Letters from Co-hosts
It’s been almost 4 years since I arrived in Korea for the first time. I now “slowmad” for half of every year here. I love the people, the food (#1 for me… sorry Japan), and the vibe of the country.
But the gravity of Seoul is very powerful. It’s where I spend the most time and where most of my local friends live. I now want to explore other parts of the country, and bring others along, both Koreans and foreigners.
After attending more than a dozen digital nomad and popup events, I felt that 2026 was the year to start bringing more of these to Korea. I value the popup village model in particular. Where a group of people with shared interests temporarily move into a neighbourhood, connected through a simple group chat. Proximity, technology, and curiosity then bring out the best in what everyone has to offer each other and the local environment.
When I first visited Cheongchoho Lake in Sokcho, I felt that this would be a great place to set up that type of popup village. So along with Vincent and Lia, I’m happy to try this experiment and hope you come along for the ride.
— Philip (필수)
We moved to Sokcho because we wanted a different rhythm of life.
After spending years working in fast-moving cities, constantly connected to work and screens, we found ourselves wanting a place where life felt a little slower, more human, and more connected to nature and community. In Sokcho, we found that rhythm between the sea, the mountains, the lake, and the everyday lives of local people.
Through HINOMAD, we have been creating gatherings and experiences for people who also want to explore different ways of living and working — not only focusing on productivity, but also on connection, conversation, rest, and meaningful relationships.
One thing we noticed is that many nomads and remote workers who visit Sokcho don’t just want to “travel” here. They often tell us they want to return again, stay longer next time, or even bring other friends with them. We think that feeling comes from something difficult to explain through photos or brochures alone.
Maybe it’s the slower rhythm.
Maybe it’s the people.
Maybe it’s the feeling of being welcomed into someone’s everyday life, even temporarily.
We hope Sokcho Sprint becomes a chance for people to experience that feeling for themselves.
We’re very happy to co-host this popup village with Philip, and we look forward to sharing a few meaningful days together in Sokcho.
— Vincent & Lia
Location
Sokcho (속초시)
- 2.5 hours from Seoul by express bus
- Fresh seafood caught on the same day
- Affordable lodging in the city centre
- Lake, sea, and mountains outside your door
Cheongchoho Lake (청초호)
- 5km loop (90-min walk)
- Lakeview cafes with fast wi-fi
- Walking distance to express bus terminal
- Visit Expo Tower, Abai Village, and more
Activities
- Co-working
- Work alongside other participants in cafes around the lake, focusing on your work or hanging out with others.
- Social Dining
- Enjoy great food in Sokcho with other participants, during our group dinners or spontaneous meals around the lake and city.
- Morning Runs
- Start the day with a run around the lake with Sokcho locals and other participants. Then ease into co-working or cafe hopping.
- Sharing Circles
- We will have opportunities to share our work, our hobbies, and our stories, through guided sessions.
- Exploring Sokcho
- This will be the first visit to Sokcho for some participants, and maybe others haven’t visited in a while. Let’s make the most of it!
Program
- We will have an orientation and dinner to welcome participants coming to Sokcho and those already living in the city and nearby.
- The first full day where we break into a daily rhythm of a morning run, co-working, group meals, and exploring Sokcho.
- We continue the daily rhythm, with a special finale dinner for everyone to share more about themselves and their experiences in Sokcho.
- The last morning run with a farewell coffee or lunch. As some participants leave, others may stay with Sokcho Sprint for a bit longer.
- The Sokcho Sprint group chat will remain online for participants to continue the popup village period into the weekend and onward…
FAQ
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We are looking for Korean and global participants that embrace the digital nomad or remote work lifestyle. Those that are eager to live and work in Sokcho together, even for just a few days.
You should have a project to work on. Or can use this period to discover your next project, job, client, or calling.
Participants should be comfortable with speaking in English, even if limited.
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- Apply to join Sokcho Sprint by completing the form.
- If you've been accepted, join the private KakaoTalk group and book your accommodation.
- Join us on Tuesday June 16 for orientation and the welcome dinner!
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There is no up-front cost or deposit. However the following activities have associated costs:
- Welcome dinner (venue & meal)
- Social dining (meal)
- Sharing circles (venue)
- Tourism activities that require paid tickets
You will only be asked to pay for the activities you choose to attend. Costs for each activity are split among the participants who attend.
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From Seoul, the easiest way is to book an intercity bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (서울고속버스터미널) to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal (속초고속버스터미널). This trip is about 2.5 hours.
You can purchase a ticket through Klook or at the station. But it is recommended to book ahead of time via Klook to secure a seat.
You can also take an intercity bus from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 (ICN, 인천국제공항 제1여객터미널) to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. But this cannot be booked easily online by foreigners. So a ticket needs to be purchased at the kiosk. Buses depart 4 times per day.
Sokcho Express Bus Terminal is near Cheongchoho Lake, where our popup village is located.
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No, accommodation is not provided in this program.
We expect those visiting Sokcho will book their own accommodation around Cheongchoho Lake, ideally within walking distance of Expo Tower (피노디아 엑스포 타워). Or coordinate via KakaoTalk to potentially share pensions with other participants.
Sokcho City also has a workation (워케이션) program that provides subsidized accommodation and tourism activities for the same length as Sokcho Sprint. We can help eligible foreigners apply for this program, or provide information on booking other accomodation if needed.
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Every day, besides Day 2 (Wed June 17), we will have a scheduled event that we would like all participants to attend if possible, such as the welcome dinner and last sharing circle. But we understand that obligations may prevent participants from attending these events.
The rest of the day is up to you and other participants! We will have a morning run club, co-working sessions, lunch breaks and more activities that you are free to participate in as much as you are able to.
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Please let the co-hosts know if you have any dietary preferences or restrictions. We will keep this in mind when arranging social dining.
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The Sokcho Sprint group chat will remain after the program ends on Friday. Participants and Sokcho locals are free to organize and do things together to extend the popup village period, as some participants may wish to stay in Sokcho longer.
Apply to Join
Reserve your spot for Sokcho Sprint. Approved applicants will be contacted later to onboard into the popup village.
Please apply as either a Korean or Global participant.