, Seoul offers a great quality of life. In addition to these pros, Seoul also has a good political condition. The city is democratic and freedom of speech is also strong. Women, minorities, and lgbtq+ members can feel safe here.

How to Get to Seoul?

The best way of getting to Seoul from abroad is by air travel. The Incheon airport, located only a few miles from downtown Seoul, caters to international flights and is the main entry point for many visitors. Once you have landed at the airport, here’s how you can get to the city.

By taxis

You can simply go to the taxi stand outside the arrival terminal and grab a ride. You’ll see that there are four types of taxis available; standard, international, deluxe, and jumbo. Depending on your affordability and personal preference, you can get one that best suits your needs. Taxi drivers will take you to your desired location but make sure to agree on the fare beforehand.

By buses

You can also travel from the airport to your desired location via bus travel. Airport buses are well-connected and readily available in South Korea which means that they can take you almost anywhere. Additionally, tickets can be bought at the booths located outside the passenger terminal. You can pay via cash, credit card, or T-money.

Here are some of the best airport bus companies in the country.

KAL limousine
Seoul airbus
City airport logis and travel

By train

Lastly, you can also travel to the city via train. The AREX train offers 2 options; an all-stop train and an express train. The former stops at every station while the latter runs non-stop. Both connect the Incheon airport to downtown Seoul and Gimpo airport. However, they have different routes and fares so make sure to go over that before making a decision.

Transportation and How to Get Around Seoul

Once you have entered the country, here’s how you can get around.

The metro

The public transport system is well-developed, connected, and maintained in the city which means you can easily rely on it. The metro is a great way to travel since it’s affordable and efficient. You can get tickets from vending machines located at metro stations or pay via a T-money card.

T-money card allows you to access all forms of public transportation for a relatively cheaper amount of money. It can also be used at convenience stores.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in the city and they are a common form of transport. While Uber and other taxi apps don’t operate in the city, you can easily find gray and black taxis on street corners. They tend to be cheap as well.

Buses

Buses are also a reliable and affordable way of getting around the city. Bus travel is a good option because of its easy accessibility and convenience as well. The color-coded buses are well-connected, easily understandable, and interlinked.

3 Best Accommodation Options in Seoul

When it comes to accommodation in Seoul, there are plenty of options!

Gangnam

The Gangnam district of Seoul, made famous by the popular song “Gangnam Style”, is one of the best neighborhoods for digital nomads. The lively and energetic environment is a sheer example of vibrancy. Located in southeast Seoul, Gangnam is a great place for digital nomads who are looking for affordable accommodation.

Itaewon

Itaewon is undoubtedly the best place to live for digital nomads. This neighborhood is the ultimate touristy area of the city as it houses numerous bars, restaurants, and pubs. Other than that, it is filled with English speakers and foreigners who’ll give you a sense of community. Itaewon may be more expensive than other neighborhoods but it is a great option for new digital nomads.

Incheon

If you are looking for cheap accommodation then Incheon is the perfect place for you. While it is located just a few miles away from the city center, Incheon has its own personality. There are a bunch of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained while housing is cheaply available.

Internet Connectivity in Seoul

Since Seoul is the up-and-coming technological hub of the country, the internet here is really good. Remote workers will be happy to learn that they can have easy access to fast internet 24/7. The average internet speed for broadband is 160 Mbit/s which is perfect for remote work!

You can also get a local SIM card upon arriving in the country for additional reliability. The mobile internet here is ranked 5th highest in the world with a speed of 156 Mbit/s!

Most cafes, coworking spaces, and restaurants offer fast and free wifi to customers, meaning there is not much to worry about.

E sim

You can also get an ESIM to avoid the hassle of a physical SIM card in the city. However, make sure to compare data packages and prices before choosing a provider.

Holafly

Data validity	Days	Price
Unlimited data	5 day	19$ (17.69€)
Unlimited data	7 days	27$ (24.81€)
Unlimited data	10 days	34$ (31.24€)
Unlimited data	15 days	47$ (43.19€)
Unlimited data	20 days	54$ (49.62€)

Airalo

Data validity	Days	Price
Unlimited	10 days	32$ (29.79€)
Unlimited	30 days	62$ (57.71€)

3 Best Places to Work from in Seoul

Another good news for digital nomads is that there are a bunch of good coworking spaces in Seoul to work from.

JUSTCO

Located in the Seoul finance center, JUSTCO is a great coworking space. It offers a lot of facilities and cheap packages for digital nomads. You can also join their social events to network with like-minded people and increase your social circle.

