[Report] Gloomy ‘Friday Night’ Eve Streets... Second ‘Corona Christmas’ Prayer, “Next Christmas Free”

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters reporters Se-ryeong Lee and Sang-hyun Lee] This year, we hoped for a lively atmosphere. However, the resurgence of COVID-19 and the rampant variants once again silenced Changwon on the eve of 'Black Friday.' It is the second COVID Christmas.

The phrase "Christmas and year-end boom" felt like a forgotten story from two years ago. Although it was 7 p.m., the time when shops should be bustling with customers and bargaining, merchants were more accustomed to sighs.

On the evening of Friday the 24th at 7 PM, the streets of Hapseong-dong are quiet. Photo by Ryeong Lee ryeong@

The same was true in Hapjeong-dong, Masanhoewon-gu. A place where it was once difficult for cars to enter due to the crowd brushing shoulders had changed.

It is the second winter of COVID-19. Customers in shops were sparse. The few seated customers seemed so gloomy that they might have been friends or family visiting the owner. It was a Christmas Eve in one of Changwon’s central commercial districts that perfectly matched the phrase "like a weekday morning."

Around 7:20 PM on the 24th at Hapjeong-dong underground shopping mall. / Photo by Se-ryeong Lee ryeong@

The underground shopping mall greeted us even more uncomfortably. Notices for store rentals were posted everywhere, and there were fewer people than on the streets above. The strengthened COVID measures locked down countless footsteps. Citizens seemed to have abandoned all the 'excitement' they once sought through gatherings.

Around 8 p.m. on the 24th, a view near Sangnam Market in Sangnam-dong, Seongsan-gu. Photo by Sanghyun Lee lsh2055@

Seongsan-gu Sangnam-dong street, known as one of the largest entertainment districts nationwide, also lost its peak bustling hours. It took less than two years for citizens to erase from their memories the 8 p.m. when pedestrians and cars were tangled together.

The Sangnam Fountain Square, decorated lavishly for Christmas, lost its crowd to the point that even the lights felt slightly embarrassed. Only the Salvation Army bell and street performances comforted the square.

Around 9:10 PM on the 24th at the Fountain Plaza in Sangnam-dong, citizens gathered to watch a busking performance. Photo by Sanghyun Lee lsh2055@

Soon, the time of the 'Grim Reaper' was approaching for self-employed merchants. As the business restriction time of 9 p.m. neared, the atmosphere that had briefly seen people changed drastically.

Citizens who began to come out onto the streets one by one left with regret and moved to bus stops. The space once filled with passionate busking was left with only lights.

Still, Christmas was a party day. Foot traffic increased to stationery stores and general household goods shops. Those seeking Christmas gifts and atmosphere took out money as if blaming the restaurants for not using it all. Lines formed at bakeries to purchase cakes, wine, and more.

A man in his 20s, Mr. A, who visited a bakery, said, "In the past, I would have enjoyed the streets full of Christmas atmosphere, but now, due to time restrictions, it’s not possible. I came to the bakery to hold a small Christmas party with acquaintances."

At around 7:40 PM on the 24th, Myeonggok Church in Changwon. Both inside and outside the church were empty due to the cancellation of the Christmas Eve event. Photo by Se-ryeong Lee ryeong@

Those singing carols throughout the streets, announcing the birth of baby Jesus, were also spending the 'same' night.

The scenes of lively birthday celebrations for baby Jesus late into the night, delivering songs and messages of blessing, had disappeared.

Changwon Myeonggok Church, which every year decorated its exterior walls, cafes, and parking lots with sparkling lights to offer perfect photo spots, was quiet this time.

The church canceled the lively Christmas Eve service, which was usually decorated with dance, singing, performances, and plays. They decided to hold only a quiet service on Christmas morning.

Even that is recommended to be attended online via Zoom or YouTube. Congregants gathering in the church sanctuary must wear masks and undergo temperature checks and seat distancing 'rituals.'

Around 9:10 PM on the 24th, Masan Hoeseong Church. The darkened building contrasted with the bright lights. Photo by Lee Seryeong ryeong@

Masan Hoeseong Church was also quiet. Only the lights shone in the darkened church building. Although it is the happiest day of the year, the church made a painful decision due to COVID-19.

A congregant in their 30s from a certain church said, "It’s unfortunate that we cannot gather to worship and celebrate together. This time, we could only pray to be safe from COVID-19 so that everyone can spend Christmas freely and peacefully."

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