'Post Office Masks' 70 to 700 Sets Released Nationwide

On the 28th, as the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection increases, residents are purchasing masks at Munsan Post Office in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung, Paju aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] From 11 a.m. on the 2nd, health masks will be sold at 1,000 won each at post offices in the Daegu and Cheongdo areas and in town and township post offices nationwide. The sales time has been moved earlier compared to last week, and the price has increased. The supply volume has also increased, with a minimum of 70 sets and up to about 700 sets of masks being sold per post office. Despite the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it is expected that the worries of local residents who were unable to purchase masks may be somewhat alleviated.

130,000 People Can Buy on the 2nd

On the 28th, as the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection increases, a resident trying to purchase a mask at Munsan Post Office in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, turns away after seeing the notice that the waiting numbers are sold out. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung, Paju aymsdream@

The Korea Post under the Ministry of Science and ICT is supplying masks at prices cheaper than the market at post offices in the special management areas for COVID-19, Daegu and Cheongdo, and 1,406 post offices in island and mountainous regions. In urban areas, masks are mainly sold at pharmacies nationwide.

The total number of masks sold at post offices on this day is 650,000. Since the 28th of last month, the Korea Post has started selling affordable masks at 1,406 town and township post offices nationwide, and this is an increase of 100,000 masks compared to then.

If 650,000 masks are sold, it means that a total of 130,000 people can purchase masks on this day. Masks are sold in bundles (sets) of 5 masks each, and only one bundle can be purchased per person.

By region, about 124,000 masks (24,000 sets) will be distributed in the Daegu and Cheongdo areas. The remaining approximately 525,000 masks (105,000 sets) will be sold at the other 1,406 town and township post offices.

The minimum quantity per post office is 70 sets. Jeju region falls under this category. This means that even if people line up at the post office, about 70 people can buy masks. Nationwide, 1,406 post offices commonly sell 80 sets. In the Daegu and Cheongdo areas, depending on the size of the post office, up to 700 to 180 sets are sold.

A Korea Post official stated, "The number of masks sold per post office by region can be checked on the website."

1,000 Won Per Mask

On the 28th, as the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection increases, residents are purchasing masks at Munsan Post Office in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung, Paju aymsdream@

If you want to purchase masks, you need to hurry from the morning. The sales time has been moved earlier from 2 p.m. to 11 a.m. However, in island areas, the sales time varies depending on whether the masks have arrived. In Jeju region, sales start at 5 p.m., and for time-based post offices, sales occur at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. depending on working hours.

The price of masks at post offices is 1,000 won per mask. This is 200 won higher than on the 28th of last month. One set is sold for 5,000 won.

The Korea Post stated, "The price is determined through consultation with mask suppliers," and "The daily sales price may vary depending on the supply price."