On March 21st, 2022, the South Korea government introduced a new health monitoring system to control the spreading of coronavirus Covid-19, for travelers coming to Korea. Under this system, each traveler must fill health status declaration form prior to entering Korea. Such declaration can be done manually by filling a yellow-colored health declaration form or online by accessing a designated website, filling out the web form, and obtaining Q-Code as the electronic form submission certification.
In May 2023, WHO declared an end to Covid-19 as a global health emergency, after carefully taking into considerations the downward trend for Covid-19 cases and the respective mortality rate. The statement also hinted how countries worldwide had been able to finally put Covid-19 under control. In South Korea, the death toll for Covid-19 had also been showing downward trend. As can be seen in the picture below, most provinces in South Korea did not report any Covid-19 related death case on July 10th, 2023. This is in contrast with the early days of Covid-19, whereas mortality rate was considerably high.
In June 2023, South Korea recorded 428,329 Covid-19 cases with number of death cases at 213. This means that in June 2023, monthly mortality rate for Covid-19 in South Korea was at 0.05%. Reflecting on this low mortality rate, it can be said that South Korea has been able to properly control Covid-19.
Having perused the statistical and scientific data, the government of South Korea decided to roll out a new regulation with regards to health declaration form / Q-Code requirement. Starting from Saturday, July 15th, 2023, all travelers entering South Korea are not required to submit health declaration form or present Q-Code at the health screening checkpoint. To monitor the health condition of travelers, the airport authorities will instead optimize the use of body temperature sensors installed at the facility, which are located around the health screening checkpoint.
This new policy is such a breeze for travelers planning to visit South Korea. Almost all restrictions imposed during Covid-19 in South Korea have been lifted. Besides the removal of Q-Code requirement, South Korea has also lifted mask mandate, both for indoor and outdoor. You can go anywhere in Korea without wearing mask.
It feels like travel has been what it used to be before Covid-19, doesn’t it?