On the First Day of Mandatory Masking in Seoul... Offices Say "Not Wearing Is Treason," Cafes Become Lawless Zones

"Do I have to take it off every time I drink?"
Only 2 out of 10 store customers wear masks
Some smokers on the street wear masks below the chin

Workplace atmosphere also changes
Communication via messenger without snacks or chatting

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Byungdon Yoo, Jeongyun Lee] "Please be sure to wear a mask when using the store. Also, please cooperate by sitting in a 'zigzag' pattern with spacing between tables to maintain at least 1 meter distance."

On the first day of the Seoul city administrative order mandating mask-wearing not only indoors but also in outdoor spaces, such an announcement was heard at a franchise cafe near Dangsan Station in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 24th. Notices were posted at each table stating mandatory mask-wearing, wearing masks before and after eating, and sitting at least 1 meter apart. However, among about 10 customers in the store that day, only two wore masks. Mr. Kim said, "I didn't know we had to wear masks. Are we supposed to keep taking them off and putting them back on every time we drink a beverage?"

At a similar time, the situation at a cafe near Hanyang University in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, was the same. From the entrance, a sign read, "For everyone's safety, please be sure to wear a mask when entering and using the store," but some customers were engaged in conversation without wearing masks. Mr. Lee, who was not wearing a mask, said, "I saw the notice, but I took off my mask while eating and talking." A store employee said, "Compared to before, now almost all citizens wear masks when visiting the store," but added, "Today is the first day of the mandate, and it doesn't seem much different from before."

On the other hand, on the streets such as bus stops and subway entrances during the morning commute in Seoul that day, it was hard to find people not wearing masks. Some smokers were seen wearing masks on their chins while smoking, but they quickly put their masks back on and hurried away after finishing smoking.

In offices, a strict mask-wearing culture is taking root. At a financial company in Seoul, all employees wear masks during work, and entry to the building is not allowed without a mask. Employee Kim said, "After the resurgence of COVID-19, most employees strictly wear masks even in the office," adding, "Especially when moving around the office away from their desks, not wearing a mask creates an atmosphere where you become an 'outcast' inside."

The indoor mask mandate has also changed workplace practices. Eating snacks like coffee in the office and chatting have disappeared, and it has become rare to gather in groups for lunch. It has become common to see people eating alone with lunchboxes. Public enterprise employee Park said, "Because we have to keep wearing masks in the office, even when talking about work with colleagues next to me, I use messenger apps," adding, "There are no face-to-face meetings and conversations have disappeared, so the office is completely silent." Mr. Shim, working at a mid-sized company in the metropolitan area, said, "Employees in their 30s and 40s with children seem particularly sensitive about mask-wearing," and added, "I have seen some juniors chatting without masks and being scolded with 'Will you take responsibility if you get COVID?'"

Earlier, Seoul city issued an administrative order at midnight on the same day mandating mask-wearing indoors and outdoors except in private spaces. After a grace period, starting October 13, a fine of up to 100,000 won will be imposed for not wearing a mask.

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