Hualien and Seoul Join Forces to Put Digital Nomadism on the Global Map

(中央社訊息服務20260423 16:08:15)The Hualien County Government today (April 22) held a press conference titled “Hualien and Seoul Join Forces to Put Digital Nomadism on the Global Map” at the Hualien Cloud Hub, located at No. 3, Fuqian Road in Hualien City. Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei joined Cho Jeong-Hyun, CEO of Seoul-based digital nomad startup Hoppers, to launch a new cross-border partnership aimed at attracting digital nomads from around the world to Hualien. The initiative invites remote professionals to experience a wide range of offerings in Hualien, including workations, coworking, community exchange, and connections with international hubs — ultimately helping bring Hualien to the world and the world to Hualien.

Mayor Hsu noted that Hualien’s push to develop a digital nomad ecosystem has been years in the making, built through long-term planning and international exchange. From early study visits to Fukuoka, Japan, to the gradual development of local infrastructure, she said Hualien has now entered a new phase of real-world implementation — a major milestone in the county’s efforts to connect with the international community. Hsu highlighted that amid the global rise of digitalization and remote work, digital nomadism has evolved into a new lifestyle and work model. Tens of millions of digital nomads now move across borders, bringing professional skills and fresh perspectives into local communities while connecting those places to the wider world. That exchange, she said, not only injects cities with innovation and energy but also helps local destinations gain international visibility. By building a strong digital nomad base, Hualien is responding directly to this global shift.

Cheng Chia-Ching, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Human Resources Development at the National Development Council (NDC), stated that the new memorandum of understanding between Hualien and Seoul is more than a city-to-city partnership; it also marks an important step in Taiwan’s active integration into the global digital nomad movement. Cheng emphasized that the NDC continues to promote balanced regional development by linking local industries with natural and cultural resources, while collaborating with local governments to engage with international communities. She also praised the Hualien County Government’s forward-looking efforts in establishing the Hualien Cloud Hub and building a well-rounded digital nomad environment. The central government, she said, will continue to serve as a strong backend support as Taiwan strives to become a key hub and a welcoming second home for international digital nomads.

Cho Jeong-Hyun, CEO of Hoppers, expressed his honor at being in Hualien to witness this important “Hualien and Seoul” milestone. He pointed out that as work and mobility patterns shift worldwide, digital nomadism has transitioned from a short-term trend to a long-term structural transformation. It is not only reshaping travel but also redefining how talent chooses where to live, work, and participate in society. Against this backdrop, cities are shifting from traditional tourism models toward attracting globally mobile professionals for long-term stays. With its pristine natural environment and highly livable conditions, Cho noted, Hualien possesses significant advantages for developing a digital nomad ecosystem. He added that South Korea is steadily emerging as a major digital nomad hub in Asia, and future cooperation and transportation links between Seoul and Hualien will facilitate talent exchange and industry collaboration, jointly opening up new opportunities in the international digital nomad market.

Following the county’s signing of a letter of intent in 2025 with Fukuoka-based digital nomad community Manabu Community, the Hualien County Government will send local industry teams to Fukuoka this year to visit the Manabu hub in person, deepening exchange and mutual benefits between the two bases. As Hualien expands its visibility across Asia’s digital nomad landscape, it is also partnering in 2026 with Seoul startup Hoppers. Hoppers operates several digital nomad initiatives, including Hoppin House, a digital nomad center near the Yeonnam-dong and Hongdae lifestyle district in Seoul. The space has become a popular base among international remote workers.

The 2026 Taiwan Digital Nomad Festival is now unfolding across the Hualien-Taitung region, set against the backdrop of mountains and ocean. Beginning in May, the program will combine AI workshops, community events, and regional revitalization initiatives, inviting digital nomads from around the world to experience the beauty of eastern Taiwan firsthand. From May 29 to 31, international digital nomad teams will also be invited to take part in a familiarization tour in Hualien. The itinerary will include visits to the Hualien Cloud Hub, immersive mountain-and-ocean wellness experiences, introductions to Indigenous tribal and marine culture, and business matchmaking opportunities with local industries to encourage future collaboration.

Centered on the theme of “Digital Nomadism, Global Connection,” the Hualien Cloud Hub is located in downtown Hualien, just a 10-minute walk from the city’s commercial district and the coastal Meilun Track and Field Ground. The hub offers private studios with en-suite bathrooms, as well as shared spaces and a communal kitchen, creating a comfortable living and working environment designed to attract remote professionals to stay in Hualien. The first residency round opened in April of this year with a quota of five spots, all of which were fully booked by international digital nomads hailing from Greece, Japan, Germany, and India.

To strengthen community ties between international digital nomads and local industries, the Hualien Cloud Hub hosts a monthly community event called “33 Meetup” on the third Wednesday of each month. These events are free and open to the public, offering themed talks and sharing sessions that broaden participants’ knowledge and international perspectives. Simultaneously, the county government is encouraging local businesses to participate in bilingual certification training and apply to become “digital nomad-friendly” establishments. Working together to build a welcoming environment, 22 businesses were recognized in the first round and received their certificates at today’s press conference, covering sectors such as lodging, dining, and experiential tourism.

Distinguished guests attending today's event included Cheng Chia-Ching, Deputy Director-General of the NDC’s Department of Human Resources Development; Wang Yi-Fang, director of the service office of Legislator Fu Kun-Chi; Hsu Kai, chairman of the Taiwan Digital Nomad Association; Cho Jeong-Hyun, CEO of Hoppers; Kim Byung-Soo, Manager at Hoppers; Manabu representatives Marcel Oppliger and Andres Contreras; Hualien County Councilors Dibus Ilai, Wu Tung-Sheng, and Hsu Tzu-Fang; various department heads from the Hualien County Government; representatives from industry, government, and academia; youth committee members; and numerous representatives from certified digital nomad-friendly businesses.