Starting Tomorrow, Fines for Not Wearing Masks... Seoul Districts Activate Emergency Civil Complaint Response Teams

Seoul City to Impose Fines Only After Guidance and Non-Compliance, Not Immediate Punishment

On the 13th, when the mandatory mask-wearing policy for public transportation and medical institutions began, citizens wearing masks were seen walking at the Sindorim Station bus stop in Guro-gu, Seoul. From this day forward, mask-wearing is mandatory for users and workers of public transportation and medical institutions, as well as attendees of gatherings. Additionally, mask-wearing can be enforced in other facilities depending on the social distancing level. After a one-month guidance period, fines will be imposed starting from the 13th of next month. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Starting from the 13th, as the mandatory mask-wearing policy to prepare for the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic is fully enforced, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will conduct a mask-wearing campaign at major subway stations and bus stops on the first day of enforcement.

From this day forward, a fine of 100,000 KRW will be imposed for not wearing a mask not only in indoor facilities such as public transportation, indoor sports facilities, performance venues, academies, and PC rooms but also at outdoor gatherings, protest sites, and event venues. The city will first check whether masks are worn properly with approved masks and guide citizens on correct mask usage.

Masks that are acceptable include health masks, surgical masks, droplet-blocking masks, cloth masks, and disposable masks. However, mesh masks, valve-type masks, and covering the face with scarves or clothing are not recognized as wearing a mask. Additionally, the nose and mouth must be fully covered.

However, exceptions to the fine include cases where wearing a mask is difficult due to medical examinations, surgery, or treatment; performances where the face must be shown (limited to when on stage); broadcasting appearances (limited to filming); sign language interpretation; athletes during competitions; being in water such as swimming pools or bathhouses; and when the bride and groom are conducting a wedding ceremony at a wedding hall.

A city official explained, "The imposition of fines for not wearing masks is not intended as punishment but to foster a social atmosphere where proper mask-wearing by citizens can protect everyone's health," adding, "During enforcement, guidance to wear masks will be given first, and fines will be imposed only if this is not followed."

Additionally, to promptly address complaints that may arise during the early stages of enforcement, the city will operate a 24-hour emergency mask complaint response team in each autonomous district for two weeks from the 13th to the 27th, consulting citizens' questions regarding mask enforcement and dispatching personnel to the scene if necessary.

Han Je-hyun, Director of Seoul City’s Safety General Office, stated, "As winter approaches, the risk of COVID-19 infection is expected to increase, making mask-wearing even more important," and urged, "Masks are the easiest and most reliable preventive vaccine to prevent and block the spread of infectious diseases, so please actively participate in making mask-wearing a daily habit."

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