'Post Office Masks' 550,000 Distributed... Seoul Excluded

On the 27th, when the government began supplying health masks through public sales outlets such as Nonghyup Hanaro Mart and post offices, a sales plan notice was posted at the entrance of Yongsan Post Office in Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] A total of 550,000 masks will be sold through local post offices in 1,317 towns and townships nationwide where it is difficult to purchase health masks. Despite the crisis alert level for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) being raised to 'serious,' it is expected that the difficulties faced by local residents who have been unable to buy masks will be somewhat alleviated. The Ministry of Science and ICT's Postal Service Headquarters announced on the 28th that it will start selling masks through 1,317 post offices under 143 general bureaus nationwide.

Cannot Buy in Seoul

Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, is leaving after concluding an emergency joint briefing on stabilizing mask supply held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 27th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

The masks sold at post offices can be purchased in regions excluding Seoul. The Postal Service Headquarters has taken on the role of supplying masks to island and mountainous areas where it is difficult to purchase masks, in accordance with the government's 'Emergency Supply Adjustment Measures for Masks and Hand Sanitizers.' They plan to use 1,317 post offices nationwide as bases to ensure smooth mask supply.

The time when masks can be purchased at post offices varies by region. Generally, masks can be bought from 2 p.m. on the day. However, in island areas, the sales time may vary depending on the arrival time of the masks. Some part-time post offices that operate only in the morning sell masks from 11 a.m., but in places like Jeju, sales may only start as late as 5 p.m. It is advisable to call ahead before going to the post office to buy masks.

The sales quantity is limited to five masks per person. The Postal Service Headquarters stated, "We do not specifically prevent people who have already bought masks from purchasing more by moving to other regions," but added, "Since the supply quantity is limited and many people want to buy, hoarding will be difficult."

The price is known to be around 1,000 won. A representative from the Postal Service Headquarters said, "We plan to sell masks without any profit," and added, "Since supply prices vary by company, it is difficult to state a uniform price."

Mask Sales on Post Office Shopping Will Be Difficult for the Time Being

The Postal Service Headquarters plans to also conduct online sales through Post Office Shopping in the future, depending on the mask supply status. However, the supply quantity is currently insufficient. The Postal Service Headquarters stated, "We will do our best to secure and sell health masks to alleviate public inconvenience."

Meanwhile, as the government's COVID-19 crisis level was raised to 'serious' and mask supply concerns increased, it announced that masks will be sold publicly. In addition to post offices, NongHyup and Public Home Shopping also supply masks at prices lower than the market. Detailed information about masks sold by post offices can be found through the Postal Service Headquarters, the Internet Post Office website, and the Post Office Call Center.