Hacker Paradise: Jeju, South Korea 🇰🇷

I've been to Hacker Paradise 8 times because I love it so much. It's always a great group of people, and I get to explore a city I wouldn't normally go to. The organizers are great, and super helpful. One of them even taught Korean classes while we were in Jeju, which was incredible. I love it and will be back again soon!

If you're looking for a 'digital nomad' program definitely choose HP. I did tons of research and talked to participants of other work/travel programs and in the end, decided to join Hacker Paradise. I, without a doubt made the right decision. The program exceeded my expectations and really made me feel like I was apart of a community. HP is also super flexible which allows you to get what you want out of it. Some people are looking for professional development and networking, some are looking to travel for a short period of time and some want to start a new job/business/path. The flexibility in structure attract people from very diverse backgrounds. Most of all, the facilitators are amazing!!! I can't stay enough about how awesome they were--they truly made my experience worthwhile. I can't wait to join the group again.

This is no hyperbole: Hacker Paradise has been one of the most productive and enjoyable experiences of my life. As a first-time nomad, I was nervous about balancing productivity and fun while traveling abroad, but the HP community provides a perfect balance of structure and spontaneity. Some highlights from my time in Porto and Jeju: port wine tasting in port caves, pot lucks with homemade food from half a dozen countries, weekend trips to the beach, swimming in rock pools, climbing South Korea's tallest mountain, experiencing a Korean sauna for the first time, and good old Goofy Foot (need I say more)...

Of course, what really makes the whole thing work are the people -- from Spencer and Dale who are absolutely amazing at keeping the ship running and setting the tone, to all the other attendees who are invariably 1) working on cool projects, 2) willing to share their knowledge and insight, 3) always down for a pint after a long day at the co-working space. If you're on the fence, don't be: just do it!

I first joined Hacker Paradise for 4 weeks in Jeju, South Korea. I've enjoyed it so much, that I've decided to also come for Peru trip. This time, for 8 weeks.
Travelling with HP is a great way to meet new people, visit interesting places but still stay on track with your career.
Spencer and Dale are working hard to make sure, that you have everything you need to stay productive and enjoy your stay. They organize meetups with local communities, talks and workshops.
Community itself is also amazing. People are always willing to help each other.

I cannot recommend it enough!

Currently on my fourth trip with Hacker Paradise. The top four things that keep me coming back are:

1. Program organization - Facilitators Spencer and Dale are work relentlessly to make sure accommodations and co-working spaces meet the needs of the participants. If there are issues, for example with internet speeds or housing problems, they are on top of the problem right away, sometimes before we even notice it happening. They are responsive and understand the needs of digital nomads because they both been there.

2. Participants - Hacker Paradise does a great job of selecting people for their programs. Most everyone I've met during my trips have been dedicated, accepting, interesting, friendly, curious, and just generally good travelers. They work hard and yes, they party hard too but it's all great fun. I've made friends for life here. You can judge how great the group is and how addicting this lifestyle is by that fact that so many people either extend their stay or wish they could because the group is so hard to leave.

3. Diversity - Not only is there a diversity in gender but also in age and in career paths. Usually Hacker implies developer but in reality there are people from a number of different jobs here and the facilitators seem to put emphasis on choosing people from variety of backgrounds.

4. Lastly, Location - HP has gone to places this year that I've wanted to visit and the program allows me time to really get to know places with other people who are interested in seeing them too.

Hacker Paradise is my family away from home. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet amazing people, work from cool locations, and constantly be inspired by people doing cool things who are always willing to share their knowledge. And eat a lot of dessert.