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Entry & Exit Information To South Korea (Updated August 31, 2022)

A One-Stop Solution for South Korea Entry and Exit Information, Social Distancing Restrictions, Luggage Policy, Automatic Customs Clearance, Public Transportation and More!

yeong
4 months ago

Entry and Exit Information

Today we would like to give you some heads-up before you visit Korea. 

There are many things to consider: Where to catch the flight, how to send off the luggage, how to get to the city center from the airport and etc.

We hope this post will give you all the key information about the automatic entry system and help you learn how to get to the city from the airport.

We also want to update you on some important information about entering Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the social distancing regulations. 


Entering Korea During COVID-19
 (Updated 08/31/2022)

Quarantine Exemption Criteria 

As of June 8th, all overseas arrivals will be exempted from quarantine regardless of their vaccination status. 

However, overseas arrivals will still be required to get two COVID tests after entry into the country and will need to show a PCR test upon arrival into the country. 

As of September 3, 2022, foreigners do not have to submit negative PCR/RAT test results to enter the country.

From July 25th, PCR tests must be done within 1 day of entry. You will have to wait at home until PCR test results are confirmed to be negative. If you test positive, you will be quarantined for 7 days. You can get tested at Incheon Airport, public health centers, and hospitals (fees apply). 

Strengthening PCR inspection on 1st day upon entering Korea for short-term visitors (August 10 ~ September 9): Get a PCR test at the airport Covid19 Testing Center on your first day of entering Korea. 
*if inevitable, tests can be made at other testing centers near your accommodation. 

Things to Keep In Mind

A "Negative Confirmation Certificate" has been issued in Korean or English. 

However, if the certificate is not in Korean or English, a Korean or English translation and a translation certification document (translation certification text*) must be submitted together. 

Personal translations of the certified by a notary public or embassy. Certified translation offices (including certified translators) translations are not required. 

PCR tests will be performed at the local public health center (or designated facility within the same day (or designated date) after entry. 

In case of exception to quarantine measures due to attendance at the funeral of a lineal ascendant or descendant. 

After conducting a COVID-19 diagnostic test at the airport (or designated facility), wait until the test result is notified. After confirming the negative result, you can go to the funeral home (waiting time is within 1 night and 2 days / free of charge). 

* The above may be different for each local government, so please inquire with the local government (competition health center) having jurisdiction over the location to be quarantined for details. 

NOTE: Quarantine requirements are to be removed as of Wednesday, June 8, 2022, for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. 

The following are excluded from having to submit a negative PCR test

  • Infants and children under the age of 6 as of the date of entry (in the case that all accompanying party members submit a negative PCR test confirmation) 
  • Individuals who hold an exemption from quarantine for humanitarian purposes such as attendance to funerals and public business trips 
  • Aircraft crew 
  • Those that were denied access to another country for various reasons and only stayed at the local airport (the individual will need to prove this) 
  • Korean sailors who are entering from Singapore (they must hold Korean sailor status at the time of entry)

The following are conditions that are subject to change based on Covid-19 spread abroad

  • Korean nationals and foreign spouses, lineal ascendants and descendants of Korean nationals for are entering from Ukraine 
  • Korean nationals who have been confirmed to have had a history of treatment of the virus 10 days before and within 4 days of departure date (must prove the history of treatment) 
  • For those that are subject to submitting documents, you cannot board the plane if you have symptoms without a document that states that you have tested negative 

*The following rules are subject to change based on the spread of Covid-19 

Q-Code

  • In order to provide prompt quarantine service to Koreans entering the country the [Quarantine Information Pre-Input System (Q-Code)] has been prepared 
  • If you enter your quarantine information in the 'Quarantine Information Pre-entry System (Q-Code)' before boarding the aircraft and receive a QR code you can quickly complete the quarantine procedure by scanning the QR code at the airport quarantine checkpoint after arriving into Korea 
  • From March 21, 2022 (03/21/2022) all passengers arriving at Incheon International Airport will be able to use the [Quarantine Information Pre-Input System (Q-Code) 

Overview of Quarantine Information Advance Input System (Q-Code) Operation 

  • Eligibility: All those entering from abroad through Incheon International Airport 
  • Operation date: From March 21, 2022 

Q-Code Manual 

Incheon Airport PCR Testing Information 

Price of PCR Tests: 

1. Price of test when entering Korea: 

PCR Test: 80,000 KRW / person 

Applies to: Foreigners with a short term visa can get a PCR test upon entry at Incheon Airport. 

