The First Weekend of the Year Sees Crowds at Some Multi-Use Facilities and Tourist Spots... New Year's Start Forgetting COVID

On the 2nd, a department store in Seocho-gu, Seoul, is bustling with visitors. Photo by Lee Jung-yoon

[Asia Economy Reporters Donghoon Jeong and Jeongyun Lee] "I waited for an hour and a half to enter the luxury brand store. There were many people in other stores and restrooms as well, so I had to be careful about personal hygiene."

This is the story of Mr. Seo (35), who visited a department store in Myeongdong, Seoul, on January 1st, the first day of the new year. Seo, who came to prepare for his wedding, said, "There were so many people in the luxury brand store that I had to move while bumping shoulders." Despite the continued spread of COVID-19, the scene on the first weekend of the new year looked as if people had forgotten about the pandemic. Some multi-use facilities such as department stores and food courts in major commercial areas were crowded with people.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, a department store in Seocho-gu, Seoul, was also bustling with people spending time with their families to welcome the new year. In the basement first floor where groceries are sold, people buying items were tangled together, and social distancing was not properly observed. The situation was similar in the nearby food court. At places known as popular restaurants, more than ten people waited for their turn. With so many people gathering, even walking through the area was difficult, reminiscent of pre-COVID-19 times.

On the first day of the new year, January 1st, popular spots were also packed with visitors, creating a sea of people. Bukak Skyway in Seongbuk-gu and the area near Namsan in Yongsan-gu were overwhelmed with vehicles trying to enjoy the night view while driving. Most restaurants and cafes closed after 9 p.m., so people came to these places to spend time with acquaintances. Mr. Lee (27), a university student who rented a car with friends to visit Bukak Skyway, said, "We came to see the night view and make New Year's resolutions with friends to welcome the new year," adding, "Since it is outdoors, I am not too worried about COVID-19." At the entrance to the Bukak Skyway parking lot, a long queue of about 400 meters formed, and vehicles turning around due to impatience were easily seen.

With the first weekend of the new year, crowds flocked to watch the sunrise and visit ski resorts, causing traffic congestion on highways between Gangwon and Seoul. According to the Korea Expressway Corporation Gangwon Headquarters, the traffic volume expected on Gangwon highways on the first day of the new year is up to 356,000 vehicles, a 20.6% increase compared to about 295,000 vehicles during last year's New Year's Day. Traffic jams occurred around the Inje Tunnel on the Seoul-bound Seoul-Yangyang Expressway and near Gangchon. On January 1st, more than 20,000 skiers visited Jeongseon High1 and Pyeongchang Yongpyong ski resorts, and on the 2nd, over 8,000 people visited the two ski resorts. Phoenix Pyeongchang and Hongcheon Vivaldi Park ski resorts also saw over 10,000 visitors each over the two days. Office worker Mr. Hong (31) said, "I went to a ski resort with friends for the first time in two years to celebrate the first weekend of the new year," adding, "Having received the vaccine booster shot, I believe outdoor sports activities like this should be freely enjoyed."

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