Ban on Urban Gatherings Expanded to Jongno 1-ga and Seoul Station Plaza... Up to 3 Million Won Fine for Violations (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Osangdo] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 26th that it has expanded the no-gathering zones in downtown areas such as Jongno 1-ga and Seoul Station Plaza to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to Seoul City, the new regulations effective from midnight on the same day include not only the existing Gwanghwamun, Cheonggye, Seoul Plaza and their surrounding roads and sidewalks, but also ▲the plaza roads and surrounding sidewalks connecting Seoul Station Plaza to Seoul, Cheonggye, Gwanghwamun Plaza and Hyoja-dong Samgeori ▲Sinmunno and surrounding sidewalks ▲Jongno 1-ga roads and surrounding sidewalks ▲and the roads and surrounding sidewalks from Gwanghwamun Plaza to the Prime Minister’s official residence.

Seoul City plans to report organizers and participants of gatherings violating these rules to the local police station. Violators will be subject to a fine of up to 3 million won under the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act.

On the morning of the same day, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon convened 25 district heads at the city hall to preside over a countermeasure meeting and explained these measures.

He said, "This is to protect the health and lives of citizens," adding, "Fortunately, the police have announced a policy to prohibit gatherings altogether, which will greatly help in preemptive blocking or dispersal."

At the meeting, Mayor Park cited the Shincheonji Church as the main culprit in the spread of COVID-19. "It seems the central government has already received the total number of (Shincheonji) believers," he said, "Once the list arrives (to Seoul City), we will distribute the number of believers in Seoul by district. We will recommend self-quarantine to everyone on the list." Seoul City is known to estimate the number of Shincheonji believers in Seoul at around 50,000.