As Social Distancing Ends, Crowds Swell... 'Angry Dining Crowd' Emerges

Since the end of last month, when the COVID-19 social distancing measures were lifted, the area near Hongdae Entrance Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul, has been crowded with people. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Since the social distancing measures due to COVID-19 were lifted, the dining industry has been lively thanks to consumers pouring out onto the streets. During the "sandwich holiday" that included Children's Day (May 5) and Parents' Day (May 8), major dining and cafe establishments across the country saw long lines of customers waiting for table service, and group reservation inquiries surged.

On the 8th, at a branch of the sushi buffet restaurant Kuukuu in Seo-gu, Daejeon, the average waiting time exceeded 20 minutes from 11 a.m., the start of lunchtime, due to the influx of customers. The restaurant's approximately 100 tables were fully occupied from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. by families, relatives, and friends dining out. Owner Mr. A, who was busy moving around the counter and the dining area, said, "Sales had significantly declined during the more than two years of social distancing, and at one point, I even considered closing down, but I'm glad I held on. I hope business goes as well as today every day." He added, "During that time, one hall serving staff was enough on weekdays and two on weekends, but now we are short-handed and need to hire more employees."

The number of people visiting pubs on weekend evenings also increased significantly. On the afternoon of the 6th, most major restaurants and pubs near Hongdae Entrance Station on Seoul Subway Line 2 in Mapo-gu were fully occupied. Restaurants that had been featured even once on social media (SNS) had a minimum wait time of over 30 minutes. At one teppanyaki restaurant, some customers turned away after hearing, "We don't know when the current guests will leave, so the wait will be at least an hour."

On the same day, long waiting lines could be seen at various well-known restaurants and cafes in areas such as 'Haeridangil' in Haeundae-gu, Busan. A cafe representative said, "With COVID-19 subsiding and the weather warming up, the atmosphere has improved," adding, "Since it was a holiday period including Children's Day and Parents' Day, visits from tourists also increased."

Large franchises are also smiling as sales increase. CJ Foodville's VIPS saw sales from April 18, when social distancing was lifted, to May 5 increase by about 70% compared to the same period last year, and group reservations for six or more people rose about 30% compared to the end of the previous month. BHC Group's Outback Steakhouse saw the average number of customers per table increase from 2.3 before April 18 to 2.9 currently.

The industry expects the sales recovery momentum to gain strength starting with this month's family month special demand. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), the dining industry business outlook index for the second quarter (April to June) this year surpassed 90 for the first time since COVID-19, reaching 90.99. An industry official said, "The pent-up dining demand suppressed during the prolonged COVID-19 period surged immediately after the social distancing measures were lifted, coinciding with the family month special demand this month," adding, "We expect dining demand to steadily increase afterward due to family outings, office dinners, and various gatherings."

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