I’d recommend using a mask with a safety rating of N95 or KF94. I am still considering should i change the date or should i just go. Yes, we can never miss out on the southern coastal city of Busan when it comes to summer destinations in Korea. He was later diagnosed as infected. Again, I can’t promise anyone an exact date for when travel to Korea will resume again. Later in this article you can find out more about the public health and safety campaigns by the government and how to stay healthy while travelling in Korea. Most were fine, but some were not so great. You will have to go through airport checks which will include having your temperature checked. Korea’s social distancing level, which determines when and how places such as bars and nightclubs can open and how they operate, has been reduced to its lowest level – 1. I can only provide you with information about how things are being handled here and experience from within the country. Another method of transmission is transfer through feces. I was in the area of an infected patient, but I didn’t receive a message from the government. I think it’s safe to proceed, but the choice is really all yours. It’s not long until November and it’s unlikely unrestricted travel to Korea will be possible this year. The Embassy understands that many visa applicants have paid the visa application processing fee and are still waiting to schedule a visa appointment. I’ve only ever had a few bad rooms and they were all very cheap places. This applies to people living in Korea who have left the country and are returning again. List of designated clinics for dealing with the 2019 nCoV coronavirus in Seoul. 2: Those entering on a short-term visa (i.e. Of course, there are still some selfish and stupid people, but the majority are doing their best to keep Korea healthy. Thanks for the feedback. Please continue to monitor this site for information on when we will return to routine visa operations. Yes. actually we dont have any other choice because we already booked the group tour last year and we cannot cancel it because there is no travel ban….. hope to have a good trip inspite of the corono virus scare…. Perhaps the best way to (legally) move to Korea and stay for a while would be as a student? Don’t touch any raw food and try to wear a mask if you want to visit these areas. Failure to wear an appropriate mask that covers both nose and mouth could result in a fine of up to 100,000 won (approximately $100). M. Matt says: at . Staying away from large groups of people will also reduce your risk of catching the COVID-19 coronavirus in Korea. It’s impossible to know for certain how clean each place is, but I always read the reviews for each place before I book and make sure that no one has complained about it being dirty. Basically, the colder, wetter weather that arrives in autumn will spark a second wave of infections that lasts for a longer period than the first wave. August 15th, 2020Mass Protests In Seoul That And Jaeil Sarang Church Outbreak. They are also good if you’re in an area that might be affected by the coronavirus in your own country. I will keep updating this as the situation changes. Hi, thanks for your comment. Therefore, in this section I want to outline the current situation in Korea. I wanted to hear it from a person staying there directly and I spoke to the embassy over the phone. There have been a few travel bans for Korea recently, and some airlines have cancelled flights to and from Korea. Find the closest American Space in Korea where you can connect with the U.S. Several U.S. government agencies staff offices in South Korea. This may change at the future, but right now there is no indication that tourism to Korea will return in the next few months. Health Advice From The World Health Organisation: Why Hand Sanitizers Are So Important For Hand Hygiene, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Find Out More About Which Masks To Use To Prevent Infection, What Is The Discover Seoul Pass? October 11th, 2020Korean Government Reduces Social Distancing Level to 1. Please note: I’m not a registered expert in the field of pandemics or infectious diseases. Hi Joel, your articles are very informative plus it really brings peace of mind to the reader, including me. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the information!