Following the implementation of mutual visa-free and simplified visa measures between South Korea and China, the number of Chinese travelers entering South Korea has surged. This comes as new respiratory infections and COVID-19 variants are spreading in China, raising alarms about domestic quarantine management.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and related agencies, the number of passengers on Korea-China air routes in the first half of this year (January to June) reached 9.54 million, a 22.3% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure surpasses pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019.
In particular, the South Korean government's temporary visa-free entry policy for Chinese group tourists (allowing stays of up to 15 days) and the visa-free system for Jeju Island have significantly boosted demand for Chinese visitors to South Korea.
Current Status of Infectious Disease Resurgence in China and Domestic Concerns
The situation in China regarding infectious diseases is concerning. Reports from the Disease Control Agency and foreign media indicate that a resurgence of COVID-19, primarily driven by the JN.1 variant and its sublineages, is ongoing, with positivity rates in sample surveillance exceeding 20%, indicating a sharp increase in infections.
Domestically, the number of COVID-19 detections and hospitalizations is also rising, coinciding with the influx of millions of travelers each year.
Experts warn that with the number of entrants surpassing pre-COVID levels due to the expansion of visa-free travel and normalization of Korea-China routes, traditional entry controls and simple temperature monitoring may not be sufficient to prevent the introduction of new variants. There is a growing call to transition to a digital and science-based proactive system for virus monitoring and infectious disease prevention.
A key proposed measure is the comprehensive expansion of 'sewage-based real-time variant virus monitoring.' This approach involves conducting real-time genetic analysis (qPCR and NGS) of wastewater from Incheon International Airport terminals and major transit hubs, in collaboration with the National Health Research Institute. This method aims to accurately detect the entry of asymptomatic carriers and the emergence of new variants at the initial stages of entry.
Additionally, the introduction of a 'digital mobility and AI-based prediction system' is suggested to minimize privacy infringements while monitoring infectious disease trends. By analyzing entry data and overseas infectious disease occurrence data using artificial intelligence (AI), the system can identify domestic regions with high entry rates from areas in China experiencing surges in infections, allowing for tailored quarantine alerts.
In the medical field, securing 'targeted variant response treatments' and 'focused protection for vulnerable populations' are identified as core tasks. To prepare for the influx of new variants that may evade existing vaccines, the national stockpile of updated vaccines and antiviral drugs tailored to the latest variants must be promptly organized. Furthermore, a 'targeted pre-testing' and expedited treatment prescription process for the elderly and vulnerable facilities, such as nursing homes, is essential to prevent overwhelming the domestic healthcare system.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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