Meetings and events cap lifted in South Korea

South Korea has lifted its restrictions on meetings and events held in the destination, subject to social distancing measures and strict hygiene regimes put in place.

With the destination moving to ‘Level 1’ last month (October), following a decline in new Covid-19 cases in the country, there are currently no restrictions on the number of participants that can gather at events, contingent on strict safety processes being adhered to. These include participants undergoing regular temperature checks, maintaining a social distance of at least one metre and ensuring regular hand sanitisation.

South Korea is also looking to attract buyers from Singapore, following the establishment on 04 September of a ‘fast line’ between the two destinations. This is aimed at ensuring exemption from isolation at the respective arriving country.

In a webinar session hosted by Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) Singapore’s office on 28 October, KTO clarified details of the ‘fast lane’ requirements.

For Singapore residents, this includes the submission of specific documents and undertaking four Covid-19 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests. One must be taken 72 hours before departure, another on arrival in South Korea (with the requirement to isolate for up to two days while awaiting a negative result), the third test 72 hours before departure, and the final round on arrival back in Singapore. Delegates are also banned from using public transport while in South Korea.

While the process may seem quite onerous, KTO said it is "something that can become the new norm".

Representatives from Accor joined the webinar, with Seoul Dragon City sharing details of the hotel chain’s AllSafe hygiene and safety measures. This includes thermal sensors in the lobby, temperature checks and buffets featuring pre-packaged items. The webinar also featured an introduction to Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, which opened in August.

KTO Singapore also hosted its second virtual site inspection on 27 October, aimed at bringing information to buyers amidst Covid-19, with this session focusing on Jeju Folk Village. The previous one was held in conjunction with Andaz Seoul. 

Representatives from KTO Singapore said they received very positive feedback following the first virtual tour but acknowledged that for the Jeju version, ‘the novelty [of a virtual inspection] has more or less worn off’. 

However, it added that people were thankful that "we were able to share something like Jeju, since it is located on an island, and how we were able to provide a live session from the location itself".

As with the previous tour, the virtual site inspection was streamed via YouTube Live, with a live text option and short quiz following the presentation encouraging attendee interaction. David Ko and Julie Park from Jeju Convention and Visitors Bureau greeted viewers at the venue’s entrance, giving a brief history of the folk village, before taking viewers inside.

After demonstrating Covid-19 safety and hygiene processes, including hand sanitisation and temperature checks, viewers were treated to a Samulnori (percussion music) opening ceremony, with music and dancing. The tour moved seamlessly on, showcasing cultural activities like ‘metdol’, a tool for grinding grain, and deumijil’ a process similar to ironing and 'moolheobeok', while also showing the importance of water to Jeju island.

After viewing traditional-style houses and a fishing village as well as various MICE venues within the complex, the tour finished with a virtual tasting of Jeju rice wine and a short Q&A session.