Foreign Media Focus on Changed Chuseok Scenes Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Reduced Homecoming Traffic... Calm First Day of Chuseok Holiday

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-gyu Lee] Foreign media have focused on the changed Chuseok holiday scenes due to the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 30th, the Associated Press (AP) reported, "During Korea's Chuseok holiday period, a massive national migration could be seen, but this year looks different." AP introduced a case in Uiseong-gun, Gyeongbuk, where elderly residents, with the help of caregivers, recorded videos asking their children living elsewhere to refrain from returning home ahead of Chuseok.

According to major foreign media, "Due to COVID-19, citizens are not returning home but only exchanging greetings online." The media introduced the government's emphasis on social distancing and its recommendation to refrain from visiting hometowns during the Chuseok holiday. They also reported, "Scenes of relatively empty train stations and bus terminals are appearing on broadcasts."

However, these outlets reported, "During this holiday, tourists are flocking to Jeju Island, one of Korea's largest tourist destinations," adding, "Not everyone is following the travel restraint recommendations."

Meanwhile, on the first day of the Chuseok holiday, highways nationwide, major train stations, bus, and passenger ship terminals were crowded with holiday travelers, but the number of travelers was noticeably lower than in previous years.

Due to the resurgence of COVID-19 and the decrease in travelers, highways nationwide generally showed smooth traffic flow without congestion compared to previous years. Train stations and bus terminals also had a quieter atmosphere than usual.

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