[Report] The First Day of Social Distancing Lifted... The Two Faces of Myeongdong

"It's fully booked since lunch on the first day."

"Business only picks up when tourists come, it's the same everywhere."

On the 18th, the first day after the lifting of social distancing measures, the Myeongdong commercial district experienced mixed fortunes. The areas near offices saw a sharp increase in customers, but the districts mainly dependent on tourists remained subdued.

On the afternoon of the 18th, the Myeongdong street adjacent to the company commercial district is bustling with people.

원본보기 아이콘

At 10 p.m. that day, the nightlife area behind Myeongdong Art Theater in Jung-gu, Seoul, was bustling with the chatter of customers. This area, adjacent to Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station on Seoul Subway Line 2, is considered a commercial district near offices where office workers easily visit after work. The outdoor terrace, set up with simple chairs, was fully occupied by customers. Nearby, office workers who had finished work were continuously clinking soju glasses at a shellfish barbecue restaurant.

The owner of a hof (beer pub) said, "I'm too busy right now to say much. You can tell the business atmosphere just by looking," as he hurriedly moved beer to customers' tables. Mr. Lee, in his 60s, who runs a meat restaurant, said with an excited expression, "Since the first day of lifting distancing, with remote work lifted, office workers nearby lined up from 11 a.m. to have set meals. Every time distancing hours were eased, customers increased, and the first day was really busy. I have high hopes for the future."

However, some believe it is still too early to relax. The owner of a jokbal (pig's feet) restaurant in his 60s said, "Even though distancing was eased, customers did not increase all at once. I hope it will get better once it's completely lifted this time."

The cafe near Myeongdong Cathedral, connected to Euljiro 3(sam)-ga Station on Seoul Subway Line 2, was also crowded with office workers enjoying a relaxed after-work atmosphere. The outdoor terrace was fully occupied, and some people wandered looking for seats. A cafe employee said, "Since it's still the first day, I can't really feel how much customers have increased, but I expect more to come."

On the afternoon of the 18th, the Myeongdong tourist-centered commercial area appeared quiet with no people passing by.

원본보기 아이콘

On the other hand, the commercial districts centered on tourists remained in a depressed mood. Most shops on the street were closed, and no foreign tourists were seen. At one time, the 'Migliore Street' near Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station on Seoul Subway Line 4 was bustling with tourists. Stalls lined the street, and people queued to buy food. However, on this day, only about three stalls were operating on the quiet Myeongdong street.

The owner of a stall in his 40s said, "They say distancing is lifted, but I don't feel any increase in customers at all," adding, "Since all the shops are closed, people don't come." The situation was similar for some cosmetic stores that survived during COVID-19. The owner of a cosmetics store waved his hands and said, "I don't feel any difference at all. If tourists don't come, business is useless."

According to the Small Business Commercial District Analysis System, the number of cosmetics stores in Myeongdong decreased by 62% compared to the previous year as of February this year. Hofs decreased by 51%, and Korean restaurants decreased by 35% compared to the previous year.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.