Jeju’s iconic black cattle and native ponies roam leisurely across the island’s green pastures. (Yonhap)
JEJU, May 22 (Korea Bizwire) – Jeju Island is ramping up efforts to position itself as a global hub for digital nomads, unveiling a strategic initiative to attract remote workers and foster regional innovation.
The initiative will be explored in depth at a dedicated session during the upcoming 20th Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity, scheduled for May 28 at the Jeju International Convention Center.
Titled “Liquidpolitan: Jeju’s Positioning Strategy as a Digital Nomad Hub for Innovation,” the session will bring together international experts to discuss how the island can capitalize on the global shift toward remote work and work-vacation hybrids, or “workations.”
A highlight of the session will be a keynote speech by Pallas Mudist, project manager for Estonia’s pioneering digital nomad visa program. Estonia was the first country in the world to formally introduce a visa for remote workers and has since emerged as a model for digital workforce-friendly policies.
On April 23, in the warm spring weather, Jeju horses were seen grazing in a pasture located in Jeju City.
Following the keynote, panelists from South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia—regions that have led digital transformation and local innovation—will discuss success stories from other digital nomad hotspots such as Ubud, Bali, and Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The discussion will cover public-private partnerships, inclusive community strategies, and the development of a sustainable ecosystem for remote work.
“This forum will help us incorporate global best practices into a distinctly Jeju-style workation model,” said Kim Mi-young, Director of Economic Vitality for Jeju Province. “We are committed to making Jeju a magnet for global talent and innovation.”
As digital nomadism becomes a lasting trend, Jeju’s effort reflects a broader movement among cities and regions seeking to attract mobile professionals as engines of economic and cultural vitality.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
