"Neither More Nor Less, Just Stay Home" ... 'Non-Face-to-Face' Chuseok Observing 'Quarantine'

Government-Local Governments' 'Citizen Movement Restraint' Campaign Ideas Draw Attention
Quarantine Strengthened as Reservations Surge in Major Tourist Spots like Jeju and Gangwon
Various Free Performances and Exhibition Programs Available at Home

On the 25th, a banner emphasizing social distancing during the Chuseok holiday, reading "Neither more nor less, just stay at home," was installed on the outer wall of Seoul Library in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Ahead of the Chuseok holiday, 'untact campaigns' urging people to refrain from visiting their hometowns are spreading across the country. The government and local governments are making various efforts to prevent citizens' movement with creative ideas amid concerns that the COVID-19 situation, which has barely been brought under control, could resurge if many people travel at once to celebrate the holiday.

On the 25th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government hung a banner on the outer wall of the Seoul Library adjacent to City Hall, featuring a picture of the full moon of Chuseok and the phrase "Neither more nor less, just stay at home." This familiar Chuseok greeting this year serves as a reminder of 'social distancing,' emphasizing that "not moving is the answer."

Even in areas that would normally welcome returning visitors, there are requests not to visit hometowns. In Cheongyang County, Chungnam Province, a banner parodying a famous song reads "The unfilial son 'does not come'." In Boseong, Jeonnam Province, a banner signed by fathers and mothers pledges to protect the safety of the hometown, saying, "Sons, daughters, daughters-in-law! You don't have to come to the hometown."

In Busan, Acting Mayor Byun Sung-wan appeared on the YouTube channel 'Busan News' in the episode 'Wise Chuseok Life,' saying, "As the eldest son and eldest grandson, I will perform a virtual ancestral rite this Chuseok. To protect myself and my family from COVID-19, please tell your families that it is okay not to come this Chuseok."

Earlier, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun urged on his Facebook, "Please be the cool parents who say there is no need to come home this Chuseok in the Prime Minister's name." A cartoon post depicted a scene where a parent is talking on the phone with a child, saying, "Prime Minister Chung said that gathering the whole family at Chuseok is dangerous. Send double the allowance."

Popular travel destinations like Jeju and Gangwon are virtually 'fully booked'

Contrary to the government's and health authorities' requests to refrain from traveling during the holiday, many people are flocking to travel during the golden holiday of up to five days, resulting in nationwide tourist spots and accommodations being virtually fully booked.

Jeju Island expects more than 300,000 tourists to visit from today until October 4, with an average of 30,000 to 40,000 arrivals per day. Flight bookings to and from Jeju are nearing 90%, and additional temporary flights will be arranged on some routes.

Resort and hotel room reservations in Seorak and other areas of Gangwon Province, as well as along the East Coast, where autumn foliage tourists gather, are mostly fully booked, reaching levels comparable to the peak summer vacation season.

Accordingly, the government has designated the holiday period as a 'Chuseok Special Quarantine Period' and increased quarantine measures at multi-use facilities. In the metropolitan area, multi-use facilities such as restaurants, coffee shops, movie theaters, and performance halls will continue to enforce distancing rules such as '1-meter distancing' and 'sitting apart.'

Nationwide, gatherings and events involving 50 or more people indoors and 100 or more people outdoors?including weddings, funerals, exhibitions, fairs, assemblies, village festivals, and traditional games?are prohibited. Professional sports events such as baseball, soccer, and ssireum will continue to be held without spectators.

'Staying home' to enjoy cultural life... Ancestral rites also at online memorial altars

In addition, the Korea Expressway Corporation decided to collect highway tolls during the holiday period this year, reversing the exemption policy in place since 2017. To strengthen quarantine at highway rest areas, eating inside all indoor stores at highway rest areas is prohibited, and only takeout is allowed.

Instead of visiting ancestral graves in person, citizens can perform online ancestral rites using online memorial altars provided by local governments or memorial parks, and can also use grass-cutting services offered by organizations such as the Korea Forest Service or the NongHyup.

Various free non-face-to-face programs have been prepared to allow people to enjoy cultural activities at home during the holiday. The Cultural Heritage Administration will present the palace music concert 'Enjoying the Autumn Night Moonlight Performance at Home,' held against the backdrop of palaces such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, on October 1-2 via YouTube and Naver TV. On October 3-4, it will showcase 'Sori Fantasia - Red Flower,' a performance blending traditional Korean songs and pansori.

In Seoul, under the concept of 'Enjoying cultural life at home,' joint performances by trot singer Song Ga-in and traditional musician Yoo Tae-pyung, as well as 'performances visiting your home,' 'online exhibitions,' and 'fun participatory experiences' are being prepared.