From Tomorrow, Private Gatherings Increase from 6 to 8 People... Business Hours Extended Until 11 PM

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Starting tomorrow (21st), the maximum number of private gatherings will increase from the existing 6 to 8 people. Business hours remain unchanged, until 11 PM.

On the 16th, as the spread of COVID-19 continued, citizens were waiting for tests at the screening clinic in front of Seoul City Hall. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on the 20th, from the 21st, with partial easing of social distancing, private gatherings will be allowed up to 8 people regardless of region or vaccination status. If the gathering includes cohabiting family members or people requiring care such as children, elderly, or disabled persons, gatherings of more than 8 people are also permitted.

Operating hours for 12 types of multi-use facilities subject to COVID-19 business restrictions?such as entertainment facilities, restaurants and cafes, karaoke (coin) practice rooms, bathhouses, indoor sports facilities, PC rooms, multi-rooms and arcades, party rooms, casinos, massage and therapy shops, lifelong vocational education institutes, and movie theaters and performance halls?remain unchanged until 11 PM.

For movie theaters and performance halls, compliance is considered met if the last screening or performance starts before 11 PM. However, the screening or performance must end before 1 AM the next day.

Social distancing measures related to events, assemblies, and religious facilities remain as currently enforced.

Non-regular performances, sports competitions, festivals, etc., with gatherings of 300 or more people can be held as before with approval from relevant ministries. Essential corporate management activities such as regular shareholders' meetings, and events like exhibitions and fairs subject to separate quarantine rules, no longer have restrictions on the number of attendees provided basic guidelines are followed.

For regular religious activities such as mass, Buddhist ceremonies, worship, and memorial services, gatherings are allowed up to 70% of the facility capacity regardless of vaccination status. For religious events such as retreats, prayer meetings, and revivals, gatherings are limited to a maximum of 299 people.

Meanwhile, this social distancing measure will be implemented for two weeks until July 3.

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