Travelers entering South Korea who show symptoms of respiratory infections can be tested immediately at the airport. Previously, this was only possible when there was medical evidence of an infection, but now individuals can receive free tests simply for having symptoms such as fever or cough.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency noted on the 17th that it will start a pilot project for the "Airport Traveler Respiratory Infection Testing Service" at Gimpo Airport and Jeju Airport.
Previously, international entrants could only be tested at the airport if an epidemiological connection to a Class 1 quarantine infectious disease was confirmed. With the implementation of this project, even if there is no epidemiological connection, individuals can voluntarily report symptoms and receive free tests at the airport before returning home. The infectious diseases available for testing include avian influenza human infection (AI), novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), and influenza virus infection, among others.
If an international entrant displays symptoms such as fever, runny nose, or cough, they can request to use the testing service after disembarking from the plane by visiting the quarantine station. After the quarantine officer verifies the symptoms and collects a sample, the entrant will be allowed to return home first. Test results will be provided via the individual's mobile phone or email after returning home.
If the test result is positive, individuals can receive a positive confirmation certificate from the quarantine station to apply for national health insurance benefits at nearby medical institutions. The project will commence on the 17th.
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Commissioner Ji Young-mi said, "Through this pilot project, we will be able to detect the early entry of overseas infectious diseases and new or mutated pathogens into the country," and added, "International entrants with suspected respiratory symptoms will be able to utilize medical institutions through rapid testing at the quarantine stage."