Hello!

With the issuance of short-term tourist visas starting in June, we've recently begun to see more travelers in Korea.

However, as of late July, the global spread of the novel coronavirus has begun to re-accelerate.

There are even news reports suggesting that Korea could reach 300,000 cases by mid-August.

What if you test positive for COVID-19 in a country where you don't understand the language?

To prepare for a situation where "it will be fine" might not be enough,

let's check out the procedures for "what to do if you happen to get infected with COVID-19 during your trip to Seoul" this time.

(The following information is current as of July 26, 2022.)

① Testing Positive for COVID-19 via PCR Test

As of July 26, entry into Japan requires a "negative certificate obtained within 72 hours prior to entry.".

If you test positive in this PCR test, you will not be able to enter Japan.

Generally, PCR test results in Korea are sent via email for foreigners.

Once you receive your positive PCR test result, first,

ask the hospital to contact the public health center.

② Canceling Your Return Flight

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will naturally be unable to return home.

Therefore, cancel your return flight promptly upon discovering you are positive.

If you cannot cancel, it might be worth explaining your situation and asking if you can change your flight.

③ Booking Accommodation During COVID-19 Isolation

Currently in Korea, if you test positive for COVID-19, a "one-week self-isolation" is mandatory,

and foreigners are no exception.

Regarding accommodation during self-isolation, it is generally said that you have no choice but to find it yourself.

Currently, facilities that can accommodate guests who are positive for COVID-19 are quite limited.

Even staff residing in Korea found it quite difficult to find such places.

In Seoul, searching for "서울 격리 숙소" on NAVER will yield some information,

but official hotel pages or booking pages do not appear.

Therefore, you will need to review the information and make phone calls to confirm.

It is also possible to look for accommodation on platforms like "Airbnb.".

④ Informing the Public Health Center of Your Accommodation

The PCR test hospital will contact the public health center, and

if the public health center confirms a positive case, they will send an announcement

detailing the isolation period, etc., to each positive individual.

(Contact from the public health center is generally via SMS to your phone number, but

since foreigners may not have a Korean mobile number, you may need to negotiate

to receive communication via email.)

Once your accommodation for the isolation period is decided, inform them of the address.

And what becomes important here is food for the week.

In Korea, there is generally no provision of meals during isolation or delivery of food from the government.

If you do not have any acquaintances or reliable people in Korea,

consult with the public health center when you contact them about whether you can go out to secure food.

⑤ One Week of Isolation

After informing the public health center of your accommodation,

your isolation period begins.

During your isolation, it might be a good idea to check your return flight and

register with MySOS in advance to ensure a smooth return.

⑥ PCR Test After Isolation

　※ If Positive, Contact the Consulate and Obtain a Consular Letter

After completing the one-week isolation, it's time to prepare for your return home.

However, problems can arise here as well.

It is said that PCR tests can remain positive for more than two weeks, even after symptoms have disappeared.

＜If You Test Positive in a PCR Test After One Week of Isolation＞

You can obtain a "Consular Letter" from the consulate of your respective country.

What is a Consular Letter?

For individuals who have tested positive two or more times despite being asymptomatic,

as an exceptional measure, the Embassy/Consulate General will issue a Consular Letter stating that "it is confirmed that obtaining a negative (test) certificate is difficult.".

Please select the nearest diplomatic mission (contact information in item 3 below) and submit the documents in item 2 via email, with at least two business days' notice before departure.

Quoted from "Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.".

Although this statement is an official announcement from the Philippine Consulate,

there are individuals who have successfully returned home using this Consular Letter from Korea and other Western countries.

The required documents, the validity period of the Consular Letter, and

whether a Consular Letter can be received are subject to change,

so it is necessary to inquire with each consulate.

(Consulates can assist in Japanese.)

⑦ Booking and Boarding Your Return Flight

If you have completed your one-week isolation and tested negative in the PCR test,

you can enter Japan, so book your return flight based on your physical condition.

If you are returning with a Consular Letter,

some consulates may have conditions such as "permission to return after X days from receiving the Consular Letter.".

Therefore, it is recommended to inquire thoroughly with each consulate.

Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Korea

8th Floor, Twin Tree Tower A, 6, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03142

Business Hours: Passports, Certificates, Various Notifications 9:30-12:00, 13:30-17:00

Interviews/Consultations 9:30-11:30, 13:30-16:00

Phone: 02-739-7400 (Consular Section)

Email: ryojisodan.seoul@so.mofa.go.jp

As the embassy is currently restricting entry,

it is recommended to inquire by email or phone first, rather than visiting without an appointment.

⑧ Return Home

You will successfully return home.

Congratulations on your safe return.

How was it?

This time, we introduced the procedures for what to do if you get infected with COVID-19 during your trip to Korea.

For those considering a trip to Korea this summer vacation, those who have already planned their trip,

and those who are anxious about "what if I get COVID-19 during my trip...",

As the saying goes, "forewarned is forearmed,"

please continue to take thorough infection prevention measures during your trip, and if you feel unwell at all,

rest without pushing yourself and enjoy your trip with plenty of time!

Finally, recently, not only COVID-19, but also some people are reporting feeling unwell due to heatstroke.

Please do not overexert yourself and prioritize your own well-being.

These are English translations of articles from our GTTOUR Japanese website.