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Realistic Workation Review: Pros, Cons, and Checklist for Preparation
Realistic Workation Review: Pros, Cons, and Checklist for Preparation 🚀
Workation is a combination of “work” and “vacation.” In South Korea, many local regions with declining populations have started running workation programs to attract remote workers while revitalizing their communities. As a result, various workation opportunities are rapidly increasing.
The idea of staying at a travel destination while working sounds attractive, but it’s not as easy as it seems.
Based on my own experiences, here’s a realistic breakdown of what’s great about workation, the challenges you should expect, and a checklist you must review before you go.
🌟 The Good Side of Workation
1. Stress Relief Through Environmental Change
Leaving behind the same old desk and meeting rooms can be refreshing. Starting your morning by the sea or working in a mountain cafe significantly helps reduce stress.
2. Boost in Creativity
A new environment leads to new ideas. When you’re stuck in a rut, a change of scenery can often unlock creativity naturally.
3. Opportunity to Travel with Family
Some workation programs allow or even encourage you to bring family members. This way, you can balance working and spending quality time with loved ones, which is a huge plus.
⚠️ The Tough Side of Workation
1. It’s Hard to Focus on Work
When you’re surrounded by a vacation atmosphere, you naturally feel like you want to relax rather than work. If you go on a workation without officially taking vacation days, you still have to complete your full workload — which can be mentally exhausting.
2. Hidden Costs and Financial Burden
Most workation programs in Korea operate on a partial reimbursement system. You do receive some support for accommodation and activities, but it’s usually partial.
For example:
In Korea, if your accommodation costs 100,000 KRW (about 75 USD) per night,
you might receive a subsidy covering 50,000–70,000 KRW.
Similarly, for local experience activities, programs may offer about 10,000 KRW (~7–8 USD) per day for a 2-night, 3-day trip.
So in the end, you still need to pay a significant portion out of pocket.
3. Internet Stability is a Real Issue
In remote locations or resort areas, Wi-Fi can be slow or unstable. If you plan to work seriously, it’s essential to prepare a personal portable router or have a mobile hotspot ready.
🛠️ Workation Preparation Checklist
To avoid ruining both work and vacation, make sure you check these items before you go.
| Checklist Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Check Internet Speed | Confirm Wi-Fi availability and speed. Contact the accommodation directly if possible. |
| Bring a Personal Router | Consider a portable Wi-Fi device or LTE router. |
| Separate Work and Leisure Time | Clearly define your work hours and break times. |
| Check Long-Term Stay Discounts | Look for weekly or long-stay discounts if applicable. |
| Pack Essential Equipment | Laptop stand, chargers, power banks, earphones, etc. |
| Confirm Nearby Facilities | Ensure access to cafes, convenience stores, restaurants, etc. |
🔍 Useful Websites for Planning a Workation in Korea
When planning a workation, it’s important to compare regional programs and available benefits. The websites below can help you choose a destination and understand how to apply.
| Website | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Monthler (한달살러) | This was the first site I found when I became interested in workations. It categorizes programs by type (such as workation, rural farming experience, etc.). Some exclusive programs are only available through Monthler. | Visit Monthler |
| Masil (마실) | A Korean workation aggregation site. It allows you to browse support programs easily by map and region. I personally use it to check regional discount details when planning workations. | Visit Masil |
Tip: Before applying for a workation program, always double-check the internet quality and availability of a dedicated workspace at your accommodation!
🧘 Final Thoughts: Between Expectations and Reality
Workation definitely has its appeal. But if you don’t prepare properly, you could end up ruining both your work and your travel experience.
“Lower the fantasy, prepare thoroughly.”
That’s the real key to enjoying a successful workation.