Are you planning to visit Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea? With its stunning beaches, delicious seafood, and exciting cultural events, it’s no wonder that Busan is a popular tourist destination.
However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you may be wondering if Busan is open for tourism. In this article, we will explore the current situation in Busan and provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip.
COVID-19 Situation in Busan
Like many other countries around the world, South Korea has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, thanks to its efficient testing and contact tracing measures, South Korea has been able to keep the number of cases relatively low compared to other countries.
As of October 2021, there have been a total of 13,301 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Busan. While this number may seem high at first glance, it’s important to note that this is out of a population of over 3 million people.
Current Travel Restrictions
At present, South Korea has strict entry restrictions in place for foreign nationals. Only those with a long-term visa or those who are traveling for essential business purposes are allowed to enter the country.
If you do meet these requirements and plan on visiting Busan or any other part of South Korea, you will need to follow certain guidelines. This includes providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure and undergoing a mandatory quarantine period upon arrival.
What’s Open in Busan?
Despite the current travel restrictions and COVID-19 situation in Busan and South Korea as a whole, many tourist attractions and businesses are open to visitors. These include:
- Beaches – Busan is famous for its beautiful beaches such as Haeundae Beach
- Temples – Explore the many temples in Busan such as the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
- Markets – Visit the Jagalchi Fish Market to taste some of the freshest seafood in Busan
- Museums – Learn about Korean history and culture at the Busan Museum or the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan
Safety Measures in Place
To ensure the safety of visitors and locals alike, many businesses and tourist attractions in Busan have implemented safety measures. This includes mandatory mask-wearing, temperature checks, and regular cleaning and disinfection of public areas.
In Conclusion
While there are currently travel restrictions in place for foreign nationals entering South Korea, many tourist attractions and businesses are open to visitors. If you do plan on visiting Busan, it’s important to follow all guidelines and safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.