Test results will be out from 3-5 hours of arrival depending on the time frame that it was taken in. If the test is taken later into the day, the results may come out the following day. 

2. Price of test when exiting Korea (at Incheon Airport) 

Type 
PCR Test 
Antigen Test
Mon-Fri
Weekends (Weekdays 7:00-9:00) / Public Holidays 
Mon- Fri
Weekends (Weekdays 7:00- 9:00) / National Holidays 
Korean
116,000 KRW
120,000 KRW
66,000

KRW

70,000 KRW
Foreigners 
124,000 KRW
130,000 KRW
74,000

KRW

80,000 KRW


PCR test results will be available from one to three hours, depending on the time frame. 

You can pre book a PCR test online here

Location of PCR Testing Centers at Incheon Airport 

1. Incheon Airport T1 

Incheon Airport COVID-19 Testing Center T1 (East Side) 

Location: Terminal 1 Transit Center, 1st floor, outdoor are, East (Near the entrance, next to the capsule hotel Darakyu) 

Business Hours: 

Entry Test: 24/ 7

Exit Test: 7:00 - 18:00 

Incheon Airport T1 Covid -19 Testing Center 

Location: Terminal 1 Transit Center, 1st Floor, outdoor area, West (Near the entrance, next to Capsule Hotel Darakyu) 

Business Hours: 

Entry Test: 24/7 

Exit Test: 07:00 - 18:00 (Lunch Break 12:00- 13:00) 

Read our full review of Incheon Airport T1. 

2. Incheon Airport T2 

Incheon Airport COVID-19 Testing Center T2 (East Side) 

Location: Terminal 2 Parking Lot (B1), East (Near KEB Hana bank B1 floor)

Business Hours: 07:00- 19:00 (entry testing only) 

Incheon Airport Covid-19 Testing Center T2 (West) 

Location: Terminal T2 Parking Lot (in front of Security Pass Office) 

Business Hours: 

Entry Test: 07:00 - 19:00 

Exit Test: 07:00- 18:00 (Lunch Break: 12:00- 13:00) 

K-ETA

Travelers that don't need a visa to enter Korea can apply for K-ETA to travel more conveniently. Starting September 1, 2021, it will be made mandatory to apply. Also, 28 more eligible countries have been added, so please check the website for more information.

You must apply at least 24 hours before boarding. K-ETA will be valid for multiple trips over 2 years and the application fee is 10,000 KRW/person.

A list of eligible countries can be found here.


Social Distancing Restrictions

The Korean government's social distancing restrictions due to COVID-19 will continue to be updated on this blog. continues to be updated on this blog. (2021.01.17)

Vaccine Pass Information

Vaccine pass requirement: Vaccination certificate or negative PCR test

From December 13, 2021 to January 16, 2022, per the mandatory quarantine pass rule, visitors to all indoor multi-use facilities such as restaurants, cafes, and movie theaters must bring proof of vaccination or negative PCR test results to enter. Failure to comply could result in a fine of 100,000 won.

Eligible Documents

A. Fully Vaccinated: One of the following documents must be used to prove that at least two weeks have passed since the completion of vaccination. (If you have completed vaccination abroad, you must first register the certificate of vaccination issued abroad at the nearest public health center.)
1.Electronic Certificate: Confirmation provided by COOV, Kakao, Naver (QR code)
2. Paper Certificate: Visit a public health center or community center with your ID
3. Vaccination Sticker: Visit the community center to get a sticker on your ID card

B. Incomplete Vaccination: Provide one of the following documents proving a negative PCR test within the last 48 hours
1. Text message: PCR negative confirmation message sent by the lab and the date it was received
2. Paper certificate: Visit the testing center with ID

C. Recovered from COVID-19: You must prove that you are within 6 months of release from quarantine with the following
1. Paper Quarantine Release Confirmation: Visit a public health center with ID

Only passport or ARC is required for identification.

Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare


Korea Visa Information

Short-Term Visas

Short term visas will be issued once again starting from June 1st, 2022. 

Visa-Waiver & Visa-Free Entry Programs

As of April 13, 2020, visa-waiver and visa-free entry programs have been temporarily suspended for 90 countries. Travelers from the affected countries must now apply for a visa before traveling to Korea. The countries still eligible for visa-free entry are:

Visa-Waiver Countries:

Nicaragua, Commonwealth of Dominica, Mexico, Barbados, Venezuela, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts-Nevis, Malta, Ireland, United Kingdom

Visa-Free Countries/Regions:

Guam, New Caledonia, Palau, United States, Guyana, Monaco, Vatican City State, San Marino, Andorra, Albania, Slovenia

Long-Term Visa Holders

In accordance with the reorganization of the national quarantine system the "mandatory re-entry permit for registered foreigners" that has been in effect since Jun 1, 2020 will be suspended and the "re-entry permit exemption" will be resumed from April 2022. Registered foreigners who depart after April 1, 2022 can re-enter within one year from the date of departure (within two years for permanent residents), even if they do not obtain a re-entry permit. However, if you want to re-enter after staying abroad for more than one year from the date of departure, you must obtain a multiple re-entry permit (within 2 years at most). 

Those that are exempt from a re-entry permit: 

  • Registered Foreigner
    • Diplomat (A-1), Negotiation (A-3), Culture and Arts (D-1), Companion (F-3), Marriage Immigration (F-6), Visiting Employment (H-2)
    • Note that if the stay period is shorter than one year re-entry is possible until the remaining period of stay 
  • Permanent Resident 
    • F-5 
    • In the case of re-entry within 2 years from the date of departure 
  • Overseas Korean
    • F-4
    • In the case of re-entry after leaving the country within the period of stay 
  • Refugee Status Traveller 
    • Should be a certificate holder 
    • In the case of re-entry after leaving the country within the expiration date of the issued certificate 
  • From an Exempted Country 
    • Countries exempted from re-entry permit
    • Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, France, Finland, Chile, Suriname (D-7,D-8, D-9)

Exemptions for the exemption for the re-entry permit

  • In the case of entry of prohibited persons or visa issuance regulators, a separate screening procedure is required and re-entry permit may be restricted 
  • This can be further inquired with the immigration authorities 

Label Free Visa Policy

As of July 1, 2020, all Korean Embassies have stopped issuing visa labels and will notify applicants of their visa details by issuing a Visa Grant Notice online. Applicants can print out this document by entering their passport information and must present it to immigration officers during immigration clearance. 

Visa Application

Depending on the country and purpose of entry, there are many different visa types. You can click here to see what visa you should apply for. Currently, only single-entry visas are being issued and there is a restriction on tourism visa issuance. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when applying.

Due to COVID-19, electronic visa issuance has been suspended. If you meet the requirements, you may apply for visa issuance or through an e-form prior to a diplomatic mission. 

All applicants must have a valid passport, submit a passport photo (3.5cm x 4.5cm), and a consent to quarantine form. Please find more information on how to apply through the Korean embassy in your home country.

Visa fees range from 40 to 90 USD, but please note that some countries have adjusted or exempted fees.


Flights To Korea
Flights to Korea

Nowadays, there are more and more people who travel to Korea, so there are many different flight paths to Korea. Due to COVID, flights had been limited until recently. With the lifting of travel restrictions, more flights will become available.

Examples of airlines to Korea:

USA: 
Delta Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines
From cities like Los Angeles, New York City, Washington D.C., Miami, Seattle

Philippines: 
Manila Airport - Incheon Airport: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Singapore Airlines (1 stop), Philippine Airlines (1 stop)

India:
Indira Gandhi Airport - Incheon Airport: Air India (1 stop) IndiGo (2+ stops), Vistara (2+ stops)

Indonesia:
Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Incheon Airport: Asiana Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines (1 stop)

Malaysia:
Kuala Lumpur Airport - Incheon Airport: Korean Air, Singapore Airlines (1 stop), Malaysia Airlines (1 stop)

Taiwan:
Taoyuan Airport - Incheon Airport: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, Scoot (1 stop)

Japan: 
Narita Airport - Incheon Airport: Japan Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, ANA, Ethiopian Airlines

For those who want to come to Korea, we recommend you check many different airlines for different promotions and flight paths.

