[Q&A] "Do the Groom and Bride Have to Wear Masks at the Wedding Venue?"

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Starting from the 13th, a fine of 100,000 KRW will be imposed if you do not wear a mask in places where mask-wearing is mandatory to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Even if you wear a mask, it will not be recognized if you do not cover both your mouth and nose properly, such as wearing a so-called 'tukseukeu' (mask worn on the chin), or if you wear mesh-type or valve-type masks that are not medical supplies.

Below is a Q&A regarding the mask mandate

- Must masks be worn in all places?

▲ No. The mask mandate mainly applies to key and general management facilities. In addition, under social distancing level 1, it includes public transportation, assembly and protest sites, medical institutions and pharmacies, nursing homes and day care centers, religious facilities, indoor sports stadiums, call centers, distribution and logistics centers, and gatherings or events with 500 or more people.

- Do the bride, groom, and their families have to wear masks at weddings?

▲ No. The bride, groom, and both families are exempt from fines while the wedding ceremony is in progress. Guests must wear masks except when eating. However, private photo shoots are not included in the exceptions.

- Do you have to wear a mask when working outdoors or taking a walk in the park?

▲ You do not have to wear a mask, but there are detailed conditions. In both cases, mask-wearing is exempt only if you can maintain a distance of 2 meters or more from others. However, even if held outdoors, you must wear a mask at administrative order locations such as assembly and protest sites or gatherings/events with 500 or more people.

- Is the mask mandate applied to everyone regardless of age or underlying health conditions?

▲ No. Children under 14 years old, people who have difficulty breathing when wearing a mask due to underlying health conditions, and those who have difficulty putting on or taking off a mask by themselves may be exempt from fines.

- You cannot wear a mask while smoking, what about that?

▲ Not wearing a mask while smoking in designated smoking areas or other permitted places is recognized as an exception. However, you must wear a mask before and after smoking and avoid talking to others while smoking.

- Does the fine increase if caught not wearing a mask more than twice?

▲ No. Regardless of the number of violations, a fine of up to 100,000 KRW will be imposed.

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