WeWork

WeWork is a globally known brand that has over 10 branches in Seoul, South Korea. While their prices are higher than other coworking spaces, their reputations and facilities make up for the rates. Each of their locations is unique and suitable for remote workers. They offer private rooms, meeting rooms, hot desks, and so much more. Make sure to check out their memberships and locations before making a permanent commitment.

SPACES

SPACES is one of the best coworking spaces in Seoul. They have 2 branches located in the city and each is built with a similar mindset. SPACES combine an office setting with co-working and design their branches accordingly. Their structure and interior are guaranteed to influence productivity and dedication!

Cost of Living in Seoul

Unfortunately, Seoul is considered one of the most expensive cities in the country. However, it offers so many modern amenities and unique opportunities that the high cost of living is fair. Here is a rough breakdown of the prices there.

Nomad’s cost of living	$2277/month (€2120)
Cost of living for a family	$3722/month (€3465)
hotel	$1736/month (€1616)
Studio apartment in the city center (1br rent)	$772/month (€719)
Airbnb	$1088/month (€1013)
Dinner	$6.51 (€6.06)
Beer	$3.44 (€3.20)
Taxi	$2.53/trip (€2.36)
Coca-cola	$1.32 (€1.23)
Coffee	$3.73 (€3.47)
Coworking desk	$200/month (€186)

As evident, Seoul is relatively more expensive than some other digital nomad hotspots. However, please note that these costs are mere estimates. The cost of living can increase or decrease based on a person’s lifestyle and spending pattern.

Culture, Nature, and Food in Seoul

Seoul has a rich culture that perfectly depicts the vibrancy of South Korea. The city is most famous for its nightlife, pop culture, and shopping but other things also constitute Korean culture. For instance, the folk plays, art scenes, music, and customs represent a huge part of Seoul’s deep culture. Apart from that, the locals stay true to their rich cultural heritage and celebrate it through various traditions and festivals. You’ll also see tangible culture in the form of books, structures, and sculptures.

As for the natural beauty in Seoul, nature lovers would be happy to learn that there are a ton of natural attractions in the city. From Seoul forest and Nami island to Ansan mountain trail and Jade Garden, there’s something for everyone. You can use your time in Seoul to reconnect with nature and appreciate the natural beauty.

When it comes to food in Seoul, it is nothing short of exemplary. There is a lot of diversity in the cuisine which means you can find Asian and Western food as well as the local South Korean food. There is an abundance of restaurants and coffee shops in the city so you have a variety of options available. The street food scene is also pretty big and most servers still use traditional recipes. In short, you’ll find South Korean cuisine to be rich, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit Seoul

Seoul experiences all four standard weathers; summer, winter, autumn, and spring just like the rest of South Korea. Summer is the rainy season that lasts from July to August. Since the temperatures are already high during this time, the monsoon rains create a lot of humidity in the region.

Seoul is pretty much intolerable in the winter as temperatures drop below -4F (-20C) in the country. Winters are difficult unless you are a fan of cold weather, snow, and winter activities such as skiing.

The best time to visit Seoul can be divided into two parts. You are recommended to visit either in spring (April and June) or in autumn (September and November). The city experiences pleasant weather and dry days during these months which make them the perfect time for exploring Seoul.

12 Best Things to Do in Seoul

One thing about Seoul is that there are plenty of things to do! There is a wide scope of indoor and outdoor activities but here are the 12 best things.

1. Tour the city

The best thing to do in Seoul is join a guided tour and explore the city properly! There is so much to see and do in Seoul that self-exploring won’t do the city justice. There is a variety of tour styles available and you can choose one that sounds most interesting. From night tours and cycling tours to pub crawls and day tours, Seoul has it all!

2. Visit the palaces

Seoul is home to various world heritage sites and many of them are intricately built palaces. When you are in the city, make sure to visit some of these architectural masterpieces and admire their beauty. You can simply wander around, people-watch, and explore the details after buying a ticket. Some of the famous ones include:

Changdeokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeonghuigung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace
Deoksugung Palace

3. Visit the galleries and museums

If you are an art admirer or history enthusiast then Seoul is the perfect place for you. This city is home to numerous art galleries and museums that perfectly portray South Korea’s unique culture. Some of the best options include:

D Museum and Seoul Museum of Art
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Leeum Museum of Art
National Museum of Korea
War Memorial of Korea
Seoul Museum of History
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
The National Folk Museum of Korea

4. Go shopping

It is no secret that South Korea is incredibly famous for shopping, fashion, and makeup. Hence, your visit to Seoul would be incomplete without a proper shopping spree. You can visit famous shopping districts such as Myeong-dong to shop from the high street fashion stores or you can go to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza to appreciate the fashion industry. Even if you are not buying anything, the experience alone will be memorable.

