As countries have eased their waterfront measures, Japan no longer requires a PCR test or negative certificate upon return to the country on the condition that three doses of the vaccine are administered from the beginning of September 2022. In order to support such overseas travel, Travel Watch will ask travel agency professionals about the current status of travel to various countries and their recommended spots. South Korea is one of the countries where travelers can enjoy visa-free and quarantine-free travel. It has been a popular travel destination since before Corona, but its popularity is now booming, with Seoul returning to No. 1 in 2022, beating Honolulu for the first time in 11 years, according to the “Year-end and New Year Overseas Travel Booking Trends” released by HIS (HIS) every year. In this issue, we asked Risako Mori and Daiji Yamada, who are in charge of planning Korean package tours in the Overseas Travel Division of HIS, about the current situation in Korea, the latest hot spots, and travel tips (titles omitted). –Risako: First of all, please tell us about the current state of travel in Korea. Mori: Until July 2022, most of our customers from Japan were VFR (Visiting Friends and Family) because a visa was required, but the situation changed in August when Korea implemented a provisional measure allowing Japanese visitors to enter the country without a visa. In fact, HIS had decided in June that we would resume tours in August since we would be able to visit Korea if we could obtain a visa, so the timing was just right. This allowed for smooth tour exposure and the resumption of tours. Yamada: In late October, it was confirmed that Japanese nationals will be able to travel visa-free from November 1. This has led to a sharp increase in the number of customers traveling from November; HIS is currently running a “New Year’s Dream Fair” and we have received quite a few reservations, though fewer than in 2019. –Has the trend of travelers changed compared to before the Corona? Mori: Immediately after the reopening of the tours, many of the participants were mothers in their 50s and 60s who had time and money to spare, and parents and children, like daughters in their 20s. Since November, there have been more young people. During the year-end and New Year’s holidays, we have a wide range of visitors. As before Corona, there is a high demand for K-pop concerts and other events, as well as for shopping, and BTS offices and visits to sacred sites remain popular. –Mori: You must register for the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization System) and obtain a travel permit at least 72 hours prior to departure, and you must also register with the Quarantine Information Advance Data Entry System (Q-CODE) prior to your trip to Korea. For K-ETA, if your passport number is different, you will have to re-apply at the check-in counter at the airport, so please be careful not to make a mistake. If you apply at a HIS store, you will receive a document describing the departure process and necessary procedures. If you are applying online, we will follow up with you by e-mail to make sure you do not forget any procedures.
Two local branches to support travelers. Tour desks as well — What do you think are the advantages of using a travel agency to visit Korea? Mori: HIS has local branches in Seoul, Busan, and JEJU, so we can support customers during their stay and respond 24 hours a day in case of any problems. For the past two and a half years, many people have not been able to travel overseas due to the Corona, and many of them may be traveling overseas for the first time in a while, and many are going to Korea for the first time. With more and more people unfamiliar with travel, I believe that having a real store will be a great advantage as it will relieve customers’ anxiety. Yamada: As for Seoul, we have a HIS tour desk inside the Lotte Hotel Seoul. We also sell optional tours. Mori: We also provide support in the event of a coronary. We ask about the customer’s health condition every day and provide support such as arranging insurance and airline tickets for the return trip. We have received positive feedback from our customers in surveys. As we enter the student travel season, some young people who have not been vaccinated will need to take a PCR test before returning to their home countries. –Finally, please tell us about HIS recommended products for Korea. Mori: We recommend the half-day tour to Cheongwadae, which we mentioned earlier. You have to make a reservation in advance to enter Cheong Wa Dae, but foreigners face a higher hurdle because a cell phone number is required to make a reservation in advance. HIS will of course allow you to enter the building, and for lunch you can enjoy a Korean-style sujebi lunch at Samcheongdong Sujebi, which was selected as a Bib Gourmand in the 2023 Michelin Guide.
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