COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR VISITORS TO KOREA

 

COVID-19 ProtocolS for Visitors to Korea

 As of August 20^th, 2021

 

We will summarize as many issues as possible that pertain to foreign visitors to Korea during COVID-19 Restrictions.  It should be noted that the regulations are not always consistent, subject to constant revision and interpreted differently by everyone involved.  This is a general guide but please check for your individual circumstance.

 

Quarantine:  All arrivals in Korea are subject to 14 days’ quarantine upon arrival.  Residents can quarantine at home but visitors must stay in a government designated facility.  Quality varies.  The cost to the visitor is 1.68 million KRW per person (just over US$ 1400) for the 14-day period.

 

PCR testing:  All visitors are required to submit proof of a negative polymerase chain reaction test result (PCR Test Certificate) in order to board a plane to Korea.  (Specifications for a PCR testing certificate are presented as supplemental information at the end of this document.)  Upon arrival, all visitors are subject to a subsequent PCR test.  Anyone who tests positive is immediately placed in quarantine in a hospital or treatment center.  The individual can be released after 2 consecutive negative PCR tests.  There is no official timeline for this but anecdotal evidence suggests that it takes from 10 to 20 days to return two consecutive negative PCR tests.  The visitor is responsible for payment of accommodations during treatment.

 

A PCR test is also required 72 hours before your return flight.  Not all local testing sites issue proof of a negative test in English.  Testing is done on a first come, first served basis rather than a reservation system, so sufficient time must be reserved in your itinerary for testing.

 

Quarantine Exemptions:  Exemptions are sometimes granted for a limited number of legitimate reasons which include 'essential' business.  Please see the process for obtaining an exemption at the end of this document. 

 

Countries Ineligible for Exemption (as of August 2021 - 26 countries):  Arrivals from the following countries are ineligible for exemption:  South Africa, Nepal, Russia, Lebanon, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Vietnam, Republic of Suriname, Haiti, Angola, UAE, Kingdom of eSwatini, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, India, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Chile, Paraguay, Philippines, Kuwait, and Trinidad and Tobago.      https://kdca.go.kr/ 

 

Tracing:  All visitors are required to have a smart phone.  An app is installed on the mobile phone upon arrival in Korea which tracks where you go.  The validity of the number is verified on the spot and the health authorities occasionally call the number to verify your location.  http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/selfcheck/#app_2   

 

 

QR Code for Tracing:  Korean residents can install a QR code app on their mobile phone that contains contact information.  Many buildings and all restaurants require guests to register when entering either by scanning their QR code or by leaving their name, address and mobile number.  The QR code is simpler and saves time, but to date, is only available to residents and not visitors.

 

'Fully vaccinated' definition:  Certain exemptions and privileges are available to people who are 'fully vaccinated'.  This is defined as two weeks after having received the second vaccination shot,

 

Masks:  A mask must be worn at all times (except when alone in your hotel room or exercising outdoors with adequate social distancing).  The mask must be one that is approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KF-94, KF-80, KF-AD, surgical mask, etc.) or when not available, any mask that fully covers your mouth and nose.  Individuals not wearing a mask are prohibited from entering any public building.  There is universal compliance for mask wearing in Korea.  Non-compliant individuals are shunned by the public and often accosted by citizens (usually only verbally).

 

Temperature check:  Most buildings have a mandatory temperature check at the entrance, either a wrist reader or a facial scan.

 

Hand sanitizer:  Sanitizer dispensers are installed virtually everywhere including building entrances, elevators, restrooms, and all retail establishments.

 

Social Distancing:  The basic social distance is 2 meters (6 feet) between individuals (when standing in line, waiting for the bus, etc.)

 

Guidance Levels:  There are 5 levels of guidance on restrictions on gathering and socializing, 5 being the most severe.  Currently, Korea is at level 4 in major metropolitan areas and level 3 in rural areas. Be sure to check the current level.  http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/ - click on English for a translation.

 

Dining:  Dining restrictions are determined by the guidance level.  Under level 4, no more than 4 people may sit together at lunch and after 6 pm, no more than 2 (or four when more than two people can show proof that they are 'fully vaccinated').  Restaurants and bars close at 9 pm.  Obviously, masks can be removed while dining but should you stand to leave the table for any reason, the mask must be worn.

 

Meetings:  Companies set their own regulations for staff density in the office.  Many companies are working from home or rotating work days.  It is normal to wear masks during meetings, particularly if there are more than 2 people present.  Many companies have installed plexiglass partitions between participants for further safety. As

masks distort speech, extra care must be taken to ensure that messages are clearly understood. 

