South Korean Electronic Entry Card Controversy Resolved: Departure and Destination Fields Removed

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it respects South Korea's system adjustments made to facilitate traveler convenience and simplify entry procedures, and expects both sides to continue deepening bilateral relations on the existing foundation. Previously, Taiwan's "previous departure country" and "next destination" fields in the South Korean government's electronic entry card system incorrectly listed Taiwan as CHINA (TAIWAN). South Korea's government recently responded to Taiwan, stating that they are currently conducting internal administrative and technical reviews to update the electronic entry card system, and therefore Taiwan will temporarily postpone its own system modifications. Previously, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated to CNA reporters that they had reviewed and planned to proceed with deleting the "previous departure country" and "next destination" items from the South Korean electronic entry application form, and that the Ministry of Justice was currently making changes. Today, upon actually checking the electronic entry card page, the "previous departure country" and "next destination" items are indeed gone, while the "nationality" field remains the original TAIWAN. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously stated that this measure was part of efforts to simplify the immigration management system for the convenience of visitors to Korea and to unify the format of paper declaration forms and electronic entry application forms. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs also emphasized that "this measure is not directed at Taiwan as a specific target, but rather at all foreign nationals entering South Korea." (Editor: Chen Yan-jun)