What is it like to enter Korea under the pandemic?

　　　　I had to stay in Korea for a year as the classes were held online due to the outbreak of COVID-19. I finally entered Japan right before this spring term began and spent a great time for the last couple months despite the state of emergency in Tokyo area. I was also looking forward to staying in Japan over the summer break, hoping that the situation gets better as soon as possible. However, things went quite differently from what I had expected. The state of emergency was being extended over and over again, and I was not sure about what would happen next. I chose to fly back to Korea.

　　　　Under the COVID-19 situation, there are so many things to take care of when you are traveling from one country to another. The most important procedure before entering Korea is to get a PCR test. Since February of 2021, passengers entering Korea are required to hand in a certificate of the PCR test result – which is issued within 72 hours before flight – and must be tested negative. I made a reservation online to get tested at a clinic in Shinjuku, paying around 15,000 yen for the test and the certificate. The next day, I went all the way to Shinjuku, again, to get that piece of paper saying “Negative.” I headed to Narita airport the next day, and all I had to do before getting on the plane was to show my PCR test certificate. Everything else went just the same as usual.

　　　　Once I arrived at Incheon airport, I was asked to write down my personal information, and also about where I would be staying for the 14-day-quarantine. Then I had to download a smartphone application for self-diagnosis and location tracking. I was allowed to leave only after confirming all the information I wrote down was valid. Finally, right before leaving the airport, I had to report which transportation method I am using, since entrants are not allowed to take public transportation at all. As for me, my dad was there to pick me up with his car. However, those who did not have this option were instructed to line up depending on which city they are heading to, and had to wait for the bus dedicated for the entrants to come and pick them up.

　　　　During my experience of quarantine last year, I realized that it is quite pointless to do them at home since securing my own place and keeping distance with my family was difficult inside the same house. So this year, I reserved a hotel. To be able to fully follow the instructions, staying at a hotel seemed to be a better choice. The next day I arrived, city officials visited the hotel to take me to a local health center for a PCR test. I was also told that I must come again on my 13th day of quarantine for another test. On my way back, they taught me how to use the phone application I downloaded at the airport. Basically, I had to send my location and the result of self-diagnosis twice a day. They also gave me a thermometer I can use to report my body temperature.

　　　　It has already been a week now, and I am getting quite used to this life – not going out at all and spending 24/7 indoors. I am binge watching television shows and movies that I have been wanting to watch, sometimes calling my friends and family, or just talking to people through social media. The thing that bothers me the most is how I can only do things like ordering food and getting some stuff I need by calling the hotel reception desk. I did self-quarantine three months ago when I entered Japan, but the restrictions were not as strict as they are in Korea. I could go outside if necessary. I do understand that strict regulations are essential in terms of safety, but at the same time, it is still true that having to stay inside for two weeks is very boring and tiring.

　　　　To give a little tip or advice for those who will have to self-quarantine, try to stay positive and figure out how to manage your time in a productive way. While quarantines are a nice opportunity to relax and take a rest, at the same time, people are likely to feel depressed out of boredom. Instead of just lying on my bed, I started trying out at-home workout routines for refreshment, doing some research about my future career, looking for summer internship opportunities in Korea, and making a list of the things I want and have to do over the summer break. Time goes much faster this way and I feel much more energetic now. Finding things to do that are productive and can excite you in this pandemic is indeed challenging, as you are in a very restricted environment. But the process itself and the moments trying to do things with a bit of enthusiasm will energize you, and you will be able to maintain a healthier lifestyle and a positive mindset throughout your two weeks of quarantine. (Yesong)