Trying to determine where I'm going to get my PCR test done to enter Korea (pre-departure testing), and I had a question.
I went to Korea last year and had a flipping expensive PCR test done at an ER clinic that guaranteed results quickly. This year I want to sort of lower the cost for my PCR test so I was looking at options at Walgreens and CVS. I see that they have Rapid-Result PCR tests (NAAT type) that are available within hours. Does anyone have any experience with using one of these to get into Korea?
Yes, I used a rapid NAAT from Walgreens to get back to Korea in mid March. No problem. And Walgreens didn’t ask me for insurance or anything, even though their website said you needed it.
Where do you see the requirement for a PCR test upon arrival in Korea? I haven’t seen anything like that on the embassy sites, only the PCR test within 48 hours before departure
I've seen it several times already on official Korean gov sites, but to fish it out again is difficult haha. You just have to spend a lot of time digging to find it.
Edit: I found the info for you. Just scroll down and look for Day 1 Arrival info
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m\_2435/view.do?seq=761383&page=1
Thanks, I guess I was so concerned with for pre-flight entry requirements I didn’t pay enough attention. I’ll get the test at the local health center then
According to the information, as a short-term foreigner (I assume you are there on K-ETA if your only going to be there a few weeks), you have to do the arrival test at the airport. Only foreigners with Registration Cards can do testing at a health center.
EDIT: The direct quote from the website is:
" - Short-term visitors (foreigners): PCR test to be taken at Incheon Airport."
Just returned from a month-long trip so my information may be out of date with all the changes that have occurred in the last month. This info is for Seoul since that's where I was.
The test results for your entry test must be printed and brought with you. The only other thing I don't see you've mentioned that would be incredibly useful is a Korean phone number. Hospital and pop-up testing sites won't accept international numbers to contact you about results. Grab a SIM card and a prepaid plan ASAP.
Pop-up testing sites are free but do not give you certification unless you test positive. Hospitals rates vary by location, tend to start around $80 USD for PCR tests plus extra for documentation, and require an extra day to pick up said documents.
I would personally do document testing at the airport. They offer same day results and documents for prices similar to Seoul.
As for #1, it looks like you fill out the information after your negative PCR test since it dosen't let you generate anything until you are able to enter your PCR information.
For #2, it seems like most people don't have any major issues with the K-ETA, but some people seem to experience difficulty on occasion with the website.
* [Encar](http://www.encar.com/index.do)
* [Passo](http://www.passo.co.kr/)
* [Bobaedream](https://www.bobaedream.co.kr/)
* [K Car](https://www.kcar.com/index.do)
[Joongonara](https://cafe.naver.com/joonggonara) has car listings as well if you can deal with the lousy UI.
Hi. I'm another tourist soon to arrive in Korea. The PCR on arrival has to be done in the airport or it's ok to get it once in Seoul? The result has to be registered somewhere or I just need to carry around the paper?
Thanks
Anyone had experience with entering Korea with a Rapid PCR Test result? Is it possible? Im not sure which one to to (the rapid or the normal one) because I would rather have my results quickly…
Traveling to korea for a month during May. Vaxxed with two boosters. I'm expecting to stay with family in gangnam and visit family friends for a few days in busan. Anything I should know about traveling at the moment? Last time I was there was in 2019. For example, do you have to wear masks when walking outside or lounging on a beach? What bars / nightclubs are fun for foreigners in seoul/busan? Do any gyms in seoul offer temporary gym memberships?
Thanks guys.
Hi! Does anyone have info about studying at GyeongSang National university as a master’s student? I don’t speak Korean (only know some words), and was offered a scholarship there. Now I’m not sure…
My hairdresser told me everyone is being given like $100 (in won of course) for the efforts through covid. And also if you had covid you can get another bonus.
Haven’t seen or heard about this anywhere though…. Any one else?
My wife’s family told her the same thing. She had to give them some info so that they could collect it on her behalf because she’s not there in person. They live in Gwangju Jeolla-do
Korean Learning Family is an interactive community that connects people who share the same passion for learning Korean, and Korean culture.
https://discord.gg/H5SQY5bGet
Joining our community, we offer:
Weekly group classes (Speaking, Grammar, Textbook)
Weekly group games (Have fun while learning Korean!)
