One-Week Extension of Voluntary Closure for Hongdae Clubs in Mapo-gu

Amid Concerns Over Multi-Use Facilities During Metropolitan Cluster Infections, 'Bold Decision'... As of the 14th, 37 of 44 Dance-Allowed Businesses in Hongdae Area Closed

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The Hongdae clubs, which had voluntarily suspended operations from the 6th to the 12th to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), have decided to extend their temporary closure period by one week until the 19th.

Mapo-gu (District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun) announced that after recent discussions with clubs in the Hongdae area regarding the extension of the closure period, they have decided to extend the original temporary closure period by one week.

This decision is significant as it comes amid growing concerns over group infections occurring recently in the metropolitan area and the increasing worries about multi-use facilities such as clubs and PC rooms.

According to the district, as of the 14th, out of the 44 dance-permitted establishments in the Hongdae area, a total of 37 businesses have actually suspended operations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The participation rate reaches approximately 85%. They plan to continue the voluntary closure movement until the 19th.

The district is also encouraging the remaining 7 non-participating establishments to actively join the closure movement. Additionally, support such as lending disinfection equipment and producing and distributing voluntary closure notice stickers will be provided for these businesses.

One business owner who participated in the closure movement said, “We have suffered losses amounting to tens of millions of won over the past week due to the closure. If the closure continues indefinitely, we may have to consider closing the business entirely, so I hope the government and Seoul city will come up with special measures.”

Mapo-gu is also considering support measures for clubs participating in the voluntary closure movement, but the situation is not easy. There is no suitable budget or method at the local government level to compensate for their enormous economic losses.

Yoo Dong-gyun, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “In these difficult times for the local economy due to COVID-19, I am truly grateful to the business owners who are cooperating with the voluntary closure movement,” and added, “Mapo-gu will do its best in quarantine efforts so that we can overcome this situation quickly and return to normal daily life.”

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