Jeju Launches Unified Workation and Learncation Strategy to Boost Local Economy and Attract Residents

The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has officially launched a unified "workation-learncation" collaboration framework, aiming to simultaneously attract more residents and invigorate the local economy with an integrated ‘One Team’ strategy.

On August 22, Jeju Province held the inaugural meeting of its Work-Learncation Working Group to review the current progress and set the direction for upcoming initiatives. The meeting was organized under the Population Policy Department and brought together 17 departments and agencies, including 11 government offices, the Jeju Creative Economy Innovation Center, and the Jeju Lifelong Education and Scholarship Promotion Agency, among others responsible for prior problem validation.

Facing growing demand for both workation (remote work while traveling) and learncation (travel for educational purposes), the Working Group resolved to co-develop promotional strategies targeting both domestic and international audiences, share program and facility resources, and continuously discover new initiatives. The ultimate goal is to establish Jeju’s own unique model and enhance the region’s brand competitiveness.

A cornerstone of the strategy is the planned 'Workation Online Integrated Platform,' designed to connect data and services in one place. This digital hub, slated for completion by the end of this year, aims to improve accessibility and user experience to more systematically capture the rising demand for work- and learning-based stays. At the same time, the province will clarify next year’s business directions and operational guidelines, further setting Jeju apart as a national leader in this emerging trend.

In line with the nationwide rise in demand for workation and learncation programs, Jeju intends to consolidate scattered activities into a distinctive "stay ecosystem" where work, study, and rest are seamlessly combined. The province plans to increase both the duration of visits and repeat visitation rates by integrating public and private sector programs, expanding mutual access to facilities and spaces, and linking regional education, entrepreneurship, and cultural content. The broader aim is to generate a virtuous cycle that results in more residential population inflows, expanded local markets, and job creation.

The Working Group will conduct quarterly reviews and ad-hoc consultations to manage the implementation of specific tasks. It will also pursue benchmarking from international success cases and develop global networking opportunities.

Significantly, the group will address seasonal and movement-based fluctuations in demand by designing packages ranging from short-term popup programs to long-term residency camps, while also refining public data-based performance indicators such as length of stay, rate of return, and local spending.

Han Mi-sook, Director of Population Policy, stated, “By unifying previously fragmented workation and learncation projects under a single collaborative framework, we will create synergies and firmly solidify Jeju’s position as a leading region in this field.”

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Jeju Special Self-Governing Province