'Revising Postal Act for "Non-Face-to-Face" Registration'

On the 18th, a notice about delays and suspension of acceptance for international express mail service (EMS) was posted at Gwanghwamun Post Office in Seoul. Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, international flights have been canceled, resulting in the suspension of EMS acceptance to over 40 countries. Even for countries where acceptance is possible, delivery times are delayed as flights are reduced and mail volume increases. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] A bill is being prepared to allow registered mail to be delivered contactlessly in special disaster zones declared due to the spread of infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The Korea Post under the Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 1st that it will amend the Postal Service Act to enable registered mail to be delivered without face-to-face contact in accordance with social distancing measures implemented due to the nationwide spread of COVID-19.

According to the revised enforcement decree (draft), registered mail can be delivered contactlessly using text messages, phone calls, and other means in areas declared as special disaster zones due to the spread of infectious diseases.

Under the current law, registered mail must be delivered to the recipient or cohabitants, or placed in unmanned mailboxes or mail receptacles equipped with electronic locks.

The Korea Post plans to enact related notifications after partially amending the Postal Service Act enforcement decree, announce the administrative notice for 20 days, and then implement the changes.

For more details, contact the Postal Delivery Division's system officer at the Korea Post or refer to the Korea Post website.

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