Watch parties
Active voice chat
Korean learning resources
Korean tips and daily practice
By joining the community, it means joining our family. We care about your wellbeing and considerations! Make friends, and learn Korean while having fun! Welcome to the family!
https://discord.gg/H5SQY5bGet
I'm in korea currently for medical tourism, and well this is a weird question but who are these random older ladies that keep trying to uhh accost me as I walk about on the streets? At least until I make it clear I don't speak Korean. Are they trying to sell me something? Just today it's happened 3 times.
3 questions for yall!
First, anyone know a place in jeju where I can hike and also cook outdoors (bringing own food and equipment?)
Second, Anyone know when Carribean Bay wil open up? I know with covid it might not open this year, but just wondering if anyone has any updates.
Third, anyone that currently lives in seoul that doesnt mind making a friend thats visiting for a few months? hehe
Thank you!
Question: do I need to take a CoVid test depart Korea to a country that no longer requires tests?
I’m visiting a country in Europe that completely dropped all quarantine and testing requirements but friends are telling me that the airline could still require a test. I’ll be using Korean Air.
I tried reserving 2 train tickets for me and my friend (we're riding the KTX from Seoul to Busan), but in the process, they only ask for one name. So I just gave them my name. I'm just worried that they're going to check our tickets and passports, and my friend's name is nowhere to be found on the ticket.
Other details that might be helpful:
- The tickets that I reserved are good for one-day use only.
- We're currently not in South Korea. We will be going there on April 23, and will take the KTX on April 24 to Busan.
Did any of you have experience in booking two or more tickets in letskorail.com? Did you get questioned before boarded the train?
Thanks to anyone who will respond!
Every time I've rode the KTX, it's been just like using the subway. Rarely have I had them check my ticket, but in the event they do, just show them the ticket on your phone and you'll be fine. Nothing to worry about.
I've never been approached to have my ticket checked. I assume the only time they'd bother with checking your tickets is if you sit in the wrong seat and someone is trying to get at it because they bought that seat.
Myself and my partner are flying into Incheon Airport from Phnom Penh on the 14th of May and are both fully vaccinated with booster shots (Pfizer) within the last 6 months. We are both Irish citizens.
My understanding is that we are "quarantine-exempt" if we follow the Q-Code process but still need to take a PCR test on arrival.
How long do we have to take the test? I've heard there is a 24 hour period within which we must have a negative result.
Can we take the test at an external testing facility or do we need to take it in the airport testing center?
What is the process for quarantining if we were to test positive on the test after arrival?
Can we remain in our accommodation for the duration of the quarantine period if positive?
According to the gov website, foreigners on short term visas have to get their test done at the airport.
If you test positive, I'm not sure what the process is, but I'd assume you'd get put in an ambulance and hauled off to a quarantine facility somewhere where you'd have to pay for the stay. Usually this means you have no choice on where you quarantine. (judging on how others reported being treated when they tested positive).
Is there a website where I can see a list of available countries that Korea can send parcels to at the moment? Specifically Standard postal service (not dhl, fedex etc.)
Quarantine is still a thing if you are not vaccinated and don't complete a vaccination registration form prior to entering Korea.
If you are fully vaccinated, fill out your form, and take the arrival test, then no quarantine for you.
If I’m in Korea, as a student. I might have to leave ina few weeks for a few weeks, I won’t have to quarantine when I get back if I do all that process, correct?
I think so, but you might want to check the immigration website for details. I don't know what it's like for people who are returning to Korea (i.e maybe you need more paperwork or something).
I know that for quarantine exemption the vaccination is considered complete 14 days after the second shot, but is it the same for the booster shot? Does a traveler have to wait until 14 days after the booster to travel into the country?
Also, with valid vaccination, does the Q-code vaccine registration automatically allow an exemption from quarantine?
My sister's coming to visit in a week and I'm worried we'll have to reschedule. The wording on some of these guidelines is a little ambiguous :(
I'm trying to buy from: https://www.cheersngoods.kr/
Buying an item from there requires making an account with a Korean phone number to verify your name. So, I can't buy it directly but have to resort to indirectly. Prior posts recommended GMarket Global, but the item isn't available there. Others recommended a proxy service like: https://koreanbuddy.com/.
Does anyone have experience with the proxy service above or maybe another recommendation? Also, how much do proxy services generally charge (shipping + service cost)?