 

 

 

Supplemental Information:

 

PCR Testing Certificate (requirements for inbound visitors)

Ÿ   Testing method:

Ø Based on NAATs (Nucleic acid amplification tests)

Ø PCR, LAMP, TMA, SDA, NEAR are compatible while RAT, ELISA and at-home-tests will not be recognized.

Ÿ   Issue date: within 72 hours before departure

Ÿ   Information required on the certificate:  

Ø Name (as displayed on passport)

Ø Date of birth

Ø Passport number

Ø Testing method

Ø Date of test

Ø Result of test

Ø Date issued

Ø Testing entity

Ÿ   Test result must be negative

Ÿ   Language of certificate: must be in Korean or English

Ÿ   Children younger than six will be exempted if all other companions have an appropriate PCR Testing certificate

 

Exemptions to Quarantine for Essential Business:  Exemptions are possible for certain compelling reasons which can include 'essential business'.  The exemption for business travel is processed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). 

 

Ÿ   Sponsor: A Korean organization must sponsor the visitor and take responsibility for the visitor's compliance.

Ÿ   Documents: 

Ø Application form: Includes detailed itinerary, flight schedule, exact addresses to be visited and people you plan to meet (one contact person per meeting is sufficient.)  This is often checked so accuracy is important.

Ø Certificate of immunization: Full vaccination is required.

Ø Passport copy

Ø Certificate of employment

Ø Confirmation of accommodation

Ø Confirmation of flights.

 

In our experience, the sponsor must work very closely with the visitor and the Ministry in order to complete the application.  Multiple iterations are always involved.  The application must be submitted at least 14 days before arrival.

 

We look forward to the day when international travel returns to normal and the issue of quarantine no longer exists.  Until then, be smart, carefully plan essential travel and stay safe.  Meanwhile, if you are planning a trip to Korea, let IRC guide your way.

contact@ircconsultingkorea.com  

IRC CONSULTING 

Suite 1705, Officia Building, 92, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 03186 

서울시 종로구 새문안로 92 광화문 오피시아빌딩, 1705호 Tel: +82-2-737-3222,  https://www.ircconsultingkorea.com

 

Understanding the Korean Thought Process - Intro to Korean Culture 6

 

Understanding the Korean Thought Process

 

Source: pixabay

 

How Korean people think, classify, and organize differs from many other countries.  These differences stem from language, Confucianism and traditional units of measure.

 

"One must listen till the end of a Korean sentence!" is a famous Korean saying, because most often, the main message is at the end. In business, this can delay getting to the point. However, this is embedded in culture and is not likely to change. Listening till the end of the sentence in conversation and reading till the end of the email are important for effective communication.  

 

Grammar is a key element of communication.  The verb is found at the end of the sentence.  In English, the sentence structure is 'subject, verb, object'.  In Korean, the sequence is 'subject (often omitted), object, verb'.  The relevant action appears at the end of the sentence.

 

The Korean numbering system can also be confusing to foreigners.  Large numbers are grouped into 10,000 (Man만) while Western countries group them into thousands (1,000).  When a Korean wishes to express a large number, in his brain, the number is a multiple of 10,000, say 35,0000,0000 or 35 X 10,000 X 10,000.  When he wishes to express this number into English, he must first calculate it into 1000s and then translate it into English 3.5 X 1000 X 1000 X 1000.  During this process, it is easy to misplace the comma / decimal point.  When the conversation is about money, mistranslations can lead to confusion and distrust. Therefore, if a Korean is slow to communicate numbers, keep in mind that they have to go through a multistep calculation process. One solution is to write out numbers in full with the correct number of zeros to reduce the possibility of error.

 

Units of weight and measure are another potential for confusion.  Korea uses the metric system and Koreans are unfamiliar with imperial measures such as inches and feet, ounces and pounds.  On top of this, there are still some traditional units commonly used in Korea. A 'geun' (근) is a unit of weight approximately 600 grams.  This unit is primarily applied to meat and especially in butcher shops.  Supermarkets will use grams and kilos. Land area was traditionally measured in 'pyeong' (평) which is approximately 3.3 m² or 36 square feet.  Although official documents now require that all real estate records and transactions be measured in m², pyeong is commonly used in conversation and the official Statistics Korea database still categorizes real estate in pyeong. There are other traditional units and values used for classification in Korea than can also contribute to confusion and mis-communication.

 

Confucianism was introduced to Korea many centuries ago but became the official philosophy of the Chosun Dynasty (1392 ~ 1910).  While Confucian principles are ebbing to a degree, they form the foundation of interpersonal interactions.  Many Confucian principles continue to have significant influence on behavior. The most visible vestige of Confucianism is hierarchy and the respect for the elderly.  There is a firm line between older and younger (even for minor differences in age), where the younger is required to respect the older (and the older is supposed to look out for the younger). In business, this is evident in meetings when the most senior person does all the talking and everyone else sits in silence (unless asked to explain something).  Employees are hired straight out of university and remain with the firm for life.  Promotions are based on age / longevity with the company.  This tradition is certainly breaking down so the 'old rules' don't always apply.  In some teams, the leader is not always the most senior.  New hires are brought into the company at mid or even executive levels for their expertise. In fact, business has become more complicated, not less as skill and experience are required to ascertain whether traditional rules apply or if the company has adopted a more progressive organizational structure.