Follow the flight status information released by the airlines, and double-check the flight schedule before your departure.


Checked-in Baggage

In addition to the low-cost airline discount tickets, most airlines will give you two options for your luggage. The first one is "checked baggage" and the second is "carry-on baggage." 

The number of maximum weight and dimension of the luggage varies from one carrier to the other. You should check your ticket first. The most important point to remember is to buy a checked-in baggage option if you think your baggage will go overweight.

The price of adding one checked-in baggage before departure is far cheaper than paying at the airport.

Some airlines might let you go if your checked-in luggage is a few kilograms overweight, but nothing is guaranteed. Some airlines (especially the low-fare airlines) inspect the weight and dimension of carry-on luggage, and will demand you to pay a check-in luggage price before the departure.

Avoid the chaos altogether. If you ended up buying a lot of stuff, buy the extra baggage option or send them home via freight.


Luggage Policy

Not Allowed In Carry-On Baggage (Can Only Be Checked In)

Knives: Utility knife, kitchen knife, nail clippers, and scissors.

Sharp items: anything similar to knives, bows, hooks, steel nails (no longer than five centimeters), darts, needles, etc.

Stick tools: In addition to common stick items, camera tripods, selfie sticks, and umbrellas are prohibited.

Liquid and gel: single piece capacity should not exceed 100ML (50ML emulsion in a 120ML container is not allowed), every liquid item must be packed in a transparent zipper bag (less than 1L capacity).

Spray Bins: 100ML or more, 500ML or less, no spray product (such as sunscreen spray, antiperspirant) is allowed.

Not Allowed In Checked Baggage (Can Only Be Carried With You)

Battery: lithium battery, smartphone battery

Lighter: One person can carry up to one

Items That Cannot Be Placed In Checked Baggage Or Carry-On

Spray can: 500ML or more, regardless of the function, it is forbidden to carry in both check-in and carry-on bags. In addition, any flammable item is forbidden.

Any compressed gas, highly toxic, radial, oxide, flammable, corrosive, etc., items are forbidden for the safety of all passengers.


Last Reminder: Please carry lighters, mobile power banks, batteries, computers, and cameras with you at all times. Do not put them in the check-in luggage.


Entry and Customs

Not allowed in customs to Korea

Not Allowed For Entry

  • Any book, picture, video, photo, laser disc, CD, CD-ROM, etc. that has the potential of violating the Korean law, disrupting the public order, and customs
  • Any Item intending to leak national secret information or misappropriated information
  • Counterfeit items, counterfeit currency, and other securities, etc.
  • Fresh food, meat

Restricted Items In Korea

  • Guns, swords and other weapons (including fake knives and decorations) or any explosive and toxic substances
  • Drugs including marijuana, opium, cannabis, etc., that violate the Korean drug control laws
  • According to the Wildlife International Trade Agreement, all items made by endangered species are illegal
  • Foreign payment methods (excluding promissory notes, money orders, letters of credit), domestic currency (KRW), and travel cheques marked as Korean Won currency (reported to the customs at the time of entry and exit), cash checks, bank cheques, postal money order, etc.
  • Precious metals (except for gold rings and necklaces are worn in daily life), securities (immigration restrictions), and
  • antique and cultural property (entry and exit restricted items)
  • Items mentioned in the Aquaculture Law (Aquacultural Animals and Plant Transplant Permit Regulations)
  • Any item that may cause damage to Korean water resources and environment
  • Unregistered industrial or home wastes
  • Plants, fruits, and vegetables, agricultural and forestry items (both import and export are restricted)
  • Animals (including meat, skin, hair) and animal products (immigration restrictions) including pet food

FAQ

10,000 US dollars = 10 million Won

You can not bring any meat products to Korea (For example, it is forbidden to carry a pack of fresh or dry meat).