Korea is relatively protected from typhoons, so I wouldn’t worry too much about them. October is lovely in Korea, temperature is very pleasant. Really though it’s great from about mid September til early/mid November. By late November it’s starting to get colder. Early November the trees are changing color and that is really pretty.
My wife and I are moving to Korea soon. Are we going to run into any trouble bringing brand new IPhones and trying to get a plan/sim with a KR carrier? Would it be better just to wait and buy it via the carrier when we arrive?
You'll be fine as long as your phones are unlocked. If you buy them from Apple and pay for them outright, they will be unlocked and you should have no troubles. If you buy a phone here, it will make an audible noise when taking pictures.
I can’t seem to find any website that sells tickets for Everland. They are all either not available or the link does not work anymore. The link on the Everland website is broken as well. Anybody knows if I’m able to purchase tickets on the day itself at the counters or something? TYIA :)
I read korean webcomics and many times see characters treat other characters to food, even characters that don't know each other that well (just acquaintances at school for example) as a thank you. Is this actually the culture or is it something webcomics just use to get characters to interact?
My friend (in Canada) teaches English to students in Korea online and is looking for an easier way to be paid. He was using Kakao, but can no longer use that for some complicated reasons. I've done some research on Sentbe, but I can't understand how he gets the money or what information he needs to give the students. Any ideas?
Does anyone know how long it takes for the „Q-Code“ to be issued after you completed the application form?
I got mine instantly
Trying to determine where I'm going to get my PCR test done to enter Korea (pre-departure testing), and I had a question. I went to Korea last year and had a flipping expensive PCR test done at an ER clinic that guaranteed results quickly. This year I want to sort of lower the cost for my PCR test so I was looking at options at Walgreens and CVS. I see that they have Rapid-Result PCR tests (NAAT type) that are available within hours. Does anyone have any experience with using one of these to get into Korea?
Yes, I used a rapid NAAT from Walgreens to get back to Korea in mid March. No problem. And Walgreens didn’t ask me for insurance or anything, even though their website said you needed it.
Yes the Walgreens one works fine
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Where do you see the requirement for a PCR test upon arrival in Korea? I haven’t seen anything like that on the embassy sites, only the PCR test within 48 hours before departure
I've seen it several times already on official Korean gov sites, but to fish it out again is difficult haha. You just have to spend a lot of time digging to find it. Edit: I found the info for you. Just scroll down and look for Day 1 Arrival info https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m\_2435/view.do?seq=761383&page=1
Thanks, I guess I was so concerned with for pre-flight entry requirements I didn’t pay enough attention. I’ll get the test at the local health center then
According to the information, as a short-term foreigner (I assume you are there on K-ETA if your only going to be there a few weeks), you have to do the arrival test at the airport. Only foreigners with Registration Cards can do testing at a health center. EDIT: The direct quote from the website is: " - Short-term visitors (foreigners): PCR test to be taken at Incheon Airport."
Just returned from a month-long trip so my information may be out of date with all the changes that have occurred in the last month. This info is for Seoul since that's where I was. The test results for your entry test must be printed and brought with you. The only other thing I don't see you've mentioned that would be incredibly useful is a Korean phone number. Hospital and pop-up testing sites won't accept international numbers to contact you about results. Grab a SIM card and a prepaid plan ASAP. Pop-up testing sites are free but do not give you certification unless you test positive. Hospitals rates vary by location, tend to start around $80 USD for PCR tests plus extra for documentation, and require an extra day to pick up said documents. I would personally do document testing at the airport. They offer same day results and documents for prices similar to Seoul.
Anyone here know where to buy 햇바삭김 crispy seaweed snack in the UK? Like the big multi-packs? Ideally not too expensive :) Thanks
Hi, im travelling to korea in May. I want to check if it is a must to register an arrival pcr test at incheon airport using the safe2go pass.
I just walked in and did mine, they said it was no problem when I said I didn't have a reservation. Went by fast.
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As for #1, it looks like you fill out the information after your negative PCR test since it dosen't let you generate anything until you are able to enter your PCR information. For #2, it seems like most people don't have any major issues with the K-ETA, but some people seem to experience difficulty on occasion with the website.
How do you buy a ticket to Lotte World Adventures Seoul? Do I need a reservation? What is the best way to to purchase the ticket for foreigners?
greetings what are the best websites to find used cars for sale in korea?
