Seoul has quickly become one of the most exciting places in Asia for digital nomads and this year it was time for me to give it a go! With super-fast internet, a thriving café culture, and a mix of tradition and modern energy, it’s easy to see why so many remote workers are choosing to base themselves here. The city has everything: great food, safe neighborhoods, reliable public transportation, and endless things to explore after work hours, weekends, or short getaways. It’s truly a dream destination for any digital nomad in Korea.
But moving to Seoul as a foreigner isn’t always easy. Finding a place to live can be tricky, especially if you don’t speak Korean. Many rentals require long-term contracts, large deposits, and often aren’t pet-friendly. Even figuring out how to sign a lease can feel overwhelming when you’re new to the country.
That’s exactly why I was so relieved when my Korean friend recommended I take a look at Episode. It’s a modern living solution designed with remote workers and expats in mind. Episode offers fully furnished apartments with flexible leases, no hidden fees, and a real sense of community. It made settling into life in Seoul simple, and honestly, enjoyable. If you’re a digital nomad in Korea thinking about moving to South Korea, Episode is definitely worth checking out. In this article, I will talk about my experience being a digital nomad in Korea, with Episode in general, as well as my best tips for life in Seoul as a pet owner!
What is Episode Nomad Stay?
I first heard about Episode from my Korean friend when I was struggling to figure out where to stay in Seoul long-term. After checking out their site, I quickly realized this wasn’t your typical rental situation. Episode is a modern coliving and coworking brand designed for people like me: remote workers, digital nomads, and expats who want a simple, comfortable, and flexible way to live in the city.
Their Nomad Stay plan stood out right away. No deposit, no long-term commitment, and everything included in one monthly payment. That means high-speed Wi-Fi, utilities, amazing amenities, furniture, cleaning, and even community events and coworking in Seoul are all covered. You can book from just two weeks, which is perfect if you’re not sure how long you’re staying or want to try different neighborhoods.
We ended up living at Episode Seocho and Episode Yongsan. Both had their own vibe, and it was nice to switch things up without the stress of finding a new place. I also spent time working from the shared spaces at Episode Gangnam (which is only 50m from Seocho), which were super modern and a great way to meet other people living a similar lifestyle. For anyone trying to balance work and exploration as a digital nomad in Korea, Episode made living in Seoul feel easy. Honestly, I don’t think I could’ve found a better setup as a foreigner. It was my most social stay in Korea yet and this was my fourth time in the country!
My stay at Episode Seocho
Episode Seocho was actually where we first stayed when we arrived in Seoul, and it ended up being the perfect soft landing. The location is super convenient; tucked into a quieter neighborhood but still only a short walk from Gangnam’s energy. The building itself is sleek and modern, and the move-in process was really smooth. I didn’t have to deal with any paperwork or stress, just one of many perks choosing the “nomad stay” as a digital nomad in Korea. The Episode staff were also very helpful to make sure we settled in alright and provided us with some missing kitchen utensils.
Our daily life in Seocho was pretty relaxed. The coworking in Seoul spaces inside the building were fine for getting a bit of work done or taking a quick call, but for longer work sessions or meetings, I usually headed over to Episode Gangnam. That space had more buzz, better lighting, and just a more productive vibe overall. I loved having that option so close by – it felt like I had the best of both worlds!
What really made Episode Seocho special, though, was how pet-friendly it was. We brought our dog, Benji, and this was honestly one of the few places in Seoul where I didn’t feel like having a pet was a burden. There’s a dedicated indoor pet area for rainy days, but the real gem is the rooftop pet park. We ended up spending a lot of time there, and it became the place where both Benji and I made friends. It’s super social, everyone’s friendly, and it’s one of those rare spots where you feel like you’re part of a little community, especially as a digital nomad in Korea.
Coworking at Episode Gangnam
When it came to getting serious work done, Episode Gangnam was my go-to spot. The coworking in Seoul space there has a more corporate, polished vibe compared to the other locations. It’s definitely designed with digital nomads in mind, which made it perfect for my meetings and video calls. The atmosphere felt professional but still welcoming, and the space was quiet enough to really focus.
One of the things I loved most was how easy it was to book a conference room right through their app. Whether I needed a private space for an important client call or a team meeting, it was all just a few taps away; no hassle, no back-and-forth emails. It really saved me time and made my workdays run smoother.
Plus, Gangnam’s location itself is super convenient for networking or grabbing coffee with “coworkers” after work. I even had two of my Korean friends visit me here! It’s a bustling business district, so being there made me feel plugged into Seoul’s professional scene. And here’s a fun bonus: I became obsessed with Episode Gangnam’s “Dark Room.” It’s this quiet small room with an amazing massage chair, perfect for a little recharge between back-to-back meetings. Honestly, those few minutes of relaxation made a huge difference during stressful days.
If you’re looking for a coliving in Seoul setup with a polished, professional edge, Episode Gangnam is a fantastic option. It’s like having your own sleek office away from home with all the perks you need to stay productive. And if you want to live there, it’s also a great long or short term rental Seoul (but this one is only for people without pets). I especially loved the rooftop views here (below is a drone shot from the rooftop).
