How About a 'Pause' for This Year's Spring Flower Outing?

The '2020 Dongdaemun Spring Flower Festival' Scheduled for This Weekend Canceled... Strengthening Social Distancing Promotion

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] As the cool breeze blows and bright flowers bloom, the number of residents visiting parks and other places to enjoy spring is gradually increasing.

In a typical year, various festivals would be held to attract more residents, but this year, most festivals have been canceled to protect the safety and health of residents amid the spread of COVID-19.

Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol) also abruptly canceled the '2020 Dongdaemun Spring Flower Festival,' which was scheduled to be held this weekend at Jungnangcheon 1st Sports Park and the Jang-an Cherry Blossom Road area, on the 20th. This was an unavoidable measure to block the widespread spread of COVID-19.

However, despite the cancellation of the festival, the number of residents visiting Jang-an Cherry Blossom Road to enjoy the spring flowers continues, raising concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

Accordingly, Dongdaemun-gu posted banners at major points along Jang-an Cherry Blossom Road informing about the cancellation of the '2020 Dongdaemun Spring Flower Festival.' Additionally, exercise equipment along Jang-an Cherry Blossom Road was taped off to block use, and notices were posted to prevent residents from using them.

Furthermore, residents are being asked to refrain from visiting Jang-an Cherry Blossom Road, and if visits are unavoidable, they are guided to strictly follow preventive measures such as wearing masks.

This weekend, district office staff will also conduct activities at major points along Jang-an Cherry Blossom Road to emphasize COVID-19 preventive measures such as wearing masks, maintaining a distance of at least 2 meters, and prohibiting food consumption.

Earlier, on the 25th, Dongdaemun-gu Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol visited Jang-an Cherry Blossom Road to promote 'social distancing' to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Walking about 800 meters from Dongdaemun-gu Citizen Sports Center to Jangpyeong Bridge for approximately two hours, he explained social distancing to residents who came to stroll along Jang-an Cherry Blossom Road and asked for their active participation despite some inconvenience.

Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol of Dongdaemun-gu stated, “I fully understand the desire to go outside and enjoy spring in the sunny weather, but due to COVID-19, social distancing is necessary, so we ask residents to refrain from outdoor activities. The district will also do its best to disinfect the area until COVID-19 is eradicated.”