There Are Talks of Possible South Korea & S’pore Travel Bubble

By
Megan
-

For all of us who dearly miss the land of cute socks, cute skincare products and cute boys, I bring good news. 

For a long time now, we’ve had no choice but to live vicariously through Korean dramas, dreaming of the day we finally get to walk the streets of Hongdae again, a piping hot cup of tteokbokki in hand, on the hunt for the love of our lives. 

But guess what? That dream may not be too far off from reality now, because South Korea is looking to expedite talks of a travel bubble with Singapore.

However, perhaps it’d be wise to hold off the excitement for a bit, because it remains to be seen whether or not this will be a two-way travel bubble.

Here’s all that you need to know.

There Are Talks of Possible South Korea & S’pore Travel Bubble

According to South Korea’s Transport Ministry on Wednesday (9 June), it is looking to permit people who have had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to go on group tours to countries that have been relatively successful in managing the pandemic, with strong safety measures implemented. 

4.5% of the South Korean population, or 2.32 million people, have received both doses of the vaccine ever since the vaccination programme was launched on 26 Feb this year.

According to the ministry, talks are currently underway with Singapore to sign a travel bubble agreement. 

South Korea is also discussing travel bubble arrangements with Taiwan, and is intending to get in touch with other areas such as Guam, Saipan and Thailand as well. 

South Korea’s biggest budget airline Jeju Air has resumed flights to Saipan. 

According to South Korean Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, border restrictions have had a severely adverse effect on Korea’s aviation and travel industry, and many citizens are eager to travel overseas. 

The ministry is intending to permit only certain package tours during the first phase of the travel bubble programme. Those who sign up for these package tours have to keep strictly to the planned itinerary instead of roaming around freely. 

In addition, travellers must undergo COVID-19 tests. Negative test results have to be submitted three days before departure and they have to undergo another test upon arrival.

South Korea has been attempting to speed up its vaccination programme through incentivisation, such as permitting those who have received the first dose of the vaccine to go outdoors freely without having to wear a mask. Larger family gatherings will also be allowed for these individuals from July onwards.

In addition, fully vaccinated individuals do not have to adhere to the current gathering ban of more than four people from July onwards.

Other incentives include cultural heritage promotions for those who have received at least their first dose, which come in the form of complimentary tours of royal palaces and discounted tickets to traditional performances. 

The country is hoping that more than 14 million people can receive their first dose by the end of the month and 36 million by September.

Featured Image: ean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

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Megan
Email: [email protected]