Busan is good

Busan Metropolitan City Partners with Central Government and Korea Tourism Organization to Boost Vacation-Based Remote Work

내용

Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced today (October 1) that it has prepared the “Busan Workation Support Plan” in line with the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (hereafter MOF) to Busan and the growing cultural trend of vacation-based remote work (workation), and that the plan will be officially implemented starting today.

With this plan, the city aims to support the regional settlement of approximately 900 MOF employees scheduled to relocate to Busan by the end of this year and to broaden the base of nationwide corporate employees participating in tourism that combines work and leisure.

The city will:

• ●Support the adaptation and settlement of MOF employees in Busan by linking with the policies of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and

• ●Promote stay-type tourism in the old downtown area by connecting with the policies of the Korea Tourism Organization.

First, to enable MOF personnel to settle quickly in Busan, the city will relax the usage requirements of the vacation-based remote work (workation) agreement program for central government employees under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, thereby expanding opportunities.

Specifically, exclusively for MOF staff, the city will:

• ●Ease the accommodation requirement for Busan under the program from a minimum of two nights to one night, and

• ●Expand participation opportunities from once a year to twice a year, thereby lowering practical barriers to participation.

After the relocation of the MOF, the city also plans to provide relaxed conditions of the vacation-based remote work (workation) program to officials from related organizations visiting the MOF. Through this, it will enhance convenience for business trips and meetings and provide opportunities to experience Busan’s working and living environment.

In addition, in cooperation with the Korea Tourism Organization, the city will organize and support dedicated vacation-based remote work (workation) packages centered in the old downtown (Dong-gu, Yeongdo-gu, Seo-gu) for employees of companies nationwide, including members of local chambers of commerce.

The Korea Tourism Organization’s “2025 Vacation-Based Remote Work (Workation)” program targets employees of companies and institutions nationwide. Participants may receive overlapping benefits of subsidies from both the organization and the city during a 2–4 night stay. Members of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry can receive additional support for participation fees.

In particular, the programs linked with the city will be operated in depopulated areas, providing discounts through a “Digital Tourism Resident Card” issued by the Korea Tourism Organization, offering local benefits such as discounts on accommodation, food and beverages, and experiences.

Detailed information about the vacation-based remote work (workation) programs of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Korea Tourism Organization can be found on the designated operator’s official website (thehyuil.co.kr), and participation is open until December 31. Applications may close early if subsidies are exhausted.

The city plans to secure additional demand for vacation-based remote work (workation) by linking it with major events in the second half of the year, such as the October Festival and the National Sports Festival. This is expected to increase the length of stay of tourists and generate positive economic ripple effects across the region, including in accommodation, dining, and transportation.

Kim Hyun-jae, Director General of the Tourism & MICE Bureau of the city, stated, “The ‘Busan Workation Support Plan’ is an important opportunity to increase settlement rates in Busan and revitalize the regional economy. Going forward, we will continue to work closely with central government agencies and domestic and international companies to create an environment where more participants can combine work and leisure in Busan, and solidify the city’s status as a leading hub for vacation-based remote work (workation).”