|, A Brief History Of The Coronavirus In Korea. Despite some countries recognising that Korea is a safe place to travel (including the EU) and allowing Korean tourists to enter their countries, Korea still has not relaxed the travel bans. It also controlled the price of masks, to avoid people taking advantage of the system for profits. Firstly, May is a long way away and many things can change between here and then regarding the spread or end of the virus. Hopefully Canadians will get to travel again for the usual 180 days, but right now no one is sure when that’s going to happen. I’ve done a lot of research into the Korean government’s response, the travel industry within Korea, and the science behind the pandemic. I saw this updated list of entry restrictions by Korean Air, but it doesn’t make things much clearer, sorry. I hope you can come back when the situation is better and enjoy Korea in all its beauty! South Korea has resumed most transportation options (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including day cares and schools). Thanks for this very good and accurate article, Joel. “The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. I’m no scientist, so I’ll use the words of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to help explain. Have any creative suggestions (legal of course) 하하하하. There are several different types of masks that you can use to prevent infection from the coronavirus in Korea. When Will It Be Safe To Travel To Korea Again? Indeed, Korean Air announced that it will resume some international routes from June 1st. It just doesn’t show up on camera :p. What’s the Weather Like in a Korean Summer. The media are very good at reporting statistics and scary stories about the COVID-19 situation in Korea and beyond, often highlighting the most negative things. Affiliate Disclaimer. However, there has been encouraging signs from airlines around the world, including Korean Air, that flights will resume again by this summer. The good news is that travel advisories are gradually easing for general tourism. promptHeader: 'You can ask us:' , The leader of this church famously reported that he and his members were immune to the coronavirus. 2: Nationals of Mongolia and Russia are not allowed to transit through Korea (as of Jun 3). That’s why you should wash your hands after visiting the bathroom EVERY TIME, regardless of why you went in there. You can watch it just enter the keyword "Gangnam' into YouTube. I’ll keep updating this as the situation unfolds. So in case you’re planning a trip to Korea for this summer, we’ve come up with the top 5 travel destinations in Korea for summer . I hope you’ll find this South Korea travel advisory useful and interesting. Once the throat swab was out and tucked safely away in a plastic bag with the first swab, I was free to go. Hope that helps to reassure you. Here are the rules that apply to a transit through Korea (as of July 7th). From May 26th, everyone must wear a mask while they use public transport, taxis, or take flights. You’ll have to do the 14 day quarantine when you arrive in Korea, but if you have a study visa you should be able to do that in private accommodation instead of at the airport. Korean Fan Death Myth Explained, 10 Best Mountains To Hike In Korea At Any Time. In just 2 weeks time. Things can change a lot in the next few months, however, and if cases start to drop off around the world, or at least in Canada and Korea, then perhaps travel will be possible again by autumn or winter. Uniqlo also has you covered here, they’ve got some lightweight shirts called Airism. Hi we will be travelling to korea on feb 11 to 16…. Hi, sounds like you’ve done a lot of research. Traditionally, Koreans sleep on the floor on a thick mat called a Yeo (여). Usually, in summer, a temperature is over 35`C degree and in winter it is under -10’C. As the current situation says we have to self isolate for 2 weeks it will be a total waste of time going. For travel to the United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange. Known as ‘patient 31’, a lady who was in hospital left several times to visit religious gatherings at the Shincheonji Church in Daegu. I mean I’m keeping updated with the news etc but it’s not slowing down so I was wondering if you think it’s okay or not I plan to stay in hongdae mainly. I’ve emailed the Korean Embassy in the UK to confirm the current situation for UK citizens and whether UK citizens can travel to Korea now. Hopefully the world is wiser now and things won’t get so out of hand again. And Korea's security and safety are top of the world. It’s been a huge help. ArriveCAN app and website. Supposedly our date of arrival in South Korea will be on Mar 8 until Mar 15. Avoiding busy areas, such as subway stations and airports might be difficult. How and when the world gets back to travelling safely again is impossible to predict right now. This costs 2,100,00 KRW, which is about $1,750 USD. Yes, it’s very frustrating and things are changing quickly. I live in Korea and do my best to follow these, too. This is the visa you need to travel to Korea as a tourist. Korea has done a lot to contain anyone with the coronavirus, or those suspected of having been infected. A lot of people want to know whether they can travel to Korea now. Thank you very much for your blog, it is indeed very informative. }); 1: Any passenger transiting in Korea must have a confirmed connecting ticket and transit within 24 hours. Some things that you’re used to can be easy to find and some things are nearly impossible. For those who don’t receive this message, they can still take the test. 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