Annyeonghaseyo again, South Korea!
Photo Credit: @zoeypky
Following positive announcements of countries like Singapore and Australia lifting travel restrictions, we're blessed with yet another exciting news this week - South Korea has finally announced that they will be reopening their borders for leisure travel again!
From 1 April 2022 onwards, travellers from all countries including Malaysia will be allowed to enter South Korea after over two years of border closures. Who's excited for some shopping at Myeongdong, cafe-hopping, oppa-hunting, and delicious Korean food?
Travel Requirements & Guidelines For Malaysians Travelling To South Korea
Who can travel to South Korea?
- South Korea will be reopening borders to travellers of all nationalities from 1 April 2022.
- Fully vaccinated travellers will not be required to quarantine.
[Update, June 2022] From 8 June onwards, all individuals (whether vaccinated or unvaccinated) are no longer required to quarantine and can travel to South Korea without having to present vaccination documents.
[Update, Sept 2022] From 3 September onwards, South Korea will be scrapping their pre-departure COVID test requirement! Travellers will no longer need to present a PCR or RTK test result to enter the country.
[Update, 30 Sept 2022] From 1 October, inbound travellers will no longer need to take an on-arrival PCR test! Those who show symptoms within the first 3 days of arrival can undergo a free PCR test at public health centres across the country.
Checklist of documents & tests required for travel:
- Apply for a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) at least 3 days before your trip: foreign visitors from visa-free countries such as Malaysia are required to obtain a K-ETA before entering the Republic of Korea. Malaysians can apply for a K-ETA online - your approved K-ETA will be valid for multiple trips over a period of two years and has an application fee of 10,000 KRW/person (approximately RM35). We'd recommend applying for your K-ETA as early as you can as approvals may be delayed.
- Declare your personal information on the Q-Code System: all foreign tourists are required to declare their vaccination history through the Quarantine COVID-19 Defence (Q-Code) System online prior to travel. Once you've completed the form, you'll be assigned a QR code and will have to present it for checking before boarding your flight.
Will I need to quarantine upon arrival in South Korea?
[Update, June 2022] From 8 June onwards, all individuals (whether vaccinated or unvaccinated) are no longer required to quarantine and can travel to South Korea without having to present vaccination documents.
Can I travel to South Korea if I've recovered from COVID-19?
Yes, you can! Aside from presenting a negative COVID-19 PCR Test result, you'll also need to prepare an official doctor's note on when you tested positive, what treatment you received, and/or what isolation you observed.
Do I need to take COVID tests while in South Korea and how much does it cost?
[Update, 30 Sept 2022] From 1 October, inbound travellers will no longer need to take an on-arrival PCR test! Those who show symptoms within the first 3 days of arrival can undergo a free PCR test at public health centres across the country.
Ready To Reunite With Your Oppas?
Plan a safe and hassle-free Korea trip by booking all your travel essentials on Klook! From travel passes to attraction tickets, pocket wifi, day tours, and even hanbok rental - we've got you covered from A to Z. Here are some things to add to your cart:
Other Countries Malaysians Can Now Travel To
Not Ready To Travel Overseas Just Yet?
Photo Credit: @wawaa.zubir_ || 📍 Colmar Tropicale
Still skeptical about hopping on an international flight? Go on a local Cuti-Cuti Malaysia adventure first before making bigger plans! Besides, there's more to explore close to home than you think. Click here to start planning your getaway within Malaysia with exclusive packages available on Klook.
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