Gwanak-gu's 1,500 Employees Step Up to Save Restaurants Affected by COVID-19

Actively Visiting Restaurants and Cafes Damaged by Former Employee's COVID-19 Movement Disclosure... Approximately 190 Visits to 30 Businesses, Contributing to Over 17 Million Won in Sales Increase

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) has rolled up its sleeves to revive the local commercial district, including restaurants and cafes, that have faced difficulties in business after being publicly disclosed as places visited by COVID-19 confirmed cases.

As the movement paths of confirmed COVID-19 cases were made public to prevent community spread, owners of restaurants and cafes known to have been visited by confirmed cases have suffered greatly from a drop in customer visits.

In response, all 1,500 employees of Gwanak-gu have visited a total of 30 affected businesses, including restaurants and cafes, at least three times a week since March 5 to share in the difficulties of the owners.

The total number of visits reached 190, contributing to an increase in sales of approximately 17 million KRW.

An official from the district said, “The places visited by confirmed cases, including the surrounding areas, undergo immediate disinfection, making them even safer. However, due to customers’ concerns about possible infection, foot traffic decreases, causing business difficulties. The district plans to continue regular visits to additional restaurants and cafes disclosed as visited by confirmed cases and will actively consider additional economic support measures.”

Additionally, 478 landlords in Gwanak-gu are voluntarily participating in the “Good Landlord Movement,” reducing rents to share the hardships of small business owners and self-employed individuals affected by COVID-19.

The movement, which began at Sinsa Market in Gwanak-gu to help merchants struggling due to a decline in visitors caused by infection concerns, has become a model for many landlords. Currently, 478 landlords are significantly reducing rents for about 619 stores.

Mayor Park Junhee said, “I thank all business owners who have actively cooperated by accepting the disclosure of their business names to ease citizens’ concerns. It is only natural for district employees to actively visit and provide assistance to help compensate for their business losses, even if only a little. We will do our utmost to ensure that COVID-19 ends as soon as possible through a warm community spirit that overcomes difficulties together.”

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