Are you having issues with the Korean Q-Code system? Looking for Korean Q-Code Support options? Korea requires incoming tourists to create a Q-code for entry into South Korea and it’s not easy for everyone to use for two reasons:
- Sometimes errors occur or questions about requirements need to be clarified.
- Sometimes regulations change and the process becomes unclear.
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About the Korean Q-Code
The Q-code system is managed by the Korean Center for Disease Control (KCDC). Korean residents have COVID vaccine management called the COOV app and non-residents have the Q-Code System.
Within the Q-Code system, non-Korean residents entering Korea need to go through an 8 Step process to document and confirm their COVID vaccinations and negative PCR tests.
- STEP.01 Consent to the Terms and Conditions
- STEP.02 Input your E-mail
- STEP.03 Input your passport information
- STEP.04 Input the entry and stay information related to your visit
- STEP.05 Input quarantine information
- STEP.06 Input your health condition
- STEP.07 Confirm the input information
- STEP.08 Issue the QR-Code
Once you are in Korea you will also need to upload your arrival PCR test to the Q-code. This step is not included in the list above. The list above only address the pre-arrival steps involved with getting set up in the Q-code system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Q-code
The KCDC/KDCPA created a Frequently Asked Questions pdf which may be difficult to access on their website. Information from Korean government websites may register as “unsafe” for access on international computers making the information hard to access through firewalls. Therefore, South of Seoul has uploaded the Frequently Asked Questions About Negative PCR COVID-19 Test Requirements for International Arrivals (May 23rd, 2022) here:
This PDF does not answer all questions related to the Q-code system for entering Korea. Additionally, the PDF does not help you solve issues with the Q-code system itself. Keep reading this blog to find out more.
Q-Code Problems Exist
Although the previously mentioned Q-code steps seem easy and straight forward they may not be for everyone due to issues with system compatibility, records, and unique life situations. However, the Q-code website does not include a phone number for support.
The organization that can help answer Q-code questions is the KDCA (aka KCDC).
The Q-Code Website Does not Have a Helpline Listed
We know that the Q-code system does not have a hotline listed so we are sharing information regarding the government organization that manages and maintains the Q-code system.
Help with Q-Code Problems and Errors
If you have problems or errors with the Q-code system contact the KCDC. This is the organization that manages the Q-code system AND the laws, rules, and regulations regarding entering South Korea during the pandemic.
Hours of KCDC Helpline Operation
The KCDC has 24-hour day 7-days week English and Korean operators. Keep in mind that the English-speaking operators work as live interpreters between you and the Korean operator. This means you will be on a 3-way call.
The 1339 KCDC hotline process for connection to an English operator is confusing. After pressing 5 the system continues in Korean and a Korean operator comes online. You do not get re-directed to a person who speaks English immediately. Instead, when the Korean person comes online and you need to say ‘ENGLISH’ and wait. The KCDC operator will put you on hold while they connect with a 1330 operator who will translate.
Being on a 3-way call can be confusing. You will need to be very organized with your thoughts and information and ask many clarifying questions. It’s likely that, due to the complexities of translation, your question may not be fully understood the first time.
Calling from Outside Korea +82-2-2633-1339, +82-2-2163-5945
You can call the KCDC from outside of South Korea, however, South of Seoul volunteers have not tested this method personally so we can’t make you aware of any issues or hurdles. We don’t know if there is a difference in service between the following numbers. The KCDC website does not clarify this. We recommend just trying both.
- KCDC Phone number option 1: +82-2-2633-1339
- KCDC Phone number option 2: +82-2-2163-5945
Calling the KCDC from within Korea – 1339
South of Seoul volunteers often contact the KCDC regarding COVID rules and regulation clarification. When you call 1339 a phone tree in Korean will explain what number to punch for different services. However, the voice will switch to English for #5 which is “Press 5 for a foreign language” or something like that.
Pro-Tip: Pressing 5 may not redirect you to an English-speaking person. Instead, a Korean person will come on and speak to you in Korean and you need to just say ‘English.’ As clearly and simply as possible. At that point, you will be put on hold while the KCDC operator connects with 1330 who will work as a translator between you. This process may feel stressful and confusing.
1339 Possible Support Hack
Now, 1330 (learn more here) is the service 1339 KCDC operators use for translation support. If you can’t reach 1339 through their system, you can try calling 1330 and telling them your problem and asking 1330 for help communicating with the KCDC.
We recommend calling 1330 directly rather than using the text messaging service. You are more likely to get help with this via voice call.
No promises calling 1330 will help you get through to the KCDC but 1330 is listed as an option on the flyer so hopefully, they’ll help. However, calling 1330 and explaining our situation is a system we use sometimes when we can’t get the regular 1339 systems to function. Remember, if 1330 says, “We can’t help on this topic” make sure to ask 1330 who CAN help.
Organizing Information for Q-code System Errors
For errors with the Q-code system, the KCDC operator may want to know things like:
- When did the error occur: When you are uploading information before entering the country or uploading your PCR test after arriving in South Korea?
- Are you using the Q-code via Wifi or data?
- What is the exact error message you received?
- What format are the documents in?
- What country are you traveling from and what documents are the language in?
Tips for Being Understood by KCDC Translators
Remember that your English operators speak English as a second language:
- Use short sentences
- Use simple vocabulary
- Organize information in chronological order
- Try to say things in different ways
- Talk more slowly and with limited inflection
- Repeat yourself more than once if needed
- Don’t talk over the operator even if they don’t understand. Let them finish their thought and then try again
Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.
