[Report] Wearing Masks While Food Shopping... Myeongdong Crowds Gather Despite New Coronavirus Concerns

Myeongdong Expected to Be Less Crowded, Yet Tourists Still Abundant
Everyone Wearing Masks While Enjoying Shopping and Sightseeing
Masks and Hand Sanitizers Partially Sold Out
Total of 11 Confirmed Cases of Novel Coronavirus Infection in Korea

On the afternoon of the 31st of last month, Myeongdong street vendors in Jung-gu, Seoul. Despite concerns about the novel coronavirus infection, many people visited Myeongdong. Photo by hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "It's unsettling, but still, many people come."

On the evening of the 31st of last month, at 7 p.m., a vendor in his 50s whom we met on the street of street vendors in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul, responded this way when asked if there was any fear of the novel coronavirus infection that started in Wuhan, China. He said, "There are still many tourists," adding, "But having to work while wearing a mask is a bit uncomfortable."

As the novel coronavirus spreads worldwide, tourists including Chinese visitors are still coming to Myeongdong. Unlike the seemingly quiet entrance of Myeongdong where there are few crowds, the street lined with street vendors was bustling with many people.

They were enjoying shopping for food such as grilled skewers while wearing masks, and gathering in small groups to walk around various parts of Myeongdong.

A man in his 20s, Mr. A, who visited Myeongdong with a friend, emphasized, "Since we always wear masks, there is no particular concern." He added, "Because everyone wears masks, it seems there is no fear or worry about infection."

Another office worker in his 30s, Mr. B, who visited Myeongdong that day, said, "I was surprised that there were more people than I expected," adding, "There are many tourists, especially many Chinese people. Since everyone is wearing masks, I feel reassured."

On the afternoon of the 31st of last month, Myeongdong 3-gil in Jung-gu, Seoul. Despite concerns about the novel coronavirus infection, many citizens visited Myeongdong. Photo by hsg@asiae.co.kr

Street vendors showed similar reactions. A vendor in his 40s said, "When you watch the news, it seems like you shouldn't go outside at all because of the virus, but people like us have to make a living, so we have no choice," adding, "Since everyone wears masks, I am not very worried."

A self-employed vendor in his 50s nearby also said, "I thought there would be few people visiting Myeongdong, but surprisingly, many still come," adding, "I see many Chinese people as well." He continued, "The place with the most people right now is not restaurants or department stores, but pharmacies."

In fact, a pharmacy located in Myeongdong that Asia Economy visited that day was crowded with people trying to buy masks and hand sanitizers. Not only pharmacies but also stores selling masks were bustling with many people.

Mr. C, an office worker in his 40s who said he had a hard time purchasing masks at a pharmacy, said, "I came to buy masks not only for myself but also to share with family and acquaintances, and I was surprised by the long line," adding, "Still, I am relieved that I could buy masks."

A pharmacy located in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul. It is announcing that hand sanitizers are sold out. Other pharmacies were in a similar situation. Photo by hsg@asiae.co.kr

While Chinese tourists are still visiting Myeongdong in large numbers, Jung-gu, Seoul, announced on the 30th that it has activated the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and decided to focus on managing tourist attractions within the district, including Myeongdong. This is a measure against possible concerns about novel coronavirus infection.

In particular, emergency contact networks have been established with hotels and lodging facilities in tourist spots frequently visited by Chinese tourists, such as Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, and dedicated hotlines have been designated for real-time management.

Meanwhile, the Central Disease Control Headquarters of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on the 31st that four more confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection have been identified domestically, bringing the total to 11.

Following the announcement of the seventh confirmed patient earlier that morning, four additional cases were confirmed in the afternoon. This brings the total number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in Korea to 11.

The seventh patient entered Incheon Airport on January 23 after traveling from Wuhan to Qingdao, China. He had a cough on the 26th, cold symptoms on the 28th, and from the 29th, symptoms such as fever (37.7℃), cough, and sputum became clear, prompting him to report to a public health center. After self-quarantine and testing, he was confirmed positive on the evening of the 30th and was isolated at Seoul Medical Center.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said, "Early detection is most important to block community transmission," and urged, "The general public should thoroughly wash hands, observe proper coughing etiquette, and strictly follow infection prevention guidelines in daily life."