e. Quarantine FAQ

YES!

1. Is the PCR test result accepted in a language other than English or Korean?

1. Generally speaking, the negative test result must be issued in English or Korean.

2. However, if the results can only be issued in a local language, an English or Korean translation can be accepted only if the translation is certified/notarized by an official translator and submitted together.

   • Translation certification issued by a notarized agency of the foreign country of departure, etc.

2. What type of tests are accepted?

• Only gene detection tests (real-time reverse transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR])

3. What are the requirements at the time the PCR results are issued?

• A negative PCR test result must be issued within 48 hours of the departure date.

* Example: If departing on January 10, 2021 at 10:00am, only results issue from midnight January 7, 2021 will be accepted.

4. Country A → Country B → When arriving in Korea, which country should results be issued from: Country A or Country B?

• Departing from country A and transferring without entering country B, results must be issued from country A

• In case of departure from country A and departure to Korea after entering country B, results must be issued from from country B

5. Is it required to submit negative PCR test even for foreigners who transfer from Korea to a third country?

• Transit passengers (transfer passengers) who are not entering Korea do not need to submit a negative PCR result.

6. If the negative PCR results are issued digital such as by e-mail or text message, how do I submit it and whether it is recognized when entering Korea?

• It Must be printed and submitted so that specific inspection results can be confirmed by the National Quarantine Service.

• The test results must include your name (as it is written in your passport), the test name, the test results, and the date of issue.

7. What if I don't have a negative PCR test when entering Korea?

• You will not be permitted to enter Korea.

• Koreans entering the country from the UK or South Africa will be quarantined in temporary living facilities for 2 weeks, and the facility usage fee (1.68 million won per person) during the quarantine period must be borne by the individual.

8. Are negative PCR results issued by a designated inspection agency in my country only accepted?

• In the case of countries (i.e., the Philippines, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, and Nepal) which currently have strengthened quarantine measures in place as of January 7, only negative PCR results from a designated COVID-19 testing center will be accepted. Please refer to the local Korean Embassy websites for more information.

• Negative test results from other countries will be accepted any regular testing center.

For D-2-6 Visa holders, you must arrange your own quarantine accommodations.

The embassies and consulates are not necessarily that well-informed or have accurate information. Accounts online are all different in addition to embassies all having different information, or not knowing themselves.

• All of our information that we are sending you is based on ACTUAL FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE during Fall 2020 pre-arrival and arrival stages of the exchange.

• We interviewed students during and after quarantine;

• have been in contact with the local District Health Office case workers assigned to students in quarantine;

• and Immigration Officers at the airport.

No.

Students also need to plan ahead for Food Service. We know of two ways to order/pay for food using non-Korean credit cards, and without Korean cell service/SIM card with phone service:

Pack Your Own Food

• Some students brought an extra carrier with enough non-perishable food for two weeks - this is very easy to prepare in advance in your home country.

Shuttle Delivery: https://www.shuttledelivery.co.kr/en

• Only delivers to certain locations - Yongsan-gu and Mapo-gu are the best locations (i.e., many restaurants in these areas).

Gmarket: http://www.gmarket.com

• Accepts foreign credit cards - but you must make an account.

• Prices can be more expensive when searching in English.

• Food items are typically sold in BULK.

First and foremost we hope this does not happen - but please be aware that this has happened to exchange and regular degree students on campus over the last year.

Should you happen to test positive or contract COVID-19, you will be taken to a government-run care facility and be monitored until you receive two negative PCR tests consecutively, at which point you will be released according to KCDC guidelines. The cost of care is borne by the Korean government if there are bilateral agreements to do so in your country of citizenship. Otherwise, the cost must be borne individually (or your insurance presumably).