Korea Ski Resort Association: "Indoor operations allowed, but outdoor ski resorts suspended? Unacceptable"

A part of the statement released by the Korea Ski Resort Management Association. Photo by Korea Ski Resort Management Association website capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] The industry immediately reacted with opposition after the government announced that it would completely suspend the operation of winter sports facilities, including ski resorts, as part of special strengthened quarantine measures against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 22nd, Shin Dal-soon, president of the Korea Ski Resort Management Association, posted on his Facebook, "Indoor spaces such as shopping malls, performance halls, and movie theaters can operate with just temperature checks, but outdoor ski resorts are being told to close immediately," expressing, "I can't sleep thinking, 'Why only ski resorts?'"

He added, "It is very heartbreaking and regrettable for the small merchants within ski resorts, local small merchants, and part-time young workers who have learned and trained skiing for patrol duties. Was this measure taken with an understanding of the ski resort situation?" he questioned.

On the 23rd, the Korea Ski Resort Management Association criticized the government's measure in a statement. The association said, "Despite outdoor spaces being relatively safer than indoor ones in terms of infection transmission, the unilateral decision to suspend the operation of outdoor sports ski resorts is a premature decision that destroys society and the local economy," urging the government to ease or withdraw the special quarantine guidelines.

They also added, "Ski resorts can operate with temperature checks and social distancing, so it should be carried out according to the discretion of each local government head."

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