Concerns Over COVID-19 Spread... Considering Online Event for 'Jeya-ui Jong' Bell-Ringing Ceremony

On the night of December 31 last year, citizens filling the area in front of Bosingak in Jongno-gu, Seoul, are waiting for the ringing of the New Year's Eve bell. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Seoul City is considering conducting the Bosingak 'Jeya-ui Jong' bell-ringing event scheduled for the 31st of next month in a non-face-to-face online format.

Seoul City recently judged that it would be difficult to hold large gatherings as usual due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases and signs of a third wave. On the 20th, it announced that it is considering not holding the 'Jeya-ui Jong' bell-ringing event this year. If the event is canceled, a separate event will be planned and conducted online.

Even if the event proceeds as planned, only a minimum number of participants will be allowed. As social distancing in the metropolitan area has been raised to level 1.5, gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited.

The Bosingak 'Jeya-ui Jong' bell-ringing event has been held every December 31 at Bosingak in Jongno-gu, Seoul, without fail since 1953, after the Korean War. If this year's bell-ringing event is canceled, it will be the first time in 67 years.

A Seoul City official stated, "Given the current situation, large-scale events like sunrise viewing cannot even be planned. Other major events are also being held online or are almost canceled," adding, "Nothing has been decided yet. Internal discussions are ongoing regarding how to proceed."

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