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Everything You Need to Know About Ulsan

Getting to Ulsan During COVID-19

Posted by on Jan 8, 2021 in | Comments Off on Getting to Ulsan During COVID-19

 

Traveling during the pandemic is difficult but there are times when you have to travel. Unfortunately, to stop the spread of the virus, the regulations keep getting more complicated. In order to help, we have put together this guide to help you know what to expect when coming to Ulsan this year.

 

Keep in mind, that not all of these rules will apply to you, they are subject to change at the discretion of the Korean Government and may differ depending on your personal circumstances for travel and your visa. 

Before You Leave Korea

If you are a long-term resident or a registered foreigner, you must apply for a “re-entry” permit through the immigration website (click here). This will take about 4-5 days to process and is good up to a year. If you are traveling unexpectedly, you should visit the immigration office in person and apply directly. It is possible to apply at the airport but you are better off taking care of it here in Ulsan before you leave.

Many countries like Canada are requiring passengers to obtain a negative COVID PCR test before leaving Korea. It is worth it to check and make sure what the requirements are. If you need the test results in English, there are places to go in Seoul but it might be difficult to find in Ulsan. Try these hospitals and see if you can get an English translation 

It is also wise to obtain any documents that prove your address and residency. This may not be needed but just as a precaution, it would be advisable. It is always better to be over prepared than have a missing document.

**There are currently no longer any restrictions on the amount of masks that you can take out of Korea or where you store them. Take as many as you can. You will need to keep your mask on for the entire duration of the flight**

Returning to Korea

Make sure that you have all of your documents in order and be patient. Airlines may not be up-to-date with the terminology or the current procedures. For example, upon returning to Korea, the Air Canada clerk had no idea about Korean visas and was about to deny boarding as what was coming up on her screen was different than what I had prepared. Fortunately, I had enough different documents to get through.

If you are a long-term resident, you will also need a doctor’s note within 48 hours of your departure stating that you have no COVID-like Symptoms. If you are coming to study or for a job, make sure you have your “grant of visa” document issued by your embassy, that will allow you to proceed to your residence in Ulsan and not the government quarantine facility.

**UPDATE**From Friday 8th/January/2021, all international travellers entering into Korea (Korean citizens and children aged under 6 are exempted) must have a COVID-19 negative test result(PCR test) as a part of the entry requirements.The negative PCR test result must be issued within 72 hours ​prior to departure.

At Incheon International Airport

Upon arrival, you will have to fill out a series of forms and download the required apps. The faster you do this, the easier it will be for you. When you leave the plane, there will be a desk for you to fill out these forms and you will line up for the first control point. Here, they will simply check your documents, check your temperature and then guide you to the next area.

The video below will take you the the entire process

While you wait in line, register information on the app and get ready to show your documents and your phone to the official. At this station, they will show you how to use the app and also check that your phone works. Once cleared, you will be asked to go to the passport control area. After the usual procedures, you are then cleared to proceed to baggage claim and then onto the shuttle.

Leaving Incheon International Airport

Once you have collected your luggage, you are guided to the next area where they will put a sticker on you and direct you where to go in order to get on the right shuttle. For travelers to Ulsan, you will need to take the KTX from Gwangmyeong Station.

The quarantine procedures are different depending on the length of sojourn.  Those with an Alien Registration Card can quarantine in their residence but those who are short term travelers will have to quarantine at a government facility. For more information on the requirements click here. 

The bus from Incheon to Gwangmyeong will cost 12,000 won and the KTX to Ulsan will be around 51,300 won. Both of these will be paid for at Gwangmyeong Station. From there you will wait for your train and then be escorted to the correct car. You do not have an assigned seat so sit anywhere that you can. Due to the fact that everyone is coming from the airport, it is best to stow your luggage in the seat next to you if that is available. There is storage by the doors as you come in but that will fill up fast.

Arrival in Ulsan

When you arrive in Ulsan, there will be a shuttle waiting for you. Before they arrange your transport, they may administer a COVID test at Ulsan Station. Then, they will drop you off as close to your apartment as possible. Keep in mind that this is not door-to-door service, so if you have a lot of baggage and children then you should make arrangements. This shuttle should be free of charge. A personal car can be used but you cannot make any stops along your way home.

Once you arrive at your apartment, you will be required to get a COVID test within 3 days if you did not receive one at the KTX station. Do not leave your apartment for any other reason.

14 Day Quarantine

Unless you have an A-Type visa or quarantine waiver, then you must self-quarantine for 14 days. A person from the public health office will call you and explain what you need to do. They will also let you know where you can take your COVID test. If you are unable to travel there on your own, call the worker and let them know so that they can make arrangements for you.

During this time, you are required to check your temperature twice a day.

Within a few days, the public health office will send you some groceries and supplies. This is a serious benefit and one that is greatly needed. Should you need more groceries, please make use of sites such as Coupang Fresh and Yogi-oh for deliveries. Do not leave your place of quarantine for any reason beyond that of a medical emergency. Should you need to leave, please contact the public health office.

Useful Tips:

  • Talk to the workers at the KTX and see if they can arrange alternate transportation for you. There may be a special taxi that you can take if you have a lot of luggage.
  • Open your windows daily to circulate the air and keep you apartment tidy. This helps keep you occupied and this is needed when you are alone for 2 weeks.
  • Be nice and respectful to the staff. No matter how frustrating the situation may be, a calm attitude will help things go smoother.
  • Make use of the delivery apps. If you can’t figure them out, check online as it will help stop that need to go outside just a little especially if you are craving some fast food.