How to Travel to South Korea in 2022

Annyeonghaseyo Korea!

Like most people during the worldwide lockdowns, K-Dramas kept us company and on the edge of our seats. The entertaining dramas we watched during our quarantine defined each day and provided a much-needed escape from the confines of our house.

Now that South Korea has finally reopened its borders to international travellers, why not pay homage to those days and see those handsome Oppas and beautiful Noonas in person? 😍

Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to South Korea in 2022.

*Disclaimer: Do note that entry requirements and quarantine information are subject to change. The information that’s published here is accurate at the time of writing. We highly advise you to do your own research before planning your trip!

Who can travel to South Korea?

All nationalities can travel to South Korea from 1 April 2022 onwards.

Do I need to take a Covid test?

All travellers must take a supervised ART test within 24 hours of departure or PCR test within 48 hours of departure. The test results must be negative to travel.

Children below 5 years of age do not need to take any pre-departure test, but will have to take one within 24 hours of arrival in South Korea.

You’ll also need to take a PCR test within 3 days of arrival in South Korea, and an ART test on the 6th or 7th day of your trip.

Do I need to quarantine in South Korea?

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers may travel to South Korea without quarantine from 8 June 2022 onwards.

What documents do I need?

Proof of negative covid test: All travellers must provide proof of their negative supervised ART test taken within 24 hours of departure or negative PCR test results taken within 48 hours of departure.

Declaration of vaccination history: All international visitors must declare their vaccination history on the Q-Code System online before departure. You’ll have to present the QR code assigned before checking in.

K-ETA: All travellers from visa-free countries like Malaysia must apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) at least 3 days before departure. You can apply for it online.

Do I need travel insurance?

While travel insurance is not mandatory to enter South Korea, it is still highly recommended to get yourself covered.

Can I still travel to South Korea if I'm not fully vaccinated?

Yes. Unvaccinated travellers to South Korea will no longer have to undergo a seven day quarantine from 8 June 2022. However, the requirements for pre-departure and arrival covid testing remains the same.

🕶️ Fun read: 6 Best-Kept Secret Places in South Korea

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