Seoul's Major Commercial Districts Halved Due to COVID-19... Itaewon Sees 80% Decrease

On the 19th, when the spread of the 4th wave of COVID-19 showed no signs of slowing down, a 'Store Closing' notice was posted on a closed restaurant in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

The streets of Itaewon are quiet despite it being lunchtime. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

On the 19th, the Itaewon area in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, is quiet. Sales in major commercial districts in Seoul, such as Itaewon and Hongdae, have decreased by more than half compared to two years ago. According to an analysis of dining industry sales in major commercial districts through Seoul City's Our Neighborhood Store Commercial Area Analysis Service, sales in the first quarter of this year dropped by 51% compared to the first quarter of 2019. In particular, Itaewon's first-quarter sales plummeted by 82% compared to 2019. This appears to be influenced by a decrease in tourists and restrictions on business hours.

A poster of a popular drama from the past is attached to a closed restaurant in Itaewon. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

A restaurant in Itaewon is closed with the lights off. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

A notice indicating that government emergency disaster relief funds can be used is posted at a closed store in Itaewon. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

Itaewon shops are closing one after another, creating a bleak atmosphere. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

A restaurant in Itaewon is closed with the lights off. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

A quarantine-related banner is hung on the street of Itaewon. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

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