'Over 100 Shops Closed in Myeongdong... Hoping Hope Won't Close Too'

The streets of Myeongdong were colder. It was not just because of the subzero temperatures. Due to the resurgence of COVID-19, the decrease in tourists, and the strengthening of social distancing measures, numerous rental inquiries, temporary closure notices, and business termination announcements were posted throughout the shops in this area, which was most affected. On the 7th, over 100 closed stores in Myeongdong were captured on camera. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

The streets of Myeongdong felt even colder. It was not just because of the subzero temperatures. The impact of the resurgence of COVID-19, which led to a decrease in tourists and the strengthening of social distancing measures, was most evident in the numerous shops throughout the area, where countless signs for lease inquiries, temporary closures, and business shutdowns were posted. On the 7th, we captured over 100 closed stores in Myeongdong on camera. We hope the COVID-19 situation calms down soon so that small business owners and self-employed individuals can once again smile brightly.

A closed store in Myeongdong, Seoul is covered with banners of K-pop male idols. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

A truck for demolition is parked at a closed store in Myeongdong, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

A sense of silence is spreading through the streets of Myeongdong, Seoul. Due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting decline in sales, the number of business closures is increasing, leading to a higher vacancy rate in commercial buildings. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

'Closed Myeongdong... Hoping that hope does not close' The door of a closed store in Myeongdong, Seoul is firmly locked. The padlock is rusted, showing how much time has passed. We hope the COVID-19 situation calms down soon so that small business owners and self-employed people can smile brightly again. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

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