Crowds Gather at Hangang Park, Even Men's Restrooms Face Long Queues

Seoul City Strengthens Social Distancing
Hangang Parks and Nearby Resorts Crowded

Many Wearing Masks Below Chin or Not at All
Convenience Stores Packed with People Lining Up

After the implementation of social distancing level 2.5 measures due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul was crowded with citizens around 10 p.m. on the first Saturday, the 5th. Photo by Byungdon Yoo tamond@

[Asia Economy reporters Yoo Byung-don and Song Seung-yoon] Around 10 p.m. last Saturday (the 5th) at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul. Even on this first Saturday since the implementation of social distancing level 2.5 measures, the Hangang Park was crowded with citizens. Not only the lawns but also benches, stairs, and any small available space were quickly occupied by people. Citizens who spread out mats drank alcohol or smoked cigarettes, continuing their conversations in a lively manner. Most of them had their masks pulled down below their chins or were not wearing them at all.

After 11 p.m., various music sounds began to be heard throughout Hangang Park. Young citizens played music on their smartphones and danced while waving various portable lights. It was easy to find men eagerly attempting spontaneous meetings, moving from one mat to another. Young men and women who met for the first time that day soon gathered around a single mat, talking animatedly through the night.

As the government extended the social distancing level 2.5 measures for another week, more citizens are seeking an escape. Tired of social distancing, many are heading to Hangang Park or nearby recreational areas around Seoul.

Since the implementation of social distancing level 2.5 measures due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the area in front of the men's restroom at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul was crowded with citizens around 10 p.m. on the first Saturday, the 5th. Photo by Byungdon Yoo tamond@

The scene at Banpo Hangang Park visited on the same day was not much different. After 9 p.m., when bars closed, convenience stores were crowded with citizens trying to buy alcohol and ramen. The wait time to buy a single drink was about 10 minutes. There was no maintenance of 1-2 meters distance in the long queues. As citizens flocked to Hangang Park, a long line even formed in front of the men's restroom, creating a remarkable spectacle. Citizen Jung Seok-woo (33) said, "I had the first round with friends at a nearby bar, and feeling a bit disappointed, I bought beer and came out to Hangang Park," adding, "I didn't expect there to be so many people."

Social distancing seemed like a story from another world at recreational areas near Seoul as well. In a pension village around a small stream in Buk-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province, it was easy to find people not wearing masks at swimming pools and nearby cafes. Although those who appeared to be managers walked around asking people to wear masks, it only lasted for a moment.

Perhaps due to relaxed quarantine awareness from traveling, such scenes were particularly frequent compared to the city. Some people gathered on the streets without masks, smoking with acquaintances. Experts warn that outdoor spaces are not free from the risk of COVID-19 infection. Professor Eom Jung-sik, an infectious disease specialist at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, said, "There is a risk of infection when social distancing is difficult even outdoors," adding, "It is necessary to follow personal quarantine rules such as maintaining a 2-meter distance and wearing masks, and above all, it is best to refrain from gatherings that can be avoided."

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