Weekend 'Gangwon-do 190,000 People' Crowded... Is It Okay to Open Beaches Amid COVID-19 Spread?

79 Confirmed Cases in Gangwon Region Over Weekend, Step 4 Raised
Holiday Crowds Raise Concerns of 'Balloon Effect' on Seoul Metropolitan Distancing
Experts: "Okay Until Opening, But Nighttime and Drinking Must Be Strictly Restricted"

On the 17th, vacationers visiting Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung are cooling off from the heat. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] "Can't we just stay home even if it's hot?"

As the number of new COVID-19 cases in South Korea continues to rise, reaching the 1,200 range, vacationers are flocking to beaches where social distancing regulations are relatively relaxed. Over the weekend of the 17th and 18th, approximately 190,000 people visited the Gangwon region, raising concerns that the crowds at the beaches could further accelerate the spread of the virus.

On the other hand, some argue that outdoor facilities like beaches should be allowed to operate, provided that quarantine rules are followed, to offer relief to citizens exhausted by the prolonged pandemic and heatwave. Experts suggest maintaining restrictions during specific times such as nighttime, while considering closure policies depending on the trend of confirmed cases.

Local governments along the East Coast of Gangwon Province opened 82 beaches starting from the 16th and began full operations. According to the Gangwon Province East Coast Headquarters, about 103,000 people visited beaches in the Gangwon area on the 18th. Compared to approximately 64,000 visitors during the same period last year, this represents a 60.3% increase. Including the 93,000 visitors on the previous day (the 17th), around 190,000 vacationers gathered along the East Coast over the weekend.

Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 cases in the Gangwon region is on the rise. According to Gangwon Province health authorities, a total of 79 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Gangwon on the 17th and 18th. Of these, 72% (57 cases) were from five cities and counties along the East Coast excluding Goseong, with most cases occurring in Gangneung City.

In response to this situation, Gangneung City raised its social distancing level to Level 4, the same as the metropolitan area, for seven days from today (the 19th) until the 25th. Accordingly, private gatherings in Gangneung are limited to four people, and only two people are allowed after 6 p.m. Restaurants and cafes can operate only until 8 p.m. This is a stricter measure than the metropolitan area, where multi-use facilities are restricted to operating until 10 p.m. Gangneung City also decided to prohibit entry to beaches after 8 p.m.

This measure is a preemptive action to prevent a surge in cases due to the 'balloon effect' caused by strengthened metropolitan area quarantine measures and increased travel during the vacation season. Mayor Kim Han-geun of Gangneung held a briefing on the 18th, stating, "We tried to protect both quarantine and livelihoods, but considering the balloon effect from the metropolitan area and the speed of the Delta variant spread, we judged this as the most critical crisis and decided to raise the level. For one week, please consider Gangneung in a shutdown state and cooperate with quarantine guidelines."

In the early morning of the 16th, water safety personnel are diving into the sea at Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province, to check the sea conditions. / Photo by Yonhap News

However, some citizens argue that beaches should be completely closed. They worry that since beach access is still allowed before 6 p.m., many people will continue to visit. It was also pointed out that due to the nature of the beach environment, it is difficult to comply with mask-wearing, and there are no effective ways to enforce quarantine rules if violated.

One netizen said, "Even if beaches are closed at night, people can still swim until 6 p.m. So, people will definitely gather," adding, "If they don't close the beaches completely, people will think it's okay to go out. Beaches should be fully controlled until the spread subsides."

Another netizen commented, "When playing in the water, masks get wet and people end up taking them off. Because it's outdoors, people become less vigilant and less likely to follow quarantine rules," and added, "There will also be limits to how well authorities can enforce these rules."

On the other hand, some believe that a minimum resting place is necessary for citizens tired from the prolonged COVID-19 situation and heatwave. A 30-year-old office worker, Mr. Lim, said, "It's not an enclosed space, and if mask-wearing, capacity limits, and distancing are properly observed, I think it's okay to enjoy the beach for a short time during the day," adding, "If we can't even do this, life would be really frustrating."

Experts advise maintaining restrictions during specific times such as nighttime but reviewing closure policies depending on the trend of confirmed cases.

Professor Eom Jung-sik, an infectious disease specialist at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, said, "If quarantine rules such as social distancing are well observed, there is no need to control the opening of beaches themselves," but pointed out, "However, since it is an outdoor facility, it is indeed difficult to enforce quarantine compliance strictly."

He continued, "Beaches have seen many cases during uncontrolled situations such as nighttime drinking," and suggested, "Allowing daytime access while restricting nighttime entry is the most realistic quarantine policy for now, but if cases increase significantly, closure should also be considered."

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