With Corona STOP, Social Distancing START... The Nightlife That Went Dark Again

On the First Day of Strengthened Social Distancing, Many Restaurants in the Seoul Metropolitan Area Remain Relatively Quiet
Self-Employed Workers Say "Inconsistent Year-End Season Quarantine Measures Increase Confusion"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] "What can we do if the government says so? We have to comply..."

On the evening of the 18th, the first day the government reinforced social distancing amid a surge in COVID-19 cases following the phased return to normal life (With Corona), the bar district in Juan-dong, Nam-gu, Incheon was bustling with crowds spilling out from bars and restaurants as soon as the operating hours ended at 9 p.m. The streets, frozen solid due to heavy snowfall until around 6 p.m. that day, were filled with citizens hurrying home. Contrary to expectations that the area would be relatively quiet due to harsher cold, heavy snow, and strengthened distancing measures, people eager to enjoy the year-end gathered, making the scene look no different from usual until before 9 p.m.

Some restaurants were even busier than before the distancing measures were strengthened, as customers tried to dine within the limited hours and delivery orders piled up from those unable to leave their homes due to the heavy snow. At D Izakaya bar visited that day, an employee apologized to customers saying, "Delivery orders are backed up right now, so it will take more than 40 minutes for the food to be ready."

On the other hand, many places saw a significant drop in sales due to restrictions on private gatherings. A Korean restaurant in Sindorim-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul, was quiet all day despite it being a weekend. Until last week, there was a waiting line of over 30 minutes, but now only about half the tables were occupied, mostly by one to three-person groups. The restaurant owner, Mr. Jin (47), lamented, "We were counting on the year-end boom, but the strengthened distancing is like a bolt from the blue. The government says they will provide appropriate compensation, but as before, I don't think they will cover all the losses, so I feel helpless."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The situation was similar at a Japanese restaurant in Guwol-dong, Incheon. This restaurant, which mainly served groups of four or more, practically closed for business this weekend. Reflecting this, only three family groups visited throughout the afternoon. Employee Ms. Park (29) said, "Putting aside the operating hour restrictions, the further limitation on the number of people has drastically reduced customers. The owner is also discouraged, saying the year-end business is over."

Mr. Jung (34), who runs a seafood stew restaurant in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, expressed frustration over the With Corona policy being halted in less than two months. He said, "The government said they would accept the increase in cases and implemented With Corona, so we significantly increased staff, but now we have to reduce them again. Moreover, the inconsistent quarantine policies ahead of the year-end season are causing great confusion not only for the public but also for small business owners like us."

Meanwhile, as of midnight that day, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters limited private gatherings to a maximum of four people. Additionally, restaurants and cafes are only allowed to operate until 9 p.m. This strengthened distancing will be in effect for 16 days until January 2 of next year.

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