[Report] "Came Out to Eat Hamburger" COVID-19 Easing, Can We Return to Normal Life? Mixed Expectations and Concerns

"Going Out Relieves Frustration" COVID-19 Easing Trend
Shopping Districts Like Cafes and Department Stores Gaining Vitality
Self-Employed and Customers Feel Few Visitors but Have Hope

As the novel coronavirus infection eases, people visit a fast food restaurant in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Seulgi Kim, Intern Reporter sabiduriakim@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy reporters Han Seung-gon and Kim Su-wan, interns Min Jun-young and Kim Seul-gi] "My child wanted to eat a hamburger, so we came out."

Housewife A (38), whom we met at a fast-food restaurant in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul, said, "I went out after hearing the news that 'social distancing' had been eased." She added, "I judged that there would be no problem as long as we wore masks properly and paid attention to hygiene."

A couple we met near a clothing store in Myeongdong said, "It was frustrating to stay at home because of social distancing, but I heard there are not many people these days, so we came out." They added, "Still, since it's Myeongdong, we thought they would pay attention to quarantine measures, so we came out for a date."

As the domestic novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) situation stabilizes, more people are visiting theaters, shopping malls, and cafes. Citizens enjoyed their daily lives, which they rarely experienced, but also showed anxiety about possible COVID-19 spread. Self-employed business owners said they did not feel an immediate impact on sales but expressed hope for the gradually revitalizing commercial districts.

A cosmetics store owner said, "Recently, the number of confirmed cases has decreased, and the situation seems better than when COVID-19 first broke out." However, he added, "That doesn't mean customers have increased as before. Still, judging by the situation, it's better than at first. I think things will gradually improve."

The cinema industry is also preparing to welcome customers as the COVID-19 situation eases. A CGV representative said, "We had to close due to the impact of COVID-19, but with new movie releases, 36 branches nationwide will resume operations." He explained, "This is to revitalize the film industry and surrounding commercial districts."

He added, "With the government easing social distancing, we cautiously expect more customers than usual. Even when reopening, we will strictly follow government guidelines for thorough quarantine."

A large department store located in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul. Due to the easing trend of the novel coronavirus infection, the number of people visiting department stores and shopping malls is increasing. Photo by Seulgi Kim, Intern Reporter sabiduriakim@asiae.co.kr

On the other hand, some opinions say the current situation cannot be viewed optimistically. Although social distancing has shifted to everyday distancing, and more people are gradually visiting Myeongdong, it is not at a level that can be felt.

Self-employed business owner B (67), who said he has been selling miscellaneous goods in Myeongdong for 40 years, lamented, "Many foreign tourists used to come and buy things, but due to COVID-19, there are no people, so business is bad." He appealed, "I've been in business for 40 years, but this is the first time experiencing such a recession. I can't even make 10,000 won a day."

According to a survey, not only Myeongdong but most commercial districts have been hit hard by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. According to the report "COVID-19 and the Commercial Real Estate Market Impact" released on the 7th by global commercial real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield (C&W), since the first domestic COVID-19 case in January, the floating population in major commercial districts in Seoul and the metropolitan area decreased by 40-80%. Cosmetics and fashion-related stores suffered the most damage.

Self-employed business owner C (80), who operates a store in the underground shopping mall at Hoehyeon Station, lamented, "Business is bad because there are no tourists." He said, "I've been in business here for 20 years, but it's worse than when COVID-19 cases surged." He added, "I have no choice but to keep the store open, but it's just at the level of opening the door. If I make 20,000 won a day, that's a lot." He also said, "Rent and management fees have been reduced until August, but it's useless."

Starbucks located in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul. It is operating with seats unavailable in accordance with the social distancing policy. Photo by Seulgi Kim, intern reporter sabiduriakim@asiae.co.kr

The flow of foreign visitors, which had stopped, has not fully recovered. A Seoul Tourism Association official said, "Tourists have increased compared to the early days of COVID-19," but explained, "Still, there is an impact from COVID-19. Currently, only domestic tourists are increasing." He added, "Moreover, since it has not yet recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels, some stores are still temporarily closed. It seems more time is needed for a full recovery to previous levels."

Meanwhile, according to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 29th, 9 new domestic COVID-19 cases were confirmed. The number of new confirmed cases has remained around 10 for 11 consecutive days. The total number of confirmed cases was reported as 10,761.

By region, 3 cases were from Daegu, 2 from Gyeonggi, 1 from Chungnam, and 3 from airport quarantine. By type, 5 were imported cases, and 4 were local transmissions.

The death toll increased by 2 to 246, and the number of people who recovered and were released from isolation increased by 68 to 8,922.

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