A leading driver and strong advocate for European Businesses in Korea
COVID-19 Update (January 26, 2022)
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), changes will apply to the current diagnostic test system and quarantine periods. With Omicron variant rising to dominance nationwide, the Korean government seeks for phased modification of the system starting January 26, 2022.
PCR Testing
The limited PCR testing system will first take into effect in 4 particular regions that have a rapid rise of Omicron variant such as Pyeongtaek, Anseong, Gwangju and Jeollanam-do Province and is to be expanded nationwide within a few weeks.
Limited PCR testing will be offered to concentrate on treatment of high-risk groups, such as those in their 60s or older. With that said, PCR tests which were originally offered at public health centers for free of charge to anyone, will be limited to those who fall under following categories (subject to change):
Those in their 60s or older
Those epidemiologically related to the COVID-19 patient
Those with doctor’s note
Those working at facilities particularly vulnerable to COVID-19
Those who tested positive on a rapid antigen test
*Usage of rapid antigen test is said to be further introduced for faster test results.
Those who have tested positive to self-test kit or rapid antigen test, will be able to visit public health centers for the PCR Test.
Quarantine Periods
Fully Vaccinated
(14 days after completion of 3rd vaccine or 90 days within completion of 2nd vaccine)
Unvaccinated or those who do not fall under the fully vaccinated category
COVID-19 Patient
7 days quarantine
10 days quarantine
Close Contact with COVID-19 Patient
Not subject to quarantine (only passive monitoring)
Please note that the quarantine exemption applies for people currently resining in Korea with proper vaccination. In general, it is mandatory for almost all Korean & international travelers who enter Korea to go through a 10-day quarantine. Exemptions only apply to those who have received the exemption approval before travel, such as important business or diplomatic matters, etc. Please note that it is limited only for a very special business cases due to Omicron variant at the moment. For more information, please contact ‘Business Travel Support Center(BTSC)’ (☏1566-8110) for inviting Businesses/Organizations.
What will Happen to the Vaccine Pass System with the Newly Implemented COVID-19 Measures?
The standard for validity period for the Vaccine Pass system(180days) and Quarantine Periods system(90days) varying may cause confusion for some.
The validity period of the Vaccine Pass is 180 days after the second vaccination or immediately after the third shot.
Regarding the newly applied Quarantine Period system one will be recognized fully-vaccinated 90 days within completion of second vaccine or 14 days after completion of third vaccine.
COVID-19 Update (January 26, 2022)
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), changes will apply to the current diagnostic test system and quarantine periods. With Omicron variant rising to dominance nationwide, the Korean government seeks for phased modification of the system starting January 26, 2022.
PCR Testing
The limited PCR testing system will first take into effect in 4 particular regions that have a rapid rise of Omicron variant such as Pyeongtaek, Anseong, Gwangju and Jeollanam-do Province and is to be expanded nationwide within a few weeks.
Limited PCR testing will be offered to concentrate on treatment of high-risk groups, such as those in their 60s or older. With that said, PCR tests which were originally offered at public health centers for free of charge to anyone, will be limited to those who fall under following categories (subject to change):
*Usage of rapid antigen test is said to be further introduced for faster test results.
Those who have tested positive to self-test kit or rapid antigen test, will be able to visit public health centers for the PCR Test.
Quarantine Periods
(14 days after completion of 3rd vaccine or 90 days within completion of 2nd vaccine)
(PCR Test on Day 6~7)
(PCR Test on Day 6~7)
*For more information, visit Ministry of Health and Welfare’s webpage.
Quarantine Exemptions for those Traveling for Business
Effective January 24, 2022, criteria for issuance of quarantine exemptions for those traveling for business matters has become stricter.
*For more information, CLICK HERE.
Please note that the quarantine exemption applies for people currently resining in Korea with proper vaccination. In general, it is mandatory for almost all Korean & international travelers who enter Korea to go through a 10-day quarantine. Exemptions only apply to those who have received the exemption approval before travel, such as important business or diplomatic matters, etc. Please note that it is limited only for a very special business cases due to Omicron variant at the moment. For more information, please contact ‘Business Travel Support Center(BTSC)’ (☏1566-8110) for inviting Businesses/Organizations.
What will Happen to the Vaccine Pass System with the Newly Implemented COVID-19 Measures?
The standard for validity period for the Vaccine Pass system(180days) and Quarantine Periods system(90days) varying may cause confusion for some.