South Korea Says Bye‑Bye to Pre‑Departure Covid Tests
Starting Saturday, the 3rd of September, travelers headed for Seoul no longer have to slam a Covid test before leaving home. They’ll still need to get a PCR swab within the first 24 hours of arrival, but that’s about it.
Why the Change?
With daily infections hovering around 100 000 lately—down from a peak of over 180 000 in mid‑August—the country’s health officials are feeling a bit lighter.
Lee Ki‑il, South Korea’s second‑vice health minister, told reporters: “The weekly infection count has dropped for the first time in nine weeks, and the virus is starting to tick down.”
What Happens After the Holiday?
- South Korea’s grateful Chuseok holiday will kick off next week.
- In the long view, the agency expects a post‑holiday uptick, but believes the numbers should stay under control, according to PDCA head Peck Kyong‑ran.
Stay Safe While you’re in South Korea
- The indoor face‑mask rule is still in effect.
- Anyone testing positive must isolate for seven days.
In short, the country is easing up on travel restrictions while keeping a few safety nets in place. So pack your suitcase, your mask, and your Google‑maps app—Korea is ready for visitors, but the pandemic is still on guard.