5. Visit the temples

Seoul is home to a variety of temples, each historically and culturally significant. When you are in the city, make sure to visit the famous temples and admire their beauty. The Buddhist temples, located all over the city, have stunning architecture and great value attached to them. Make sure to visit the Bongwonsa Temple, Bongeunsa, Jogyesa, and Gilsangsa Temple.

6. Visit the DMZ (De-Militarized Zone)

The de-militarized zone is a must-visit place for people who are intrigued by defense and the military. If you want to learn about the country’s history and separation from North Korea then make sure to visit the DMZ. You can get guided tours and have an informational and unique experience. DMZ is one of the most popular areas among tourists.

7. Visit the Namsan Seoul tower

Located in Namsan Park, the famous Namsan Seoul Tower dates back to the 1960s. It is a popular destination, incredibly famous among tourists. You can get a ticket for 9$ and get to the top via cable cars. Namsan Seoul Tower gets really crowded on weekends so make sure to keep that in mind.

8. Visit themed cafes

Another interesting thing to do in Seoul is visit themed cafes! From Hello Kitty to other Korean characters, each is unique and specialized in its own way. Most cafes serve delicious food while the interesting interior and concept make the visit unforgettable. Here are some of the best-themed cafes in Seoul.

Banana tree
Blind alley
Line friends cafe
Hello kitty cafe
Thank nature cafe

9. Kpop dance class

K-pop is so popular in South Korea that it’s only fair to take a K-pop dance class while you are in Seoul. Whether you are a dance enthusiast or not, a K-pop dance class with a good instructor is guaranteed to be entertaining. It is one of the most unique experiences to have in the city and a great place to meet fellow K-pop fans.

10. skin care treatments

If you are someone who’s interested in skincare or perhaps even plastic surgery then South Korea is a great place to consider. A lot of people have reported that treatments tend to be way cheaper and more efficient in Seoul than in other major cities. However, we recommend you do proper research before making any decisions in this regard.

11. Get a head spa

One of the best things to do in Seoul is get a head spa! Korean head spas are well-known around the world and the popularity definitely is worth it. Their spa treatment includes a 10-step procedure and a detailed scalp analysis that is bound to improve your scalp health. Since Korea specializes in self-care treatments, most people visit the country just to get this popular head spa.

12. Get a color-matching analysis

Color matching and skeletal analysis are also very popular in the country. When in Korea, make sure to visit a professional and get a proper color analysis. Their accurate descriptions can be life-changing for you as they evaluate which colors and tones work best with your complexion.

Is Seoul safe?

Yes, Seoul is considered a very safe place. In fact, it ranked 57th in the global peace index which is a pretty good position out of 163 countries. In simple words, you can travel around Seoul and enjoy your time as a digital nomad without any prominent danger. This bustling city is even alive after sundown which means you can walk alone at night. Additionally, the locals are friendly, and public transport is extremely safe as well.

However, make sure to take the necessary precautions and stay vigilant at all times. As long as you stay away from isolated areas, shady regions, and troublesome people, you are good to go!

While the city is extremely safe, you can also get travel insurance to get peace of mind.

Visa Requirements in Seoul

Since South Korea aims to increase its tourism rates, they have easy visas and several benefits for visitors from all over the world. South Korea’s visa waiver agreement allows over 100 countries’ nationals to obtain visa-free entry into the country. Most of them are permitted to stay for a period of 30 days while others are allowed to stay even longer.

It is best to contact your nearest embassy or consulate to get proper information about your country’s visa policy with South Korea. They can also guide you on the application process and documentation.

That said, the government has also launched a new digital nomad visa that allows international remote workers to stay for up to 2 years. This “workation visa” enables long-term stays in the country and offers several benefits to digital nomads.

Conclusion

Seoul is not only the largest city in South Korea but it is also the commercial, technological advancements, manufacturing, and cultural center of the country. Seoul’s accessible and convenient location makes it a gateway to Asia and Europe. Digital nomads from all over the world have been dazzled by this lively city at least once in their lifetime.

There is no doubt that Seoul has a lot to offer. If this place has convinced you to pack your bags and move here then we wish you good luck on your journey! We hope this digital nomad’s guide helped you get an insight into a Seoul-based lifestyle. If you have any further queries or doubts, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.