South Korea COVID-19 News

by Young, Lisa & Henry

Hello everyone! First of all, we want to thank all of you for undying support amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In this post, we will talk about the COVID-19 situation in South Korea and mandatory two-week quarantine procedures for travelers. We will update it weekly. Stay tuned for the latest information.

South Korea COVID-19 news(updated July 6th)

South Korea flattened the curve. However, it is not over yet. The government and people are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Life in South Korea

We are pretty much having a normal life just like the one before the pandemic, but there are some caveats.

The mask

Wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer are the new standard and mandatory in the public space. You may not ride public transports without a mask. You can easily buy three types of COVID-19 protection mask: KF94(N95), KF80, and lightweight summer version one in the general store and the pharmacy. In an emergency, you can also buy some at the school front desk.

Restricted public spaces

To use some public spaces(i.e., movie theater, church, concerts, etc.), besides wearing a mask, you have to 2m apart with the next person. Usher checks your body temperature, and if it is higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius, you can’t use the facility.

To use the entertainment facility(i.e., bar, club, etc.), the usher will scan personal data stored QR code from your phone.

Groceries

There is no panic buying in South Korea. You can buy daily groceries at any supermarket. Also, you can order them with apps. Your order will arrive the next morning in front of your house.

How to come and learn Korean at Rolling Korea

1. Check if you
need a visa

2. Online
registration

3. Arrival &
two weeks quarantine

4. Take your first
Korean class

1. Check if you need a visa to travel to South Korea

We are glad that you made your mind to come to Rolling Korea! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you might need a visa to travel to South Korea. Check the bureau of consular affairs or nearby South Korea embassy if you need one. Processing a permit could take a while. We suggest you do the paperwork weeks ahead of the departure date.

Required documents for a visa: letter of acceptance, school admission certificate, school schedule, etc.

* If you need them, we can send these files via email.

2. Registration

Fill the registration here to enroll.

3. Arrival and two weeks quarantine

1. To prevent transmission of COVID-19, travelers entering Korea after 00:00, April 1st, 2020 (Korea time) are subject to quarantine for 14 days from the day after entry in accordance with relevant laws including the Quarantine Act.

2. Short-term travelers (foreign-nationals) without a confirmed address in Korea are subject to quarantine at a facility designated by the Korean government.

3. The quarantine facility is allocated randomly and cannot be changed for personal reasons. Transportation from the airport to the facility will be provided.

4. The total expense for facility quarantine is KRW 1,400,000 – 2,100,000 (KRW 100,000 – 150,000 daily). The expense should be paid before entering the facility. The expense is not refundable as discharge is not possible during the quarantine period.

5. The expense includes costs for accommodation, meals, etc.

6. The facility is a smoking-free area. You shall not exit the facility nor make any contact with another resident during your stay.

7. If you develop fever, cough, dyspnea, or any symptoms that may indicate infection, you will be tested for COVID-19. Even if you are tested negative, you shall not be discharged before the end of the quarantine period (14 days).

8. If you plan to get a boarding pass for a flight to Korea, you shall complete and submit the Agreement to Facility Quarantine. If you do not agree, your entry to Korea will be denied.

9. Failure of compliance with the guidelines above may be deemed as violation of relevant regulations including the Quarantine Act and result in an order for departure from Korea.

* Those who signed up for the package: you will fill out the following paper at the end of the quarantine. Please contact us via phone or Kakaotalk to make an appointment to pick you up. If you arrive on your own, we’ll provide a send-off service later.

4. Take your first Korean class

Congratulations. You come a long way to learn Korean. Let’s make every moment count!

* Your safety comes first! We put hand sanitizers, check everyone’s body temperature, and clean the facility regularly.

* You can postpone your Korean class without additional charge amid COVID-19.

Two-week quarantine experience by Celeste

1. Did you know about quarantine before you came to Korea? Were you afraid of or worried about the COVID-19 situation in Korea?

I was aware that I would be quarantined for two weeks before I came to Korea. Yes, I was afraid of being quarantined for two weeks. My parents were not worried about sending me to Korea since Korea is better handling the Corona situation than the US.

2. How did you get to the quarantine facility? Can you tell me the process from the beginning?

3. What language do they speak?

They speak Korean, but most of the people speak a little English. And it was no problem because I had help from someone who can speak both Korean and English.

4. How does the Korean government protect foreigners in quarantine, and what is the cost? Could you be specific?

If you stay at the facility, they will provide three meals a day by the schedule. There are different food options, such as American, Korean, and vegetarian. By default, they will give you Korean food if you have no request. You are not allowed to leave the room, or an alarm will go off. You can only open your door to grab your food or put out your garbage. They will announce when your food is outside your door. The hotel I stayed at had a refrigerator, TV, AC, and WiFi. They don’t have a washing machine, so you have to hand wash your clothes. They will give you a paper two days before you leave, asking what transportation will you take. The options were bus station, Seoul station, or someone picks you up. You can’t take a taxi. The cost for the facility was 100,000 won a day, which is about 100 dollars a day. I felt safe.

5. Are you sure you can't go outside? What happens if you break the rule?

They will deport you if you leave. No smoking is allowed. If you smoke, you have to pay a fine.

6. How was staying in a hotel during the quarantine? Was it comfortable? Do you have any tips for foreigners who travel to South Korea?

I slept a lot since my sleep schedule was messed up. The two weeks helped me get used to the time zone before I started the class, which was nice. Besides sleeping, I watched TV or Netflix. There is WiFi, so I was able to use my laptop.

7. How was the Rolling Korea pick-up service after the quarantine?

The driver arrived in a taxi car, but people didn’t say anything. The driver was very friendly and helped me with my luggage. He didn’t speak English, but he knew the directions, so it wasn’t a problem. He dropped me off right in front of the place, so it was easy to find. I arrived safely.

8. How is your life in Korea now?

I go to school for a couple of hours for four days, and then I have the rest of the time to venture out. The school is in Hongdae, so I’ve been shopping a lot. I feel safe even in the presence of the COVID-19. I always look forward to the trip to Korea.

Travel safe to South Korea.
We will wait for you on the other side.