Seoul City Controls Hangang Park and Bans Gatherings of 10 or More "To Continue for the Time Being" (Comprehensive)

On the 8th, Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul is being partially closed as the Seoul Metropolitan Government controls access to major crowded areas within Hangang Park and reduces the operating hours of convenience stores and parking lots to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Despite the government's easing of 'social distancing' to Level 2, restrictions on Hangang Park will continue for the time being. The ban on gatherings of 10 or more people across Seoul has also been extended until the 11th of next month.

On the 14th, Seo Jeong-hyeop, Acting Mayor of Seoul, held a briefing and stated, "We will relax restrictions to allow convenience stores and parking lots in Hangang Park to operate after 9 p.m., but control of certain sections of Yeouido, Banpo, and Ttukseom Hangang Parks will be maintained for the time being."

The control of Hangang Park began on the 8th based on Seoul City's own judgment following the government's upgrade to social distancing Level 2.5. Considering the spread of COVID-19 centered in the metropolitan area, Seoul City recognizes that activities such as gathering or eating together must still be prevented. However, the nighttime gathering restrictions previously imposed on street stalls, street vendors, and food trucks will be changed to 'recommendations to comply with quarantine rules.'

From Ban on Gatherings to Gathering Restrictions, but Obligation to Follow Quarantine Rules Remains

With the transition to social distancing Level 2 applied from midnight that day, in Seoul, 2,750 PC rooms, 161,087 restaurants and bakeries, 6,687 franchise coffee shops, bakeries, ice cream shops, and shaved ice shops, 14,412 small and medium-sized academies with 10 to fewer than 300 people, 337 vocational training institutions, and 11,297 private sports facilities will have their gathering bans adjusted to gathering restrictions.

Acting Mayor Seo emphasized, "To prevent a possible resurgence of infectious diseases caused by some violations, we will continue on-site inspections and strictly apply the 'one-strike-out system' to businesses that do not comply with quarantine rules." In particular, PC rooms will have additional obligations including banning entry of minors under 19, prohibiting food consumption, banning operation of smoking rooms, and compliance with three core quarantine rules on top of existing gathering restrictions.

The ban on gatherings for small and medium-sized academies with 10 or more people, reading rooms, study cafes, gyms, billiard halls, and golf practice ranges will also be converted to gathering restrictions. However, 13 dance halls, classified as medium-risk facilities, will maintain the gathering ban.

The complete ban on gatherings of 10 or more people across Seoul, imposed after the Gwanghwamun rally on August 15, will be extended until 24:00 on October 11. Acting Mayor Seo said, "The ban on gatherings of 10 or more people is a very strong measure equivalent to Level 3 social distancing. We made this decision considering the Chuseok holiday and Hangeul Day holiday as a critical juncture for quarantine and the high concerns of citizens."

Currently, a total of 117 rallies have been reported in Seoul during the Chuseok and Hangeul Day holiday periods, with an expected participation of 400,000 people. The city has sent official letters to the relevant organizations notifying them of the ban on gatherings.

Free Flu Vaccinations Prioritized for 150,000 'High-Risk Occupations'

Furthermore, Seoul City will prioritize free flu vaccinations for a total of 150,383 people in high-risk occupations to prevent the 'twindemic' of flu and COVID-19 occurring simultaneously. The target groups include public transportation drivers, childcare teachers, residents of social welfare facilities, workers at postpartum care centers and child care centers, sanitation workers, and security personnel in apartment complexes, all of whom have frequent contact with the public.

Acting Mayor Seo stated, "Although the quarantine authorities have taken this difficult measure due to the pain and tears of self-employed people whose livelihoods are threatened, this transition to Level 2 social distancing is by no means a downgrade. Seoul City can proactively strengthen social distancing at any time if the situation worsens."

Meanwhile, the measure to reduce city bus operations to 80% of the usual level after 9 p.m. has been lifted from that day. Seoul City explained that during the two-week nighttime reduction period, ridership decreased by 29% compared to before.

The city also announced that after inspecting 2,342 religious facilities across Seoul on the previous Sunday for compliance with quarantine rules, 16 churches were found to have forcibly held in-person services. These churches will be subject to gathering ban orders and other measures.

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