 

Difference in classification, organizing and thinking can lead to misunderstandings and poor decision making. IRC Consulting has a 40-year history navigating the complexities of the Korean market.  Let IRC guide your way to reach your destination safely, efficiently and effectively.

 

 

contact@ircconsultingkorea.com  

IRC CONSULTING 

Suite 1705, Officia Building, 92, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 03186 

서울시 종로구 새문안로 92 광화문 오피시아빌딩, 1705호 Tel: +82-2-737-3222,  https://www.ircconsultingkorea.com

 

Korean Relationships - Intro to Korean Culture 5

 

Relationships Trump Profits

 

Relationships are important everywhere but in Korea, they can drive business decisions even at the expense of profitability.  A closer look at Korean history and culture helps us to put this into perspective.

 

Relationships and personal connections in Korea can be divided into four major categories: family, education, region and politics. There are others such as military unit, workplace and group activities but the four main types are most important.

 

So, why are relationships disproportionately important in Korea? We would like to focus on two main reasons: traditional farming culture and the modern competitive environment.

 

Rice is the main crop in Korea and mutual support was a key element of rice farming. Korea has a harsh climate for farming and there is only one rice harvest per year (unlike many southeast Asian countries that enjoy multiple harvests). Given the massive effort required in a short period of time for planting and harvesting, group effort was required. Floods, typhoons and other natural disasters also required farmers to work together to save their individual plots.  Man-made challenges also demanded cooperation, marauding bandits and the occasional corrupt official were better confronted by working together. Small groups were formed and participating in the group was essential to access help when it was needed. These types of group endeavors and the related values are embedded in the Korean psyche.

 

The importance of relationships was further reinforced in the modern, post-Korean war era.  Exploited during 35 years of Japanese colonial rule and then devastated by the internecine Korean war that twice swept across the length of the peninsula, by the late 1950s, the economy was in tatters.  Excess population swelled by refugees from the north lived on scarce land without any mechanization, natural resources or functioning infrastructure.  Life was a highly competitive struggle for survival.  Korea's only resource was 'human capital'.

 

Korea became the 'factory of Asia' converting (imported) raw materials into (exported) finished goods.  Jobs meant the difference between eating and starvation.  Education became an obsession as the means for economic advancement.  Access to jobs and education determined an individual's potential.  With industrialization came migration to the cities (concentrated in Seoul, the capital) lead to competition for limited housing.  Allocation of jobs, admission to schools, access to housing were all highly competitive.  Standing alone was overwhelming.  The tradition of relying on groups was reinforced in the industrial Korea.

 

As one benefited from membership to a group, contributing to the group became equally important.  The West is often defined as a 'transaction' culture where giving and receiving favors was 'quid pro quo'.  Korea is defined as a 'relationship' culture, advancement was achieved by contributing to and being supported by a group.  Thus, promoting the success of the group was the key more than the outcome of a specific transaction. 

 

A corollary of group orientation is indirect communication which evolved out of group dynamics.  Many people are aware of the concept of ‘face’ or chemyun (체면), a key to maintaining good relationships within the group.  Harmony is important for cohesion of a group so it became important to avoid hurting other peoples' feelings and to preserve their chemyun.  To this end, people tended to avoid direct communication in favor of indirect expressions, nuances and suggestions. While it may help to preserve harmony, it can have a negative impact on business as it can lead to vague and ambiguous communication. This increases the need for understanding indirect and non-verbal communication. This is called nunchi (눈치), the art of guessing your counterpart's intentions. This culture emerged because it could be less confronting to be more truthful in nonverbal communications than verbal communication. 

 

Many Western business people misinterpret indirect, non-confrontational communication as agreement sometimes leading to disastrous outcomes.  Likewise, the transaction-based approach to business at the expense of nurturing relationships can lead to lost opportunities. Learning how to deal with group values and strengthening personal relationships in Korea will smooth the way to better business.  Let IRC guide your way; avoid the pitfalls and capitalize on the opportunities to achieve your ambitious targets in Korea. 

contact@ircconsultingkorea.com  

IRC CONSULTING 

Suite 1705, Officia Building, 92, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 03186 

서울시 종로구 새문안로 92 광화문 오피시아빌딩, 1705호 Tel: +82-2-737-3222,  https://www.ircconsultingkorea.com