Gwangjin-gu, Special Transport for Chinese International Students Between Airport and Universities at Konkuk University and Sejong University

Sejong University Prepares Separate Dormitory... Konkuk University Negotiating Dormitory Arrangements

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Seon-gap) is stepping up thorough management to prevent the local spread of COVID-19 as the arrival period of Chinese international students approaches ahead of the new semester.

Accordingly, starting from the 25th, the district has launched a special shuttle bus service for Chinese international students arriving at Incheon International Airport, operating between the airport and Konkuk University and Sejong University.

Based on the list of arrivals secured from the schools, the service will initially operate from February 25 to March 2, when demand for boarding is highest. The daily arrival times of the students have been secured, and depending on the arrival situation, 3 to 4 trips per day will be flexibly scheduled. This information was communicated to the students in advance via email and SNS.

On the first day of operation, the 25th, a total of 17 students were transported, with three trips at 2 PM, 4 PM, and 7:30 PM, picking up 4 students from Konkuk University and 3 from Sejong University.

A Sejong University international student (20, from Honam Province) who arrived that day said, “I am grateful for the district office’s meticulous care. Although I am a bit worried about the spread of COVID-19 in Korea, I do not feel severe fear or anxiety,” adding, “My family did not discourage me from coming to Korea, and I believe I can protect myself.”

Arriving students are allowed entry after undergoing the government’s special entry procedures, which include checks on health status, domestic residence, and actual contact information.

Additionally, installation of the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s self-diagnosis app is mandatory, and students must check their health status at least twice daily for up to 14 days after arrival.

The district also guides arriving students to receive secondary health screenings and conducts one-on-one intensive monitoring for 14 days.

In consultation with local universities to prepare dedicated dormitories for international students, Sejong University will accommodate all incoming Chinese students in the Saenal-gwan dormitory, while Konkuk University dormitory residents will stay in Lake Hall, with arrangements for non-dormitory students still under discussion.

Earlier, as COVID-19 rapidly spread in China, the district recognized the seriousness from February 3, when the alert level was at caution, and established a dedicated team for international students within the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. Through meetings with universities, they created an SNS hotline for real-time situation management and are conducting monitoring activities for international students at each university.

Furthermore, by linking universities with screening clinics, secondary health screenings are conducted for returning international students. Disinfection activities have been intensified around Konkuk University, which has a high floating population, and Sejong University, located in a densely populated multi-family housing area.

Kim Seon-gap, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “Since there are universities in the area, both the schools and residents are very concerned. We have shared opinions with the universities and taken proactive measures,” adding, “We will establish an even more thorough quarantine system and devote all efforts of the district office staff to ensure that not a single confirmed case occurs in Gwangjin.”

He continued, “The life and safety of residents are more important than anything else,” and said, “We will mobilize all the district’s capabilities to respond so that COVID-19 can be overcome early.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.