Is Seoul Good for Digital Nomads? Best Areas & Cafes for Remote Work
Fast Wi-Fi everywhere. Safe streets 24/7. Endless coffee supply. Seoul checks almost every box for a digital nomad paradise.
If you are planning to bring your laptop and work from Korea for a few weeks or months, you need to know where to set up your base. Not all neighborhoods are created equal when it comes to "work vibes."
Here are the top 3 areas for remote workers in Seoul.
1. Hongdae & Yeonnam-dong (The Creative Hub)
Vibe: Youthful, artistic, and energetic.
Why it's great: It has the highest density of cafes in Seoul.
Top Work Cafe: This area is full of hip spaces perfect for creative work.
Cafe Gongmyeong (Yeonnam Branch)
Features: Operated by 'Film Publishing,' this is a book-cafe concept space. It offers a calm atmosphere with large tables, making it optimized for laptop work or reading. There are plenty of power outlets, and the coffee and pastries are excellent, making it a great place to stay for extended periods.
Hours: Daily 10:00 ~ 22:00
Debunk
Features: Located near Hapjeong Station (walking distance from Hongdae), this is a massive cafe with a library or lounge-like vibe. Although it's in the basement, it has high ceilings and an open feel. With large communal tables and outlets at every seat, it is often called a "haven" for digital nomads and students.
Hours: Daily 10:00 ~ 23:00 (Sun ~22:00)
Housing: Great for finding affordable studios, though spaces can be smaller.
2. Seongsu-dong (The "Brooklyn of Seoul")
Vibe: Industrial-chic. Old factories turned into massive cafes and cultural spaces.
Why it's great: It is the trendiest spot right now. Very inspiring for designers and creatives.
Top Work Cafe: Seongsu can be noisy, but these are hidden gems where you can focus.
D FLAT Seongsu
Features: Known for its clean and modern interior, this cafe spans from the basement (B1) to the 2nd floor. The basement level, in particular, has lighting and a mood that are excellent for focusing on work. The tables are well-spaced, so you won't feel crowded.
Location: Near Seongsu Station
OUDE Seongsu
Features: A large bakery cafe with massive windows and a cool, spacious interior. Despite being a "hip" spot, the tables are large and comfortable, attracting many people working on laptops. It can get busy during peak weekend hours, so visiting on weekdays or early in the morning is recommended.
Hours: Daily 08:00 ~ 21:00 (Hours may vary on weekends)
Housing: A bit more expensive, but very modern.
3. Gangnam & Teheran-ro (The Startup Hub)
Vibe: Professional, fast-paced, skyscrapers.
Why it's great: If you need serious focus or networking with startups, this is the place. Many co-working spaces (WeWork, FastFive) are here.
Top Work Cafe: As a business district, this area has cafes optimized for meetings and personal work.
The November Lounge (Gangnam Station KG Tower)
Features: A 24-hour lounge-style cafe, making it the best choice for late-night work. It offers a quiet atmosphere with dim lighting, comfortable sofas, and ample power outlets. It’s a space where you can stay for a long time without feeling self-conscious.
Hours: Open 24 Hours (Every day)
Terarosa (POSCO Center)
Features: A landmark cafe in Teheran-ro with a massive library concept. The overwhelming high ceilings connecting the 1st and 2nd floors, thousands of books, and huge communal tables provide a great environment for creative inspiration. The white noise in this vast space helps with concentration.
Hours: Weekdays 07:30 ~ 21:00 / Weekends 08:30 ~ 21:00
Housing: You can find high-end "Officetels" with great views and security.
The Most Important Thing: "Work-Ready" Housing
Cafes are great, but sometimes you need to take a Zoom call at home. Staying in a cheap hostel or a noisy Airbnb can kill your productivity.
LiveAnywhere understands the needs of digital nomads.
Guaranteed Wi-Fi: All our listings have high-speed internet installed.
Table & Chair: We verify that rooms are furnished with a proper workspace, not just a bed.
Quiet Environment: We help you find residential "Officetels" rather than noisy party houses.
Work hard, travel harder.
Set up your perfect remote office in Seoul today.