There is a chance of not getting caught, but you can be blacklisted once you get caught. You might also get fined.

If you want to bring animals, plants, meat, and fruits to Korea, you must go through a proper customs and quarantines.

Foreigners who have been sentenced in Korea will not be able to return their home county until they serve their terms. You also can be deported from Korea.


Automatic Customs Clearance
Automatic Customs Clearance

Where can I apply for the automatic customs clearance?

2nd Floor, Seoul Station: Airport Railroad Branch
Reception time: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm

COEX City Airport Terminal
Transportation: Seoul Metro Line 2 Samseong Station (삼성역)
Reception time: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm

Incheon International Airport Terminal 1, 3rd Floor: Departure Hall Check-in and Check-in Counter G Area
Reception time: 7 am to 7 pm every day

Incheon International Airport Terminal 2, 2nd Floor: One-Stop Public Service Zone, Government General Administrative Center (One-Stop Public Service Zone)
Reception time: 7 am to 7 pm every day

Gimpo International Airport, 2nd floor: Immigration Service Center
Reception time: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm

International Terminal, Busan Gimhae International Airport 2nd Floor: Immigration Office
Reception time: Monday to Friday, 7 am to 8 pm

Daegu International Airport, 2nd Floor: Immigration Office
Reception time: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm

Jeju International Airport, 3rd floor: VIP Lounge Area
Reception time: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm

East Passenger Terminal, Cheongju International Airport, 1st Floor: Airport Departure Office
Reception time: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm

What information should I prepare?

  • Passport
  • You must visit the office yourself to apply for the automatic customs clearance

Things you need to know

To apply for customs clearance in Korea, you must be in the country.

The automatic customs clearance is valid until your current passport expires. If you change your passport, you must reapply for the automatic customs clearance in Korea.

After the customs clearance, the customs declaration form must be filled out before you enter the country. The immigration card does not have to be filled out after acquiring your automatic customs clearance.

For automatic customs clearance, you must take a photo and scan your fingerprints on the spot.


Filling out the Arrival Card

The function of the Korean immigration card is to keep the record of personal information of tourists upon their entry to the country. The government can manage a large number of Korean free travelers based on the information you provided at the immigration clearance. 

Those who have already applied for automatic customs clearance or have a "Foreigner Registration Card" will not have to write this card, but the relevant customs declaration form should be filled out.

Arrival Card 
If you have passed the automatic customs clearance or have a foreigner registration card, you don't need to fill out this card.

For the accommodation in Korea, remember to write down the address and phone number of the hotel in advance. If you are staying multiple hotels over the course of your trip, just fill out the contact information of the first hotel.

You can write in either English or Korean, but the fields "Family name" and "given name" has to be filled out in English with the reference to your passport. 

Customs Declaration Card

korea customs clearance form

When the flight attendant gives you an immigration card, please also request a customs declaration form. If you are traveling as a family (or in a marriage relationship), you only need to fill out one card per family.

If you are traveling with friends or in a group other than family, you will need to fill them out separately. The bottom section says "If you are not carrying anything that needs a special declaration, please check No."

If you say No, you don't have to fill out the questions on the back. But remember that these questions must be filled out honestly. There should be no false declarations!


Currency Exchange

Currency Exchange

This information is only our advice. Usually, the currency exchange at the airport isn't that good, so just exchange the amount you need and exchange more later. 

For traveling in South Korea via public transportation, you need to prepare a T-Money Card. Using the airport railway from the airport to the hotel costs about 10,000 won (approx. 9 USD). If you take a shuttle bus, the transportation fee would be 15,000 won (approx. 13 USD). However, you can pay with cash on the bus.

The exchange rate at the airport currency exchange booths is not good. I recommend you to go to currency exchange stores in Myeongdong to exchange large amounts. This is Seoul's largest and most well-known money exchange area.

For more detailed information, click to read our currency information page and blog post on the best currency exchange locations.