Living at Episode Yongsan – My favorite spot in Seoul
After staying in Episode Seocho, I decided to try out Episode Yongsan and it completely stole my heart. If you’re looking for a place that feels a bit more premium, calm, and connected to Seoul’s charm, this is it. The building itself is stunning, with high-end shared spaces, designer furniture, and a minimalist aesthetic that instantly puts you at ease. Everything feels thoughtful and polished, from the quiet coworking corners to the beautifully styled lounges. It’s not flashy, but it definitely feels upscale and peaceful, perfect for unwinding after a long workday.
While Episode Yongsan doesn’t have dedicated pet amenities like Episode Seocho, the location more than makes up for it. It’s just a short walk to the Han River, which became our daily go-to for cozy walks with Benji. There’s something really relaxing about ending your day with a sunset stroll along the riverbanks. And just behind the building, there’s a little pocket of local restaurants, cafés, and shops that feels like a hidden gem – one of those neighborhoods you wouldn’t find unless you lived there. It quickly became my favorite area in Seoul. There’s a perfect mix of old and new, traditional and trendy, and it feels more lived-in than touristy.
One of the best parts? Nodeul Island is right nearby. I’d finish up work, grab some snacks, and head there for a riverside picnic with the famous Han River ramyun or just chill while watching the city light up. There are a few spots in this area that I love besides Nodeul and that’s the view of Namsan Tower from 한강초교앞 보도육교 bridge and the Baekbin Railroad Crossing (from one of my favorite dramas called “My Mister”). These are some of the most underrated spots in Seoul and the kind of places that make you fall in love with the city a little more every day.
Episode Yongsan was the most complete experience for me. It had that calm atmosphere inside the building and a lively, walkable neighborhood outside. Even without the indoor pet perks, I felt like Benji and I had more freedom and more to explore. If you’re a digital nomad in Korea or remote worker who values design, location, and lifestyle, Episode Yongsan should be at the top of your list. It’s more than a place to stay, it really felt like home. For anyone interested in short term rental Seoul or coliving in Seoul, this was a dream.
Why Episode works for foreigners
One of the biggest reasons Episode stood out to me was how easy and English-friendly everything was. From booking to move-in, the onboarding and app are all in English, so there’s no stressing over Korean paperwork or needing a local bank account; two things that can be major headaches when you’re new to Seoul.
Episode feels truly plug-and-play. The apartments come fully furnished with all the big essentials like furniture, kitchenware, and bedding. You do need to bring or buy a few small things like shampoo and other bathroom basics, but that’s pretty much it. No trips to IKEA or buying big items just to get started, which is perfect if you’re staying short term or moving between places.
What I also loved was how easy it was to meet people just by popping into the common kitchen. It’s like an automatic social spot where everyone’s friendly and up for a chat. That made settling in way less lonely and helped me quickly feel part of a community, especially since moving to a new city can sometimes feel isolating.
For foreigners moving to Seoul, Episode takes away so much of the usual stress. No landlord hassles, no language barriers, just a smooth, comfortable start that lets you focus on work and enjoying the city. If you’re a digital nomad in Korea, that kind of ease is priceless.
The pet-friendly perks
Finding pet-friendly housing in Seoul is no easy task – most places either don’t allow pets or have so many restrictions it’s a struggle just to keep a dog. That’s why Episode was such a relief. They don’t just allow pets, they genuinely welcome them.
At Episode Seocho, there’s a fantastic indoor pet area and a rooftop pet park where our dog Benji could play, socialize, and make friends. It made life so much easier and more enjoyable for both of us. Meanwhile, Episode Yongsan doesn’t have indoor pet amenities, but its location near the Han River gave us the perfect spot for daily walks and outdoor adventures, plus a cozy neighborhood with cafes and parks to explore. These two locations together made having a dog in Seoul feel doable and even fun.
If you’re a pet owner moving to Seoul, Episode’s pet-friendly approach in Seocho and Yongsan really stands out. It’s a rare find here, and it made a huge difference for our day-to-day life!
Would I recommend Episode?
Looking back, Episode Nomad Stay really hit all the right notes for me. The flexibility of their month-to-month plans made moving and settling in stress-free. The modern design and high-quality spaces felt comfortable and inspiring, whether I was working, relaxing, or socializing. I loved the sense of community and meeting other expats and digital nomad in Korea travelers made a huge difference in feeling at home. The coworking in Seoul options, especially at Gangnam, helped me stay productive, and the pet-friendly perks at Seocho and Yongsan made life with Benji so much easier.
If you’re a digital nomad in Korea, then Episode is the best choice, especially if you’re new to the country and want a smooth, welcoming start. I’d absolutely book with them again on my next visit without hesitation. It’s more than just coliving in Seoul or finding a place; it’s a way of life that makes being a digital nomad in Korea feel truly sustainable, exciting, and connected.
