Starting Today, Fines for 'No Mask Wearing'... Still Insufficient in Saunas and Cafes

Fines Imposed for Not Wearing Masks Starting Today
Most Continue to Wear Them Diligently as Usual
Relaxed Attitude in Cafes and Restaurants... Masks Missing in Saunas
Some Unaware of Fines Being Enforced

On the morning of the 13th, the first day of imposing fines for not wearing masks, subway security officers are conducting inspections at Gwanghwamun Station in Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy reporters Seungyun Song, intern Junhyung Lee, intern Daehyun Kim] On the 13th, when fines began to be imposed on those not wearing masks, it was difficult to find people without masks in most places in Seoul. Around 7 a.m. that day, at a bus stop near Sadang Station in Seoul, citizens waiting for the bus to go to work were seen as usual. There was no one without a mask, and it was also hard to find anyone wearing it incorrectly.

The same was true on buses and subways during the morning commute. Occasionally, some people were seen wearing masks below the nose, so-called ‘nose-sku’ (nose exposure), but most wore their masks properly. Around 8 a.m. the same day at Gwanghwamun Station, a campaign was held to enforce mask-wearing and guide proper mask usage. Most citizens inside the station wore masks well, and no one was caught or reprimanded by the enforcement team.

On the other hand, mask-wearing attitudes remained lax indoors such as cafes and restaurants. In principle, masks must be worn continuously except when eating or drinking. However, since it is difficult to repeatedly put on and take off masks, people were often seen continuing conversations with masks lowered even after finishing their food or drinks.

On the 12th, one day before the start of mask non-wearing fine enforcement, a related notice was installed at Lotte Department Store in Jung-gu, Seoul. Starting from the 13th, a fine of up to 100,000 won will be imposed for not wearing a mask in public places such as public transportation, medical institutions, assembly and protest sites, and indoor sports facilities. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

At the same time, inside a sauna near Gangnam Station, such behavior was even more frequent. In saunas, masks must be worn in spaces like changing rooms except when in the water or washing. However, among about ten customers moving between the sauna interior and changing rooms, no one complied. There were also no notices about mask-wearing inside the sauna.

Many citizens were unaware that fines could be imposed for not wearing masks starting that day. Mr. Choi (52), met near Gangnam Station, said, "I didn’t know fines would start today," adding, "I usually wear masks well, so I don’t think there will be much change because of the fines."

From midnight on that day, after a one-month grace period for the new Infectious Disease Prevention Act ended the day before, fines must be paid for violating quarantine guidelines such as mask-wearing. Mask-wearing is mandatory in 23 types of priority and general management facilities, public transportation, assembly and protest sites, medical institutions and pharmacies, nursing and day care facilities, and religious facilities. Even if wearing a mask, fines apply if the mouth and nose are not fully covered or if mesh-type, valve-type masks, or transparent plastic face shields are worn. However, those under 14 years old are exempt from fines. Infants under 24 months and patients with underlying conditions are also exempt. If caught not wearing a mask during enforcement, identification will be checked and a violation confirmation will be issued, after which a fine notice will be sent to the registered address.

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