The ROK’s Rural Workcation Programme Gives the Right Balance between Work and Vacation 

Sejong, 11 September 2025 — The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) will run a rural workcation (a combination of work and vacation) programme from September through November this year. Starting in September, in addition to the six existing locations, the MAFRA will open four new central workcation areas in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do; Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do; Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do; and Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do. This way, the MAFRA will provide equitable access to workcation services nationwide. 

<Existing workcation locations>

(1) Hanui Village in Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do; (2) Ocean Great in Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do; (3) Munemi Farm in Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do; (4) Songjuk Village in Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do; (5) Gaekju Village in Sangju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do; and (6) Honbul Experience Centre in Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do

<New workcation locations>

(1) Sansuyu Village in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do; (2) Rustic Town in Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do; (3) Sodope in Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do; and (4) Hillsforet in Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do

Workcation is a term for a combination of work and vacation and means a new working style that people work remotely at a vacation spot while enjoying a tour or relaxing after work. As more and more people value work-life balance, people’s interest in rural-based workcation is significantly growing. 

To meet such growing demand, the MAFRA provides participants in the workcation programme with a discount of up to KRW 50,000 per person per day on weekdays, along with travel insurance. In addition, the MAFRA has provided support in creation of work spaces and accommodations in rural areas so that rural areas can be established as workcation destinations.  

Each of the newly added workcation spots will offer a unique programme. For instance, the spot in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, will provide a programme that makes full use of local traditions and rural charms. Rustic Town in Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, will provide a relaxing and peaceful mixed-use complex surrounded by forests and valleys. The spot in Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, provides a marine recreation-centered spot for long-term stays. Hillsforet in Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do, will run a programme that combines work meetings and hands-on experiences, centered on its forest recreation facility. 

Companies or individuals who wish to participate in the rural workcation programme can apply through the workcation platform site “Dear Monday.” To apply, applicants must sign up for the website, make a booking request and payment, and submit an application form. The reservation will be confirmed once required documents such as proof of employment, business registration, and income verification are checked out.  

The rural workcation programme provides urban residents with opportunities to experience the value of rural areas as a place to live in, work in, and relax in, rather than simply providing remote work spaces. This is expected to help increase the influx of people to rural areas and revitalize local economies.

Detailed information on the rural workcation facilities and application method are provided on the rural tourism website “Welchon” (www.welchon.com), and queries can also be made by phone to the operator on +82 1533 5213.