'Phased Daily Recovery' Brings Life to Gwangju Shopping District on First Weekend: "Atta, Now We Can Live"

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Around 11 a.m. on the 5th, a long queue of 2 to 3 meters formed in front of the old city hall pub, marking the first weekend of the phased daily recovery.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporters Cho Hyung-joo and Park Jin-hyung] On the first weekend entering the 'With Corona' phase through gradual daily recovery, the shopping streets in the Gwangju area were bustling with activity for the first time in a while.

At around 11 p.m. on the 5th, the area around Gusi-cheong Intersection in Dong-gu, one of Gwangju Metropolitan City's representative entertainment districts, was crowded with citizens enjoying their freedom.

Just last week, the atmosphere was quiet as businesses closed by 10 p.m., but citizens who finished dinner and moved on to drinking spots were enjoying Friday night in a huge crowd.

Citizens holding hands with friends or lovers all walked the streets with excited expressions.

Although it was late, the streets were filled with people everywhere, and in front of large emotional pubs, long waiting lines of 2 to 3 meters formed.

Young people dancing to music echoing from various bars were also frequently seen.

Kim (21, female) said, "With COVID-19 continuing for two years, it felt like I was back to being a high school senior preparing for exams," adding, "Finally, with the easing of quarantine guidelines, I plan to have fun with my friends for the first time in a while."

Choi (27, female) said, "Having a drink with friends for the first time in a while, it may not be like before COVID-19, but I think we can enjoy ourselves more freely."

Business owners responded cautiously but said they finally feel some relief.

Park, a self-employed person in his 30s, said, "Although I am cautious about the resurgence of COVID-19 infections, the vaccination rate has increased, so I have high expectations for sales ahead of the year-end. It has been tough, but today I feel good for the first time in a while."

Choi (41), a self-employed cocktail bar owner, said, "Sales increased by about 20% compared to last week," adding, "If it stays like today, I think I can quickly pay off my loans."

At the same time, the Sangmu district also showed signs of pent-up desires bursting out after nearly two years of restraint.

A sign at a soju bar brightly displayed "Open 24 Hours."

Around it, crowds shouting "One more drink" decorated the scene as they searched for the next place. A sashimi restaurant, ideal for a second round, was almost full except for a few of the 23 tables set up in the hall.

Han (23) recently hired three night staff and extended store hours until 5 a.m. in preparation for With Corona.

He said, "Compared to last week, the number of customers seems to have more than doubled," and smiled brightly, saying, "I am having a busy day for the first time in a while."

A large-scale cooking pub boasted a waiting line extending outside the entrance, with staff busy managing the crowd.

The atmosphere was so noisy that communication was difficult. On faces glowing red under the fancy lights, there was no trace of masks.

On the evening of the 5th, around 11 p.m., a bar in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, was filled with customers as the first weekend entered the 'With Corona' phased daily recovery stage.

Another entertainment district, Cheomdan area in Gwangsan-gu, also seemed to have traveled back in time to before the spread of COVID-19.

Despite the somewhat chilly weather and wind making the perceived temperature even lower, citizens appeared to be enjoying the freedom they had been restricted from for safety reasons by tightening their collars.

A famous bar was crowded at the entrance with customers holding waiting numbers, resembling a celebrity autograph session.

Merchants also had smiles on their faces.

Kim, who has operated a pub here for eight years, said, "It feels like customers are filling up the place for the first time in two years, and it feels almost awkward," adding, "Both customers and self-employed business owners are happy to have gained freedom, but since COVID-19 is not over yet, we are asking everyone to strictly follow quarantine rules."

Meanwhile, Gwangju Metropolitan City allows private gatherings of up to 12 people regardless of vaccination status under the first stage of daily recovery social distancing measures. However, for restaurants and cafes, up to 12 people are allowed including a maximum of 4 unvaccinated individuals.

Various meetings and events are permitted for fewer than 100 people regardless of vaccination status, and large-scale events with fewer than 500 people are allowed if only fully vaccinated individuals attend.

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