A dream holiday turns into a quarantine ordeal for a local couple as they navigate South Korea’s Covid regulations.
Many people have successfully navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, even embarking on long-awaited overseas trips. However, some are still feeling the impact of the pandemic, like a couple from Singapore who found themselves spending seven out of eight days of their vacation in South Korea in quarantine at an accredited facility.
Mr. Li and Ms. Huang, both 25, had invested nearly $3,000 on flights, accommodations, and travel necessities for their much-anticipated holiday. They planned to spend four days in Seoul before heading to Jeju Island. Unfortunately, despite being fully vaccinated and testing negative on their Antigen Rapid Tests (ART) before departure, Covid struck during their flight.
On July 13, the first day of their trip, both Mr. Li and Ms. Huang received positive Covid test results. Under South Korean regulations, short-term visitors are required to undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test shortly after arrival at either the airport or a nearby medical facility. If a visitor tests positive, they must quarantine for seven days. While Korean nationals and holders of Alien Registration Cards can self-quarantine at home, short-term visitors are mandated to stay in designated quarantine facilities.
Consequently, the couple had to spend their first week in a quarantine hotel. Initially, they didn’t suspect they had contracted Covid, even as they experienced dry throats during the flight. However, Mr. Li later developed a fever and sore throat, while Ms. Huang lost her voice.
Fortunately, their health improved, and by the eighth day, they were released from quarantine, allowing them to enjoy their final day in Korea shopping and dining. They remain hopeful about recouping some of their expenses since they had purchased travel insurance for the trip.
