South Korea: Officials extend COVID-19 restrictions nationwide through at least Sept. 5 /update 70

Event

South Korean authorities have extended COVID-19 restrictions nationwide through at least Sept. 5 amid ongoing transmission. Most of the country remains under Level-3 controls, the second-highest level. The government limits private gatherings to four people, while events and assemblies can have up to 50 participants. The central government recommends that local authorities not count fully vaccinated people in gathering totals, though variation is likely. In most parts of the country, individuals who have received at least one vaccine do not need to wear a facemask, except on public transportation, indoor public areas, and large gatherings.

Employers with more than 50 workers must facilitate staggered commuting and lunchtimes; officials recommend up to 20 percent of staff telecommute. Most nonessential and entertainment businesses may operate until 22:00 daily provided they adhere to certain protocols, including capacity limits. Provincial and city governments can adjust curbs based on local COVID-19 activity.

High-risk businesses must participate in a contact-tracing system requiring patrons to produce a quick response (QR) code for scanning before entering designated establishments. Companies can manually record contact information if necessary. The government will close non-compliant businesses for 10 days after a first infraction. Fines are also possible. Several major industrial plants and offices have temporarily closed after employees tested positive for COVID-19. Commercial disruptions are possible at any establishment that violates COVID-19-related rules or where outbreaks occur.

Level-4 controls, the highest level, are in effect for Greater Seoul, including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, Busan, Daejeon, and Jeju. Strict limits on the size of gatherings remain in place and may vary depending on the vaccination status of participants. Most businesses can operate with various capacity limits and other protocols. Entertainment businesses, including nightclubs and pubs, remain closed, and spectators cannot attend sporting events. Facemasks are mandatory in Level-4 areas, regardless of vaccination status. Authorities may fine people not wearing or improperly wearing facemasks up to KRW 100,000.

Travel Restrictions
Visa-free and visa-waiver programs remain suspended with countries that have banned entry for South Korean citizens and travelers with short-term visas issued before April 5, 2020. South Korean residents, including long-term visa holders, can enter the country. Most foreign residents must obtain permits before departing South Korea to facilitate any planned re-entry. Inbound passengers must present evidence of a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure; exceptions are possible for children under age six and South Korean nationals for humanitarian reasons, among others. Arrivals are subject to mandatory screenings at points of entry. Authorities in Seoul require inbound passengers remaining in the city to undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival; travelers must await test results before continuing their journey.

South Korean nationals, long-term residents, and some relatives of these groups who arrive from most locations can quarantine at their residence for 14 days. Most other international arrivals must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities at their own expense. All travelers from South Africa and Tanzania must quarantine at government facilities for 14 days.

People who have completed COVID-19 vaccinations in South Korea, as well as individuals who have received full vaccination abroad and are visiting family or for business, academic, or public interest purposes, among others, may be exempt from the 14-day quarantine.

The government does not permit quarantine-free travel from several countries, including Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and South Africa.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ministry of Health and Welfare