Asia > South Korea: Covid-19 and Travel

Present Situation
Total cases: 17.8 millions
Active cases: 3.2 millions
Recovered: 14.5 millions
Deaths: 23 709
Vaccination count: 45 millions
Current trend: Declining
Data updated on 2022-05-18
Summary of the situation
Negative PCR test is required for all countries.
• Masks are required in enclosed public places
• Masks are required in public spaces
• Masks are required in public transport
Provisions for travellers
Entry to the territory: Partially Allowed
Passengers allowed to enter:
Korean nationals, ABTC / APEC CARD, holder of Residence card / Overseas Korean resident card, holder of a valid Korean visa (including K-ETA for those of eligible nationals etc)
All passengers arriving in the ROK by plane must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of their departure.
Arriving passengers will experience some combination of temperature screening, health questionnaires, quarantines, and/or COVID-tests, depending on points of departure, visa status, and nationality.
Starting from March 21, 2022, vaccinated travelers who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination in Korea OR those who already registered their overseas vaccination history at a local Korean public health center will be eligible for quarantine exemption.
Starting from April 1, 2022, vaccinated travelers who have completed vaccination overseas AND register their vaccination history through the Quarantine COVID19 Defence (Q-Code) system (https://bit.ly/36vg1dK) BEFORE traveling to Korea will be eligible for quarantine exemption.
Unvaccinated travelers or those who do not register their vaccines through the Q-code system prior to entry will be required to quarantine for 7 days at a government facility at their own expense. Vaccination is considered to be complete 14 days after the 2nd shot for a two-dose vaccine (valid up to 180 days) or with booster shots. Some exceptions to the above policies may apply. Please direct any questions to your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate.
Tests: Negative PCR test is required for all countries.
Quarantine: Depends
Quarantine required for some travelers.
Information updated on 2022-05-13.
Action taken in the country
Lockdown: No
Face masks are compulsory in public places and on public transport. Failure to wear a mask can result in a fine of up to 100,000 Korean Won (£66). T
For full details of the current restrictions and requirements you should check the South Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency https://bit.ly/2VELDYT (KDCA) and Ministry of Health and Welfare websites http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/en/ (English). You can find information on any local variations in COVID-19 restrictions and requirements on metropolitan and provincial government websites as follows:
Seoul Metropolitan government (http://english.seoul.go.kr/)
Busan Metropolitan City (https://english.busan.go.kr/index)
Daegu Metropolitan City (http://www.daegu.go.kr/english/index.do)
Incheon Metropolitan City (https://www.incheon.go.kr/en/index)
Gwangju City (https://www.gwangju.go.kr/eng/)
Daejeon Metropolitan City (https://www.daejeon.go.kr/dre/index.do)
Ulsan Metropolitan City (http://www.ulsan.go.kr/english/index)
Sejong City (https://www.sejong.go.kr/eng.do)
North Chungcheong (https://www.chungbuk.go.kr/wwweng/index.do)
South Chungcheong (http://www.chungnam.net/englishMain.do)
Gangwon (http://eng.gwd.go.kr/gw/eng )
Gyeonggi (https://english.gg.go.kr/)
North Gyeongsan (http://www.gb.go.kr/Main/open_contents/section/eng/index.html)
South Gyeongsang (https://www.gyeongnam.go.kr/english/index.gyeong)
North Jeolla (https://www.jeonbuk.go.kr/eng/index.jeonbuk)
South Jeolla (http://www.jeonnam.go.kr/)
Jeju (https://www.jeju.go.kr/corona19.jsp)
Mask use
Masks are required in enclosed public places
Masks are required in public spaces
Masks are required in public transport
Gatherings: Partially Allowed
Allowed under restriction
Restaurants and bars: Fully Open
Shops: Open
Tourist attractions: Open