Surge in Tourists Expected in Jeju Island During Extended Holiday

Jeju Island is stepping up quarantine measures as it prepares for a surge in the number of incoming tourists during an extended holiday this week.

Close to 180,000 tourists are expected to visit.

South Korea's longest holiday period since the outbreaks in late February to early March will last six days and begins on Buddha's Birthday on Thursday until Children's Day on May 5.

The COVID-19 outbreak has restricted local trips, gatherings, and outdoor activities, cutting in half the daily inbound travelers to Jeju.

But the inflow of travelers is quickly recovering as the country is easing its strict social distancing measures and restrictions on local and overseas trips, gatherings, and outdoor activities.

However, Jeju Island will be implementing unusually strict quarantine and virus test plans.

Tourists with temperatures over 37.3 C, lower than the usual 37.5 C level, as well those with health problems, would have to fill out a health check questionnaire upon arrival at Jeju International Airport.

Doctors and other health personnel will be stationed at the airport to screen out suspicious coronavirus cases to have them tested at the airport.

Travelers will also need to undergo a one-on-one fever check while those who have been abroad in the preceding two weeks will have to undergo a COVID-19 test within the first three days upon the arrival.

Travelers using rented cars must also sign a letter of a pledge to wear protective masks, report travel routes, and swiftly contact authorities if experiencing coronavirus symptoms.

Jeju has reported 13 coronavirus cases so far, with 12 imported from outside of the island.