Pitch Your Korean ‘Workation’ Story Like a Pro!

Hello! Welcome to Daily Hangul, here to upgrade your Korean skills to the next level!

Have you ever dreamed of being a travel writer in Korea? Imagine sharing your amazing adventures in a Korean magazine or webzine! Today, we’re diving into a professional skill that can make that dream a reality: how to write a compelling pitch (제안서) for a travel article to a Korean publisher.

This is an essential skill for anyone in the creative or business field in Korea. And the timing couldn’t be better! These days in Korea, “워케이션” (workation), a blend of “work” and “vacation,” is a massive trend. Local governments from Jeju to Gangneung are encouraging people to come and work remotely from their beautiful cities. This means publishers are hungry for fresh, authentic stories about this new travel style. Let’s learn the key phrases to get your story published!

Core Expressions for a Killer Pitch

Here are the essential terms you need to sound professional and convincing in your pitch email.

1. 기획 의도 (gihoek uido)

• Pronunciation: [gi-hwek-eui-do]
• English Meaning: The core concept / planning purpose / editorial intent.
• Detailed Explanation: This is the heart of your proposal. It’s not just your “idea”; it’s the “why” behind your story. Why this topic? Why is it relevant now? What message do you want to convey to the reader? A strong 기획 의도 shows the editor you have a clear vision. It’s a must-have in any formal proposal in Korea.

2. ~을/를 타겟으로 하다 (eul/reul tageteuro hada)

• Pronunciation: [~eul/reul ta-ge-teu-ro ha-da]
• English Meaning: To target (a specific audience).
• Detailed Explanation: Publishers need to know who the article is for. This phrase allows you to clearly define your target demographic. It’s a standard expression in marketing and media contexts. You attach it to the noun representing your target audience.
  • Example: 20대 직장인을 타겟으로 하는 기사 (An article targeting office workers in their 20s).

3. 차별점 (chabyeoljeom)

• Pronunciation: [cha-byeol-jeom]
• English Meaning: Point of differentiation / Unique selling proposition (USP).
• Detailed Explanation: What makes your article special? There are thousands of travel articles out there. Your 차별점 is what makes yours stand out. Is it your unique perspective as a foreigner? Do you cover a hidden location? Do you have stunning photography? Clearly stating your 차별점 is crucial for grabbing an editor’s attention.

4. 귀사의 출판 방향과 부합하다 (gwisa-ui chulpan banghyang-gwa buhapada)

• Pronunciation: [gwi-sa-ui chul-pan-bang-hyang-gwa bu-ha-pa-da]
• English Meaning: To be in line with your company’s publishing direction.
• Detailed Explanation: This is a formal, respectful phrase that shows you’ve done your homework. 귀사 (gwisa) is the honorific term for “your company.” By stating that your article concept aligns with their brand identity and the kind of content they usually publish, you show the editor that you are a serious and considerate professional.

Example Pitch Email

Let’s see how these expressions come together in a sample pitch email to an editor.

To: 김민준 편집장님 (Editor-in-Chief Kim Min-jun)
From: Alex Miller

Subject: [기사 투고] 강릉 워케이션(Workation) 트렌드 관련 기획안 (Article Pitch: Gangneung ‘Workation’ Trend Proposal)

안녕하세요, 김민준 편집장님.
저는 여행 작가 알렉스 밀러입니다.

최근 한국에서 새로운 라이프스타일로 주목받고 있는 ‘워케이션’을 주제로 한 기사를 제안 드리고자 합니다.

1. 기획 의도:
엔데믹 이후 원격 근무가 확산되면서, 일과 휴식을 병행하는 ‘워케이션’이 새로운 여행 트렌드로 자리 잡았습니다. 이 기사는 워케이션의 성지로 떠오르는 강릉의 매력을 소개하고, 독자들에게 실질적인 워케이션 팁을 제공하고자 합니다.

2. 타겟 독자:
새로운 경험을 추구하는 20-30대 직장인과 디지털 노마드를 타겟으로 합니다.

3. 기존 콘텐츠와의 차별점:
단순한 관광지 소개를 넘어, 외국인의 시선에서 바라본 강릉의 워케이션 인프라(공유 오피스, 조용한 카페 등)와 로컬 문화를 심도 있게 다루는 것이 차별점입니다.

이 기획은 실용적인 정보를 추구하는 귀사의 출판 방향과 부합한다고 생각합니다.
검토 후 연락 주시면 감사하겠습니다.

알렉스 밀러 드림

Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive

The “Workation (워케이션)” boom is more than just a buzzword; it’s a socio-cultural shift in Korea. Accelerated by the pandemic, it reflects a growing desire for work-life balance.

• Government Support: Cities like Busan, Gangneung, and especially Jeju Island are actively creating “workation centers” with a high-speed internet and offering discounts on long-term stays to attract remote workers.
• Your Unique Angle: As a foreigner, your experience of this very Korean trend is your greatest 차별점 (chabyeoljeom). How does it compare to digital nomadism in other countries? What cultural nuances did you observe while working from a café in a small Korean town? This is the kind of authentic story publishers are looking for. Mentioning your unique perspective in your 기획 의도 can make your pitch irresistible.

Let’s Practice!

Time to put your knowledge to the test.

1. Fill in the blank:
   My article’s main concept is to explore the history of palaces in Seoul.

   제 기사의 ( ___________ )은/는 서울 고궁의 역사를 탐방하는 것입니다.

2. Sentence Building:
   Using the expressions we learned, write one sentence pitching an article about vegan restaurants in Jeju, targeting travelers interested in health.

You’ve learned some powerful phrases today that can open doors in the Korean professional world. Don’t be shy! Try writing your own short pitch concept in the comments below using today’s vocabulary. We’d love to see it