'The Hyundai Seoul' and 'Gwangjang Market' Lack Proper Quarantine Measures... Seoul City to Conduct Easter 'Special Inspections' Until April 4

Special Disinfection Inspections at Over 1,000 Churches, Cathedrals, and More... Strict Measures for Violations

On the first weekend of the special COVID-19 prevention measures in the Seoul metropolitan area, citizens are spending time at Gyeongui Line Forest Park, known as Yeontral Park, in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 21st. The government has designated the metropolitan area, including Seoul, as a special prevention period until the end of this month, focusing on intensive inspections of quarantine measures at multi-use facilities. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul City announced on the 29th that it found inadequate cases at locations including The Hyundai Seoul in Yeongdeungpo-gu and Gwangjang Market in Jongno-gu during a COVID-19 quarantine status inspection conducted at 30 major multi-use facilities, and issued guidance accordingly. Furthermore, with Easter approaching and expecting many worshippers to gather at religious facilities, Seoul City plans to conduct special inspections targeting 1,000 churches and cathedrals by April 4.

Park Yumi, Seoul City's Quarantine Controller, stated during an online briefing that the interim results of the special inspection revealed that The Hyundai Seoul in Yeongdeungpo-gu was insufficient in social distancing and limiting the number of users. In particular, the number of users surged in places such as the food court during lunchtime, cafes, and indoor attractions, and proper spacing while queuing was not maintained.

Accordingly, Seoul City limited the number of visitors to The Hyundai Seoul to 70% of the usual capacity and increased ventilation frequency from 6 times a day to 12 times a day. Weekend vehicle visits will also continue to follow a two-shift system.

In the case of Gwangjang Market in Jongno-gu, it was confirmed that social distancing was not properly observed due to the high density of citizens using street stalls. Seoul City plans to conduct on-site inspections twice a day and provide guidance at these multi-use facilities.

Additionally, Seoul City announced that it will conduct special Easter inspections targeting 1,000 churches and cathedrals by April 4. The inspections will focus on compliance with restrictions on small group meetings and religious activities in preparation for Easter, as well as the operation of choirs. Strict measures such as bans on gatherings and fines will be imposed for violations of quarantine rules.

Controller Park said, "Recently, cluster infections have occurred in churches, raising concerns about the spread of infections through religious facilities," and added, "We strongly request religious facilities to actively participate in quarantine measures such as social distancing, wearing masks, and compliance with capacity limits so that this Easter can be a joyful one."

Meanwhile, as of midnight on the 29th, Seoul City reported 107 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, an increase of 107 from the previous day at midnight. The 107 new cases include 20 from cluster infections, 5 from hospitals and nursing facilities, 53 from contact with confirmed cases, 27 under investigation for infection routes, and 2 imported cases. Major cluster infections include 6 related to a religious facility in Gwanak-gu, 4 related to a hospital in Dobong-gu, 2 related to a workplace in Dongjak-gu, and 1 related to a workplace in Jung-gu.

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