Airport to Seoul City Public Transportation

Take The Airport Express

The First Airport Express Train Departure Schedule
From Incheon Terminal 205:15
From Seoul Station06:10


The Last Airport Express From The Airport To Downtown Seoul
Incheon Terminal 2 Incheon Terminal 1Seoul Station
(Final Stop)
22:4022:4823:31


The Last Airport Express From Downtown Seoul To The Airport
Seoul Station
 Incheon Terminal 1
Incheon Terminal 2
(Final Stop)
22:5023:3323:41


Airport Shuttle Bus

Please keep in mind many airport buses are currently not in service due to COVID-19. 

Airport Shuttle Bus Schedule From Incheon Airport
DestinationBus NumberFirst BusLast Bus
Myeondong600104:5022:40
601505:3522:50
Euljiro 1 ga670104:4522:44
601505:3522:50
Seodaemun600504:3020:40
Dongdaemun600104:5022:40
600205:4523:20
670205:0018:20
601505:3522:50
Chungmuro600104:5022:40
601505:3522:50
Seoul Station600104:5022:40
670205:0018:20
Chungjungno600205:4523:20
601505:3522:50
Jongno3ga600205:4523:20
Gyeongbokgung601104:2021:00
Itaewon670205:0018:20
Sinseoldong600205:4523:20
Hongdae600205:4523:20
Shinchon600205:4523:20
601104:2021:00
Gangnam600903:2520:15
602004:0020:35
Express Bus Terminal602004:0020:35


Incheon Airport Late Night Bus
Bus NumberStopsFirst BusLast Bus
N6000Incheon Airport T1
Express Bus Terminal Station
22:4002:40
N6001Incheon Airport T1
ShinYongsan, Seoul
23:2003:20
N6002Incheon Airport T2, Incheon Airport T1
Shinyongsan, Seoul
01:2004:40


You can check bus routes and purchase tickets at the ticket booths located at the Arrivals Hall (1F) of Terminal 1 near Gates 4 & 9 or outside by Gates 4, 6, 7, 8, 11 or 13.

Many flights arrive in Seoul at late night. There are not many buses from Incheon Airport to Seoul after 10 pm. We recommend you to consider taxis as an option. People who are staying near Seoul Station and Yongsan Station will have an easier time.

Take The All Stop Train Or Taxi

In addition, you may also take the all stop train from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 or 2 to a location in Seoul. To do this, you may purchase a Tmoney transportation card at a convenience store or purchase a one-way ticket at a ticket vending machine.

Taxis are available outside the Arrival Hall of both terminals. The base taxi fare begins at 3,800 KRW with a 20% increase at nighttime (24:00-04:00). The base for deluxe and jumbo taxis begins at 6,500 KRW and there is no additional nighttime charge. You may also book an international taxi or van through Creatrip for convenient transportation.

If you feel that a taxi driver is trying to take advantage of you, you can report it to the Seoul Global Center (+82-2-2075-4180), which offers services in many different languages. 


Duty Free Shopping at Arrival 

Incheon International Airport has many on-arrival duty-free shops. There are 2 SM Duty Free Stores located between baggage carousels #6 and #7 in the Baggage Claim Area on the 1st floor of Terminal 1. Also, there is 1 Entas Duty Free store near the baggage carousel #6 in the Baggage Claim Area on the 1st floor of Terminal 2. All stores are opened 24 hours/day.

However, the purchase limit at arrival shops is set at US $600 for International and US $3000 for Korean nationalities. Due to the low purchase bar, the stores only handle 10 different products including alcoholic beverages, perfume, cosmetics and certain variety of Korean food brand but NOT tobacco.

At Creatrip, we highly recommend you pay a visit to on-arrival duty free shops for various reasons below:

  1. The stores are opened 24 hours a day, which is especially suitable for our members who had late or early arrival at Incheon. You can hang around and enjoy tax-free shopping deals while waiting for your check-in baggage.  
  2. On-arrival Duty Free Shops are also a good alternatives for travelers who will have to depart on early morning or late outbound flight. During night time (normally between 23:00 to next day 6:00), there are many duty free shops are closed at the departure hall. Planning on purchasing your duty free items in advance hassle-free can save you more time to enjoy the true beauty of Korea travel.
  3. Like other Duty Free Services, On-arrival Duty Free Shopping is your ultimate saving deal for high-quality items.

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