Influencer Sachin Awasthi Says He Was Detained for 38 Hours in South Korea and China

What happened to Sachin Awasthi in South Korea?

Indian influencer Sachin Awasthi claims he and his wife were detained for nearly 38 hours in Jeju Island, South Korea, denied entry over “unclear travel intentions,” and later faced restricted supervision during transit through China before returning to India. The incident, shared through Instagram and YouTube, has sparked debate around immigration rights, traveller documentation, and treatment of tourists abroad.

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Why was Sachin Awasthi denied entry into Jeju Island?

According to Awasthi, South Korean immigration officials stated that his “purpose of stay was unclear,” despite his claiming they were visiting Jeju Island for tourism.

He said:

• They were asked to step aside at immigration.
• Taken to a holding area resembling a detention centre.
• Interviewed with the help of an interpreter.
• Later, they were informed their entry was rejected.

Awasthi alleged that the interpreter misrepresented parts of their responses during questioning.

How long were they detained and under what conditions?

Sachin Awasthi says they were held for nearly 38 hours in conditions similar to a jail, with no sunlight, restricted communication, basic food, and constant monitoring.

Alleged Conditions at Jeju Holding Facility:

• Separate halls for men and women
• No access to phones
• Limited water and food (juice and a bun)
• No outside access or sunlight
• Monitored restroom visits with a bodycam-equipped officer

He described the facility as “similar to a prison” and said they were made to sign forms stating they received proper accommodation and food.

Were they forced to buy an expensive return ticket?

Awasthi claims they were pressured into booking a return ticket costing nearly 10 times the normal price before being allowed to leave.

He wrote:

“At that moment, we didn’t have the energy to argue. We just wanted to get out safely.”

He alleged airlines, including Juneyao Air and China Eastern Airlines, charged inflated prices during the forced return process.

What happened during transit through China?

Awasthi says the ordeal continued during transit in China, where they faced further supervision, communication restrictions, and monitored movement during an extended layover.

Alleged Transit Issues in China:

• 8+ hour supervised layover
• No phone usage allowed
• Limited food and water
• Constant monitoring
• Restricted contact with family

He stated that these 8 hours “felt worse than the 36 hours of detention.”

Did Sachin Awasthi claim racism?

Yes. Awasthi publicly alleged that Jeju Island authorities behaved in a discriminatory and racist manner toward him and his wife.

He said other detainees shared similar experiences, including:

• Entry denied for travelling with friends instead of spouse
• Entry denied for not travelling with children
• Financial pressure to buy high-priced return tickets

However, immigration experts note that entry decisions remain fully under the sovereign authority of each country.

What do immigration experts say about such cases?

Immigration authorities worldwide have the legal right to deny entry even if travellers hold valid visas, particularly if travel intentions appear unclear or documentation is insufficient.

Common reasons for denial may include:

• Incomplete documentation
• Weak proof of accommodation
• Unclear itinerary
• Insufficient financial proof
• Strict regional visa policies

Jeju Island is known for maintaining tighter entry scrutiny under certain travel categories.

What documents should Indian travellers carry?

Experts recommend carrying hard copies of:

• Return tickets
• Hotel bookings
• Travel insurance
• Bank statements
• Detailed itinerary
• Transit visa (if required)

Even visa-free or visa-on-arrival routes can involve discretionary checks.

What did Sachin Awasthi say about the experience?

He clarified:

“I’m not sharing this for sympathy or drama. Immigration decisions are within their authority. But they did not have any right to treat us like CRIMINALS.”

He added:

“Travel looks glamorous online. But sometimes things change in a few hours and test you emotionally in ways you never expect.”

How has the internet reacted to Sachin Awasthi?

The story has triggered mixed reactions:

Supportive Responses:

• Sympathy for the alleged treatment
• Concerns over traveller rights
• Discussions around racial bias

Critical Responses:

• Reminders that immigration decisions are sovereign
• Emphasis on documentation and compliance
• Calls for a balanced perspective

What does this incident highlight?

The case highlights how international travel can quickly shift from leisure to legal scrutiny, especially in regions with strict entry policies or complex transit routes.

It also raises broader questions about:

• Transparency in immigration procedures
• Communication clarity
• Traveller preparedness
• Airline pricing ethics