Asia > South Korea: Covid-19 and Travel

Entry to the territory: Allowed
South Korea will be reopening borders to travellers of all nationalities.

All antivirus restrictions regarding inbound travelers were lifted (WITH THE EXEPTION OF TRAVELERS FROM CHINA SINCE JANUARY 2nd 2023). Here is the timeline of lifted restrictions:

-Since October 1st 2022, all travelers are not required anymore to do a PCR test before midnight on the day after arrival

-Since September 3rd 2022, all travelers are not required anymore to show a negative PCR result issued within 48 hours before arrival in Korea, or a rapid antigenic test issued within 24 hours before boarding. Still for those who want, travelers can do a free PCR test at their local health center within three days after arrival.

-Since June 8th 2022, all travelers, regardless of their vaccination status and nationality, are exempt from quarantine.

- If you show symptoms at the airport, y ou are not obliged, but CAN get free PCR test within three days after entry at your local health center.

HOWEVER:

-All inbound passengers to Korea are required since March 21st 2022 to enter their sanitary information on the Q-Code System , in order to receive a QR-Code to present to the Korean authorities upon arrival. It is advised to fill in the information prior to arrival since arrival terminals at Incheon Airport can be crowded.

-Since January 5th 2023, all travelers coming from China, Hong Kong and Macau, are required to present a negative PCR or antigen test before boarding, and undergo a post-entry PCR test

*These rules apply to all travelers: residents in Korea, long and short sojourn visa holders, tourists who have received their K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/apply/index.do?locale=EN ) .

Tests: Negative PCR test is required for some travelers.

Quarantine: No
Not required.

Information updated on 2023-03-16.

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: Allowed
Allowed under restriction

Restaurants and bars: Fully Open

Shops: Open

Tourist attractions: Open