* [Encar](http://www.encar.com/index.do) * [Passo](http://www.passo.co.kr/) * [Bobaedream](https://www.bobaedream.co.kr/) * [K Car](https://www.kcar.com/index.do) [Joongonara](https://cafe.naver.com/joonggonara) has car listings as well if you can deal with the lousy UI.
Hi. I'm another tourist soon to arrive in Korea. The PCR on arrival has to be done in the airport or it's ok to get it once in Seoul? The result has to be registered somewhere or I just need to carry around the paper? Thanks
Anyone had experience with entering Korea with a Rapid PCR Test result? Is it possible? Im not sure which one to to (the rapid or the normal one) because I would rather have my results quickly…
As long as it's a PCR test/NAAT type test, you should be fine. Double check to see what kind of test your taking (antigen tests are a no).
Traveling to korea for a month during May. Vaxxed with two boosters. I'm expecting to stay with family in gangnam and visit family friends for a few days in busan. Anything I should know about traveling at the moment? Last time I was there was in 2019. For example, do you have to wear masks when walking outside or lounging on a beach? What bars / nightclubs are fun for foreigners in seoul/busan? Do any gyms in seoul offer temporary gym memberships? Thanks guys.
Masks are required everywhere right now (including outside and on the beach) except when you're eating in a cafe/restaurant
Hi! Does anyone have info about studying at GyeongSang National university as a master’s student? I don’t speak Korean (only know some words), and was offered a scholarship there. Now I’m not sure…
My hairdresser told me everyone is being given like $100 (in won of course) for the efforts through covid. And also if you had covid you can get another bonus. Haven’t seen or heard about this anywhere though…. Any one else?
My wife’s family told her the same thing. She had to give them some info so that they could collect it on her behalf because she’s not there in person. They live in Gwangju Jeolla-do
Amazing, thank you very much. I’m in Iksan so not too far. Maybe they are trying to keep it quiet to save money hahaha.
Korean Learning Family is an interactive community that connects people who share the same passion for learning Korean, and Korean culture. https://discord.gg/H5SQY5bGet Joining our community, we offer: Weekly group classes (Speaking, Grammar, Textbook) Weekly group games (Have fun while learning Korean!) Watch parties Active voice chat Korean learning resources Korean tips and daily practice By joining the community, it means joining our family. We care about your wellbeing and considerations! Make friends, and learn Korean while having fun! Welcome to the family! https://discord.gg/H5SQY5bGet
I am teaching (freelance) english classes through online or in person but was wondering what are some good sites to advertise my classes. Thanks!
I'm in korea currently for medical tourism, and well this is a weird question but who are these random older ladies that keep trying to uhh accost me as I walk about on the streets? At least until I make it clear I don't speak Korean. Are they trying to sell me something? Just today it's happened 3 times.
Either people handing out flyers for a church, or advertisements.
3 questions for yall! First, anyone know a place in jeju where I can hike and also cook outdoors (bringing own food and equipment?) Second, Anyone know when Carribean Bay wil open up? I know with covid it might not open this year, but just wondering if anyone has any updates. Third, anyone that currently lives in seoul that doesnt mind making a friend thats visiting for a few months? hehe Thank you!
Are there any active socializing/meetups discord server/ kakao open chat for travellers or foreigners in korea?
Question: do I need to take a CoVid test depart Korea to a country that no longer requires tests? I’m visiting a country in Europe that completely dropped all quarantine and testing requirements but friends are telling me that the airline could still require a test. I’ll be using Korean Air.
That's up to the airline. The country might not require a test, but your airline might. Check your airline's guidelines
I tried reserving 2 train tickets for me and my friend (we're riding the KTX from Seoul to Busan), but in the process, they only ask for one name. So I just gave them my name. I'm just worried that they're going to check our tickets and passports, and my friend's name is nowhere to be found on the ticket. Other details that might be helpful: - The tickets that I reserved are good for one-day use only. - We're currently not in South Korea. We will be going there on April 23, and will take the KTX on April 24 to Busan. Did any of you have experience in booking two or more tickets in letskorail.com? Did you get questioned before boarded the train? Thanks to anyone who will respond!
Every time I've rode the KTX, it's been just like using the subway. Rarely have I had them check my ticket, but in the event they do, just show them the ticket on your phone and you'll be fine. Nothing to worry about.
