International Student Entry Guidelines for COVID-19
1. Notes for students in stages
A. Visa application - In accordance with the Infectious Disease Control Act and strengthening immigration procedures, new student visa applicants must attach a COVID-related symptom test result sheet in addition to the existing supporting documents when applying for a visa. The test report is not a COVID-19 diagnostic test, but a medical certificate confirming that there are no COVID-19 related symptoms (fever, cough, respiratory symptoms). Only Korean/English test reports issued within 48 hours prior to the visa application date are accepted.
B. Flight ticket purchase – Due to the reduction of flights worldwide, the number of flights has greatly decreased, and flight schedule changes and cancellations are frequent even for the operating airlines. The fall semester starts on September 1st, so please consider the 14 days of self-quarantine when deciding on your arrival date in Korea. Even after purchasing a flight ticket, please check your flight schedule and airline notices on a regular basis.
C. Arrival at Incheon Airport – The city of Seoul is currently operating a special transportation bus for those arriving from overseas. After passing through immigration and going through procedures such as filling out questionnaires, Korea University students must go to the waiting room located on the 1st floor of the Incheon Airport Terminal 1 or on the B1 floor of the Incheon Airport Terminal 2 and then board the special transportation bus for zone 1. The fare is 16,000 KRW and you will be dropped off in front of Seongbuk Community Health Center. The availability of special transportation bus and the drop-off point may vary. If the number of overseas entrants exceeds the inspection capacity of Seongbuk Community Health Center, then you will be dropped off at a different location such as Jamsil Stadium. If the operation of a special transportation bus changes or is no longer available, then we will let you know through a separate notification.
D. Diagnosis test – All the overseas entrants must be tested for COVID-19 within 3 days of arrival. Students who get off the special transportation bus will be tested immediately on the date of entry, and if the diagnosis test is not available on the day due to a high number of people, then you must receive the COVID-19 diagnosis test on the date specified by the public health center. The first diagnostic test for overseas entrants is free of charge. Self-quarantine begins after the examination.
E. Self-quarantine – All overseas entrants are subject to 14-day self-quarantine at a designated location. For those who are staying at the school dormitory, a separate email will be sent out with the instructions for entering the self-containment building. For those who are staying at facilities outside the school, you must ensure that the place of residence for the school semester is suitable for self-quarantine. Further information will be provided below under the section of self-quarantine compliance method.
F. Self-quarantine release – Students who have completed 14-day quarantine can go out and attend classes normally. However, even after the quarantine, be sure to wear a facial mask and sterilize your hands on a regular basis in order to reduce the risk of infection. Please note that if you attempt to attend school before the full completion of self-quarantine, then you will be subject to disciplinary action according to the school regulations.
2. How to comply with self-quarantine
A. Self-quarantine requirements – You must spend a period of 14 nights and 15 days alone in a space with a separate toilet and shower. Accommodations such as hotels, motels and inns are not considered suitable for self-quarantine. You can stay at an Airbnb for your quarantine with the consent of the host as long as separate toilets and showers are provided. If your place of residence for the school semester is suitable for self-quarantine, then you can move in and start self-quarantine right away. If not, then you must stay at an Airbnb to complete the 14-day quarantine and then move into your place of residence. An Airbnb in Seoul downtown costs around 50,000 to 120,000 KRW per night.
B. Precautions during self-quarantine – Going outside during the self-quarantine period is strictly prohibited, and meals must be delivered or prepared in advance. Personal items such as facial masks, towels and soaps should also be prepared in advance to avoid any discomfort during the self-quarantine period. You must access the self-diagnosis app that you downloaded on the day of your arrival and report your health status on a daily basis. If possible, please prepare a portable thermometer in advance so that you can check your body temperature. If you show any abnormal symptoms during the self-quarantine period, please contact the Global Service Center (3290-5119) immediately to inform your condition. Please note that if you break the self-quarantine without proper prior authorization during the quarantine, then you will be subject to forced departure from the country and prohibition of re-entry.
C. Course registration – Below are the dates for course registration of the fall semester.
- 8.19 (Wednesday) - 8.21 (Friday)
: Course registration for regular students
- 8.20 (Thursday) - 8.21 (Friday)
: Course registration for newly admitted students
(including newly admitted dual degree & exchange students)
If the course registration takes place during the self-quarantine period, it is essential to check the Internet environment of your place of stay in advance and carry a personal computer. Going out for course registration during the quarantine is not allowed under any circumstances.
Thank you for your cooperation.