Yoon: "With COVID-19 Situation Easing... South Korea's Entry System Should Be Progressively Reviewed"

13th Meeting with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo
"Need to Review Entry System to Revitalize Tourism Industry"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] President Yoon Suk-yeol instructed Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to "proactively review the entry system for visiting Korea, including the electronic travel authorization system (K-ETA), as COVID-19 is easing worldwide."

President Yoon stated this during the weekly meeting with Prime Minister Han on the 13th, emphasizing that it is "to maximize national interests such as revitalizing our country's tourism industry."

Regarding the management of arrivals from China amid COVID-19, he asked the Prime Minister to "review the PCR tests before and after entry based on scientific evidence so that there is no hindrance to exchanges between Korean and Chinese citizens, as the restrictions on issuing short-term visas have been lifted early."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon also said, "Since the economic situation is expected to be very difficult this year, the government policies' impact on the daily lives of the people should be thoroughly explained in advance so that the public can prepare accordingly."

Regarding the earthquake in Turkey, he instructed, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and other relevant ministries should secure relief supplies as much as possible and promptly discuss measures with the Turkish side." He added, "Going forward, under the leadership of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, each ministry will designate dedicated departments to ensure thorough support for Turkey, including urgent relief and reconstruction."

According to the Presidential Office, a meeting of related vice ministers and secretaries on Turkey relief was held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the same day. A report was given that approximately 23 million people are expected to be displaced. A Presidential Office official said, "Temporary tents, medicines and medical devices, and power generation equipment are urgently needed on site," and "to identify detailed needs, the Korean ambassador to Turkey is scheduled to meet with the head of Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority." The official added that the government currently has secured 150 tents and 2,200 blankets for visiting use and is preparing to send them with the second relief team by military aircraft at 11 p.m. on the 16th.

In addition, it is known that about 37 billion won in funds has been raised through separate donations from seven fundraising organizations including the Korean Red Cross, major companies, religious groups, and local governments.