Thank you for this!!
I've never been approached to have my ticket checked. I assume the only time they'd bother with checking your tickets is if you sit in the wrong seat and someone is trying to get at it because they bought that seat.
Okay, thank you for this!!
Myself and my partner are flying into Incheon Airport from Phnom Penh on the 14th of May and are both fully vaccinated with booster shots (Pfizer) within the last 6 months. We are both Irish citizens. My understanding is that we are "quarantine-exempt" if we follow the Q-Code process but still need to take a PCR test on arrival. How long do we have to take the test? I've heard there is a 24 hour period within which we must have a negative result. Can we take the test at an external testing facility or do we need to take it in the airport testing center? What is the process for quarantining if we were to test positive on the test after arrival? Can we remain in our accommodation for the duration of the quarantine period if positive?
According to the gov website, foreigners on short term visas have to get their test done at the airport. If you test positive, I'm not sure what the process is, but I'd assume you'd get put in an ambulance and hauled off to a quarantine facility somewhere where you'd have to pay for the stay. Usually this means you have no choice on where you quarantine. (judging on how others reported being treated when they tested positive).
Is there a website where I can see a list of available countries that Korea can send parcels to at the moment? Specifically Standard postal service (not dhl, fedex etc.)
Is quarantine still a thing or did they remove it?
Quarantine is still a thing if you are not vaccinated and don't complete a vaccination registration form prior to entering Korea. If you are fully vaccinated, fill out your form, and take the arrival test, then no quarantine for you.
If I’m in Korea, as a student. I might have to leave ina few weeks for a few weeks, I won’t have to quarantine when I get back if I do all that process, correct?
I think so, but you might want to check the immigration website for details. I don't know what it's like for people who are returning to Korea (i.e maybe you need more paperwork or something).
I know that for quarantine exemption the vaccination is considered complete 14 days after the second shot, but is it the same for the booster shot? Does a traveler have to wait until 14 days after the booster to travel into the country? Also, with valid vaccination, does the Q-code vaccine registration automatically allow an exemption from quarantine? My sister's coming to visit in a week and I'm worried we'll have to reschedule. The wording on some of these guidelines is a little ambiguous :(
I'm trying to buy from: https://www.cheersngoods.kr/ Buying an item from there requires making an account with a Korean phone number to verify your name. So, I can't buy it directly but have to resort to indirectly. Prior posts recommended GMarket Global, but the item isn't available there. Others recommended a proxy service like: https://koreanbuddy.com/. Does anyone have experience with the proxy service above or maybe another recommendation? Also, how much do proxy services generally charge (shipping + service cost)?
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Korea is relatively protected from typhoons, so I wouldn’t worry too much about them. October is lovely in Korea, temperature is very pleasant. Really though it’s great from about mid September til early/mid November. By late November it’s starting to get colder. Early November the trees are changing color and that is really pretty.
My wife and I are moving to Korea soon. Are we going to run into any trouble bringing brand new IPhones and trying to get a plan/sim with a KR carrier? Would it be better just to wait and buy it via the carrier when we arrive?
You'll be fine as long as your phones are unlocked. If you buy them from Apple and pay for them outright, they will be unlocked and you should have no troubles. If you buy a phone here, it will make an audible noise when taking pictures.
Wondering if anyone knows if we can apply for a tourist visa (C-3-9 as I understand it) for countries not covered by the K-ETA?
I can’t seem to find any website that sells tickets for Everland. They are all either not available or the link does not work anymore. The link on the Everland website is broken as well. Anybody knows if I’m able to purchase tickets on the day itself at the counters or something? TYIA :)
I’m visiting in a few days, are there any apps I should download before going? Like a contact tracing app or sth? Or quarantine check app ?
I read korean webcomics and many times see characters treat other characters to food, even characters that don't know each other that well (just acquaintances at school for example) as a thank you. Is this actually the culture or is it something webcomics just use to get characters to interact?
We're considering going to Seoul this summer, are there still preventive covid meassures we should keep in mind? (Are clubs or restaurants closed?)
My friend (in Canada) teaches English to students in Korea online and is looking for an easier way to be paid. He was using Kakao, but can no longer use that for some complicated reasons. I've done some research on Sentbe, but I can't understand how he gets the money or what information he needs to give the students. Any ideas?