Travelers on Jan. 26 wait to take tests for COVID-19 before departure at Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport. (Yonhap News)

By Elena Kubitzki and Yoon Sojung

All international students coming to Korea must undergo two weeks of self-quarantine after arrival to confirm that they do not have COVID-19.

Thus they must take three COVID-19 tests; the first before leaving their home countries and the other two during the two-week period after arrival.

The Ministry of Education on Jan. 27 announced these and other measures for overseas students in Korea in this year's first semester to prevent COVID-19.

Under the new rules, such students must get tested three times this year as opposed to last year, when just one test was required during self-quarantine.

They must now take a PCR test at least 72 hours before departing from their home countries and present a negative result to the Korean airport they arrive in.

Those failing to submit a negative result will not be admitted.

The second test must be taken on the first day after arrival in Korea and the third before finishing self-quarantine.

The ministry will also encourage such students to take online classes from Korea in their home countries and divide their return dates based on the quarantine capacities of universities and local government bodies.

elenakubi@korea.kr