e. Quarantine FAQ

Quarantine Upon Arrival FAQ

DO I need a Negative PCR Test before departing?

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 8, 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 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.

Can I use the Government quarantine FACILITIES?

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

Can I quarantine with friends?

Yes.

Students recommended sharing an AirBnB together to reduce costs and increase their living spaces. The flat should have a separate bedroom and bathroom for each person.

Students must arrange these before coming to Korea otherwise they will not be allowed to pass through Immigration.

The accommodations will be approved by the local district health office after you arrive and check in with them.

But the Korean Embassy/my Local Embassy said the Opposite of HUFS?

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.

What kind of places can I use for quarantine?

There are Hotels (e.g., Dongdaemun Sky Park) and AirBnB's that are the best options. We recommend using AirBnB's as they are the most cost-effective for students.

Can I do the 2-week quarantine in HUFS dormitories?

No.

Where are the best areas to look for?

The easiest way to do this is via an AirBnB in Mapo or Yongsan districts (the area matters for food delivery service from Shuttle Delivery if you plan on using it, see below).

How do I prepare for food service during quarantine?

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).

  • 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.

What should I prepare for quarantine?

Many students recommend preparing a Korean cell phone/service in advance. You can also get a SIM card but you need to make sure your cell phone is not region-locked. You can get these at the airport, but, it is better to prepare this in advance before arriving in Korea.

Pre-Arrival Preparation

Please DOWNLOAD and TEST food service applications in your home countries with your payment methods BEFORE arriving in Korea.

If you are having difficulty making arrangements for a place to do quarantine, you might consider using an all-inclusive service from HGBS, which is working with HUFS OIAM Office to help international students navigate this process:

  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quarantine_seoul/

  • Facebook: HUFS 2021 Spring Quarantine

  • https://www.facebook.com/HUFS-2021-Spring-Quarantine-106321504742973

  • Email: kykyyoon75@gmail.com

  • WhatsApp: 82 10 6593 9611

  • Reservation: https://forms.gle/MWK5VHay5Zc6f5U38