COVID-19

[UPDATE - COVID-19] Sanitary rules in South Korea

Le 20/03/2023

Find here the latest updates on sanitary rules applied in the greater Seoul area and Korea.

Korean authorities decided to suspend daily sanitary restrictions, with the exception of mask mandate, starting from April 18^th2022.

Mask Mandate

On March 20th 2023, the mask mandate in public transportations was lifted.
On January 30th 2023, the mask mandate indoors was lifted.
On May 2nd 2022, the mask mandate outdoors was lifted.
On Dec 23rd 2022, the gradual phase-out of indoor mask mandate was announced, when criteria such as stabilization of cases, reduction of critically ill patients, stable medical capabilities and immunity of high-risk groups are met. Find here the details of the phaseout plan.
On Jan 20th 2023, South Korea confirmed its plan to lift the mask mandate for most indoor spaces (hospitals, pharmacies and public transportation excluded) from Jan 30th 2023.

Vaccine Pass

Since March 1st 2022 , the vaccine pass is not mandatory anymore to enter public places until further notice

Private gatherings

No restrictions are implemented on private gatherings anymore.
(Previously, gatherings were limited to 10 people)

Business hour restrictions on multi-use facilities

There are no longer any restrictions on business hours for multiuse facilities
(Previously, there was a 12am curfew for entertainment facilities, restaurants, karaoke rooms, baths/saunas, indoor sports facilities, movie theaters, performance halls, multi-rooms, casinos, PC rooms, private academies, massage parlors, party rooms)

Large-scale events & assemblies

There is no longer any cap on the number of people allowed in large-scale events and assemblies.
(Previously, events and assemblies could welcome up to 49 persons regardless of vaccination status, and up to 299 persons allowed if it only consists of fully vaccinated persons)

Schools

Capacity adjusted to 2/3 for all schools in the Seoul metropolitan area and overcrowded schools in the non-metropolitan area. Capacity can be flexibly adjusted by region/school considering the status of local infection, etc.
Capacity adjusted to 5/6 for elementary schools (including grades 1 and 2), 2/3 for middle and high schools starting Mon, Dec. 20
Normal operation for preschools, special schools, day care centers

Workplaces

Flexible working hours (telecommuting, staggered commuting), flexible lunch break, online meetings are recommended

In case of COVID-19 positive test

From Jan 20, rules for COVID-19 patients are applied as followed:

Those who test positive but exhibit mild symptoms receive ambulatory care and can choose to remain at home for treatment. They are isolated for seven days (down from ten days previously)
Cohabitants subject to quarantine at home for seven days as well
Patients showing moderate-to-severe symptoms hospitalized at infectious disease hospitals.

Useful resources

Suspension of vaccine pass: ENG

Social distancing rules: KR / ENG

Entry in Korea: ENG

Vaccination guide: ENG

Quarantine guide: ENG