The government from May 23 decided to accept both rapid antigen tests administered by medical professionals from incoming visitors who received PCR tests before arriving in Korea. The photo shows the packed departure section at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport on the morning of May 20. (Yonhap News)

By Min Yea-Ji and Yoon Sojung

Travelers from May 23 who receive a negative result on a rapid antigen test (RAT) administered by a medical specialist can enter the country.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters the same day announced that an RAT given by medical personnel was acceptable in addition to a PCR test for passengers arriving in Korea. Such travelers simply need to present a negative result from a PCR test within 48 hours or a professionally administered RAT within 24 hours of arrival.

Since the RAT replaces the PCR test, a result from a self-test kit not administered by a medical professional will not be recognized.

From June 1, children ages 6-11 who enter the country with fully vaccinated parents will be exempt from self-isolation instead of those under 6 only. Quarantine regulations will also be simplified, such as cutting the overall number of tests from two to one.

The headquarters also said the number of COVID-19 infections on May 22 fell under 10,000 for the first time in four months to an estimated 9,975.

jesimin@korea.kr