How does an island known for its volcanic landscapes and vacation retreats become a hub for digital nomads? Jeju, located off the south coast of the South Korean Peninsula, is charting a bold path forward. With ambitious plans for a dedicated digital nomad visa in 2025, this province is positioning itself as a destination where work and leisure, or “workation,” naturally coexist.
Against this backdrop, the recent opening of the Mangrove in Jeju City marks a pivotal moment in the island’s transformation into a global hotspot for remote workers. Building on the success of their collaboration at the Goseong outpost, Mangrove once again partnered with Humanscale to provide ergonomic, eco-conscious workspace solutions tailored to the modern “work anywhere” travelers. Together, they have reimagined “third spaces” as dynamic environments that blend productivity and relaxation, drawing inspiration from the seaside city’s natural beauty. The result is a refined hospitality space that’s perfectly attuned to the lifestyle of today’s global nomads.
"We've observed the natural convergence of work and leisure in recent years," said HeeSeon So, Director of Brand & Space Experience Group at MGRV., parent company of Mangrove Jeju City. "Our properties are specially tailored to accommodate this shift, offering versatile environments where guests can effortlessly transition between business sessions and moments of ease. Humanscale products ensure that guests can maintain their performance while still enjoying the perks of a getaway, truly embodying the essence of the 'workation' concept.”
This philosophy comes to life in the design of the Mangrove Jeju City’s seventh-floor Work Lounge, where the boundaries between work and relaxation dissolve into an elevated experience. Framed by sweeping ocean views, the space harmonizes tranquility with productivity, anchored by the thoughtfully conceived “Deep Focus Zone.”
This zone presents three spatial typologies tailored to diverse work modes: the “Focus Block,” with its partitioned seating and Liberty Ocean Chairs, fosters immersion and concentration; the “Stand Block,” featuring eFloat Go 2.0 sit-stand desks paired with Active Pony stools, encourages dynamic postures and ergonomic fluidity; and the “Open Block,” designed for collaboration, creates an inviting setting for idea exchange, underpinned by Humanscale’s iconic blend of aesthetic refinement and support.
"We wanted this space to be a blend of functionality for work and the relaxation you’d expect from a property in Jeju," shared Kyo Namgung, ARR from interior design firm Team K.U.A. Team K.U.A. is composed of artist Kwangho Lee (KLO), spatial design studio UOR and ARR. "When we encountered Humanscale’s ergonomic solutions, we knew they aligned with our direction. Their designs, which take into account seat posture, monitor angles, and sound absorption, provided the comfort and productivity our clients needed."
Beyond the Work Lounge, Mangrove’s meeting spaces further articulate the property’s commitment to purpose-driven spaces. “Lab 8,” an intimate room for eight, integrates advanced video conferencing technology with the Liberty Ocean chair’s ergonomic and sustainable qualities, redefining the standard for hybrid connectivity. “Lab 20,” conceived for larger gatherings of up to 20 participants, pairs beam projection technology with Cinto chairs, renowned for their comfort and adaptability. Together, these spaces reflect Mangrove’s ethos of creating environments where form, function, and well-being unite—empowered by Humanscale’s forward-thinking approach to workplace design.
Ahn noted that many competitors in the co-work hospitality space rely on furnishings more suited to cafes—appealing in design but falling short for long, intense work sessions. With Humanscale’s ergonomic solutions, Mangrove has distinguished itself by crafting spaces that sustain prolonged focus. This design philosophy extends into the guest rooms, where the chairs adapt naturally to a wide range of body types and work styles, ensuring that every visitor experiences tailored comfort. In an environment that attracts a diverse clientele with varying needs, these adaptable furnishings create a personalised seating experience. By embedding high-performance design across both communal and private areas, Mangrove fosters an atmosphere where concentration and rejuvenation coexist, perfectly supporting the dynamic rhythm of a hot-desking hotel.
Humanscale’s products also perfectly aligned with Mangrove’s "Healthy Immersion" concept, which aimed to merge the preservation of the original Jeju Seoul Tourist Hotel with a commitment to sustainability. The brand’s eco-friendly, ergonomic solutions were central to the project’s success, resonating with the hotel’s focus on minimising environmental impact. Embedded in the design were reused materials like marble flooring from the original building and carpet made from recycled plastic in the Work Lounge. Humanscale’s Liberty Ocean chairs, crafted from recycled fishing nets, reinforced the hotel’s vision of combining comfort with environmental responsibility.
With this new Jeju City project, Mangrove and Humanscale continue to demonstrate how hospitality spaces can be reimagined to cater to the growing “workation” market. Their collaboration sets a new standard for hotels by creating spaces where guests can thrive professionally and personally while prioritising their well-being and the environment.
Sang Hyun Han, Sales Manager at Humanscale Korea, shared his thoughts on the collaboration: "Partnering with Mangrove on the Jeju City project gave us the opportunity to bring our vision of healthier, more comfortable spaces to life in a whole new setting. By offering ergonomic solutions that support both work and well-being, we’re proud to be part of a space where guests can stay productive while feeling at ease. Our shared focus on sustainability made the collaboration a perfect match, and we’re excited to see how these purposeful spaces elevate the guest experience."
© Mangrove
