Sachin Awasthi is a digital content creator from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He holds an MBA degree and first became popular for his relatable “POV” comedy videos based on everyday Indian life.
Over time, he shifted toward lifestyle and travel content. He now has over 4 lakh subscribers on YouTube and around 562,000 followers on Instagram. His audience mainly follows him for comedy sketches and travel vlogs.
That is why his recent travel experience shocked many of his followers.
What Happened During His South Korea Trip?
Instead, he claims they were denied entry shortly after arrival.
In his words, they were detained for nearly 38 hours in South Korea and during transit through China. He alleged they were kept in a holding area without proper explanation and faced strict supervision.
He wrote that the detention facility felt like a jail, with no sunlight and limited communication. He also claimed that they were pressured into booking an expensive return ticket.
During transit in China, he alleged that communication remained restricted and conditions were uncomfortable.
Awasthi clarified that immigration authorities have the right to deny entry. However, he questioned the way they were treated and said he felt they were handled “like criminals.”
Embassy Response and Online Debate
In his vlog, Awasthi claimed that the Indian Embassy in South Korea did not provide assistance during the situation.
The incident quickly triggered strong reactions online. Many followers expressed sympathy and shock. Others debated whether the issue was linked to passport strength or simply immigration compliance rules.
Some users pointed out that immigration officers in any country have broad authority to deny entry if documentation or eligibility conditions are not met.
Understanding Jeju’s Special Visa Rule
Indian passport holders may enter Jeju without a visa only if:
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They arrive directly from a foreign country
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They do not transit through mainland South Korea airports
If a traveler passes through mainland South Korea, a valid South Korean visa is required.
Visa experts say confusion around this rule often leads to problems. Even if a destination advertises visa-free access, the travel route matters.
Why Experts Warn About Special Entry Zones
Visa specialist Priyesh Sharma reacted to the controversy by reminding travelers that immigration decisions are strict and final.
He noted that social media fame does not influence immigration procedures. Officers evaluate documents, travel history, return tickets, financial proof, and compliance with entry conditions.
Special-status zones can appear simple on paper but may carry strict scrutiny in practice. Experts advise travelers to:
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Double-check transit routes
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Confirm eligibility rules directly with official sources
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Carry complete documentation
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Avoid assumptions about visa-free access
Risks of Travelling to Special Visa Areas
Travel to regions with special entry status can involve:
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Confusion about transit restrictions
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Airline compliance checks before boarding
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Immediate return orders if eligibility fails
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Detention in holding areas until departure
Immigration authorities in every country have the legal power to deny entry if conditions are not met.
For Indian travelers, careful planning is essential, especially when visiting destinations with conditional visa-free rules.
The Bigger Picture
Sachin Awasthi’s experience has sparked a wider conversation about travel awareness and immigration procedures.
While his claims continue to circulate online, the incident highlights one key lesson: always verify visa conditions carefully, especially for special administrative regions or limited-entry zones.
International travel can change quickly at the immigration counter. Preparation matters more than popularity.
