South Korea is regarded as one of the most successful countries tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently the daily number of new cases varies between 300 – 600. Especially the province Jeollanam-do has very low numbers of new cases. These numbers vary between 0 and 5 per day in Jeollanam-do (as of the beginning of 2021).
Visa Application
The South Korean government has suspended visa-free entry and visa-waiver programs for nationals of countries imposing entry bans on Koreans. Therefore, in order to visit Jeollanam-do and South Korea, regardless of the purpose, one has to obtain a visa through the local Korean embassy.
Upon Arrival
As of January 8th, 2021, all foreign residents entering Korea, must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate. A negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate is deemed valid only when issued within 72 hours prior to departure.
Furthermore, all inbound travelers, including Korean citizens, must quarantine themselves for 14 days upon their arrival in Korea.
1. Korean nationals and foreign nationals who reside in Korea will self-quarantine at their place of residence for 14 days.
2. Foreign nationals who are short-term visitors in Korea, Korean nationals and/or foreign residents whose place of residence is deemed not suitable for quarantine, will serve the quarantine at a designated government facility at their own cost (KRW2,100,000 per person).
Exceptions:
1. A-1, A-2 and A-3 visa holders with negative test results from COVID-19 diagnostic testing will be subjected to “Active Monitoring” (instead of 14 days quarantine), which includes daily submission of health status information via the ‘Self Diagnosis App’ and phone calls from health authorities throughout their stay in Korea.
2. Travelers who received Quarantine Exemption Certificate from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea before the trip.
(information provided by Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
How to get to Jeollanam-do
As of June 2020, all direct KTX and express buses from Incheon International Airport to Jeollanam-do are being suspended. If arriving at Incheon International Airport travelers must take a shuttle bus from the airport to Gwangmyeong Station where they can transfer to a KTX to Jeollanam-do. After departing the KTX in Jeollanam-do, one is being directly transferred to the designated quarantine facility.
For further information please visit the official website of the South Korean government providing current status & useful guidelines regarding COVID-19:
For further information on how to apply for a visa for Korea, please contact your local Korean embassy or visit the website of Korea Immigration Service: