Self-diagnosis Mobile App

The special entry procedure, which took effect on March 19, requires all people entering Korea, whether a citizen or a foreign national, to use a self-diagnosis app to monitor and record daily his or her health status for two weeks. Even those exempt from quarantine, namely holders of the A1 (diplomat), A2 (government official) or A3 (Status of Forces Agreement with the U.S.) visas or those who have been issued an isolation exemption certificate by a Korean embassy must follow this rule. Regardless of whether entry regulations are eased or tightened, this app is expected to stick around as a requirement until the pandemic is over.

Self-quarantine Safety Protection App

This app helps minimize contact by people with COVID-19 patients under quarantine through strong measures.

From April 1, a 14-day quarantine was imposed on everyone entering Korea. With the exception of those exempt from quarantine, all inbound passengers must self-monitor and track symptoms like fever, coughing, sore throat or respiratory issues, and any symptoms that appear must be reported to a designated health official. The locations of such people are also shared in real time, which prevents their unauthorized departures and prods them to return home or their facilities if they break quarantine.

This app also has emergency contact information if someone under quarantine must reach a designated official with any concerns or counsel. Chinese (Mandarin), English, Vietnamese, Thai and Russian are supported by the app as well as Korean, and it operates strictly within Korea to counter COVID-19. Once things return to normal, the app will be deleted from Google Play Store and the iOS App Store.

Emergency Ready App

Cell Broadcasting System (CBS) of Korea has impressed many foreign residents of the country in allowing government agencies to transmit emergency alerts through text messages on natural disasters like tornados or earthquakes to cell phones in affected areas. The CBS also issues alerts on those testing positive for the coronavirus, sending necessary information to prevent contact with those infected.

Coronavirus Disease-19, Republic of Korea Dashboard

Run by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the website Coronavirus Disease-19, Republic of Korea offers a useful summary of the pandemic’s real-time situation in the country based on government-confirmed data.

Users are advised to start with the “About COVID-19” tab from the drop-down menu, where the government’s response system is explained. The page “Latest Updates” is an overview of patients from both in and out of Korea. Specific information on patients like quarantine status and contact tracing is also available. The “Media Resources” page has government news releases in English dating back to Feb. 28.

The site’s main page has links to videos of the daily government briefings on COVID-19 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Interpretation is provided by Korea.net and Arirang TV.