Confusion Among Returning Travelers Over Whether to Go as Chuseok Holiday Quarantine Measures Announced on Next Month 3rd (Comprehensive)

Train Reservations for Korail Chuseok Holiday Begin on the 31st

On the 29th, when 1,619 new COVID-19 cases occurred and the 4th wave continued, citizens who visited the temporary screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza were waiting to get tested. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The quarantine authorities will announce the Chuseok holiday quarantine measures and adjustments to social distancing levels together on the 3rd of next month. As the reservation for Korail Chuseok holiday train tickets begins on the 31st, confusion among Chuseok travelers is expected due to the delay in the government's announcement of quarantine measures, citing difficulties in assessing the current epidemic situation.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, said at the COVID-19 regular briefing on the 29th, "The majority opinion is that the plan for adjusting social distancing, including during the Chuseok holiday period, should be reviewed together," adding, "The results will be announced on Friday (September 3rd)."

Son said, "Although the scale of the epidemic is not decreasing and remains large, considering the increasing vaccination rate, we are carefully reviewing various opinions on whether family gatherings can be somewhat allowed during the Chuseok holiday period," and explained, "Various opinions are being presented among regions and experts, so there is a need to observe the situation this week a bit more."

The government previously announced that for this year's Chuseok holiday (September 17?22), train tickets will be sold starting with window seats first, considering the quarantine situation. For Chuseok holiday ticket reservations, Korail will conduct reservations for three days starting from the 31st, and SR will conduct reservations for three days starting from September 7th.

As the government's announcement of the Chuseok holiday quarantine measures is delayed beyond the ticket reservation period, there are concerns that the possibility of family gatherings for some travelers has become uncertain.

On the 29th, as the fourth wave continues with 1,619 new COVID-19 cases reported, citizens visiting the temporary screening clinic set up at Seoul Station Plaza are waiting to get tested. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Son said, "We tried to decide on the (Chuseok holiday quarantine measures) before the ticket reservation period if possible, but opinions are quite divided on whether the current situation allows even some family gatherings during Chuseok," and added, "We ask for your understanding once again as the announcement is somewhat delayed due to the need to observe the current epidemic situation a bit more."

He continued, "The government assumed that the quarantine situation is not stable, so it decided to allow reservations starting with window seats first, and then decide on the possibility of additional reservations for remaining seats later. We will review and announce this part together on September 3rd."

However, the government indirectly urged people to refrain from gatherings during the Chuseok holiday. Since family gatherings without completed vaccinations increase the risk of infection, it is explained that family gatherings involving many people from various regions should be avoided as much as possible.

Son emphasized, "If elderly parents or those with underlying conditions have not completed vaccination, family gatherings themselves can be risky," and added, "We would like to advise careful judgment on this matter and recommend that it is better not to visit (your hometown) if possible."

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