"Who Doesn't Want to Travel?" Disappointed Homebodies During Chuseok Holiday

960,000 Airport Visitors and 300,000 Jeju Island Visitors Expected During Chuseok Holiday
Health Authorities Emphasize "Please Cooperate by Refraining from Travel During Chuseok"

Dolharubang wearing a mask erected at the entrance of Jeju International Airport.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy reporters Han Seung-gon and Kang Joo-hee] "Who doesn't want to go?", "It feels frustrating to see people traveling."

Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the government has designated this Chuseok holiday period as a special quarantine period and repeatedly urged people to refrain from traveling and visiting their hometowns. However, as the golden holiday extends up to five days, the number of domestic travelers is expected to increase, causing a sense of frustration among citizens who planned to spend the holiday at home.

Korea Airports Corporation expects about 963,000 passengers to use airports nationwide, excluding Incheon International Airport, during this Chuseok holiday period. This is more than 75% of last year's Chuseok holiday usage (1,285,000 passengers). The reservation rate for flights to Jeju exceeds 70%, suggesting a high proportion of tourists.

Accommodation reservation rates are also high. According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, as of the 22nd during the Chuseok holiday period, the average hotel reservation rate was 94.9% in Gangwon Province and 56% in Jeju Province.

The Jeju Tourism Association expects about 198,000 visitors to Jeju Island from September 30 until the end of the holiday on October 4. Based on the actual start of the holiday on the 26th, it is estimated that around 300,000 people will flock to Jeju Island.

Among citizens who planned to spend the Chuseok holiday at home following the government's quarantine guidelines, there are feelings of frustration.

Office worker Seo (35), who canceled travel plans due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, said, "The weather is so nice these days, and the holiday period is long, so I thought about going somewhere nearby, but I gave up the plan following the government's emphasis on refraining from travel. However, I saw news that hotels in Jeju and Gangwon are fully booked. Does anyone think people want to stay home? Honestly, such news makes me angry," he expressed.

Tourists arriving in Jeju on the weekend of the 26th, ahead of the Chuseok holiday, are seen wearing masks as they exit Jeju International Airport.
Photo by Yonhap News

Another office worker in their 20s, Mr. A, said, "The government designated this Chuseok holiday as a special quarantine period, but honestly, if so many people are traveling, what is the point of such guidelines? If there is concern about the spread of infectious diseases, they should ban movement altogether. In the end, only those who follow the guidelines feel frustrated," he said.

There were also citizens worried that the increase in movement during the holiday period might lead to another rise in COVID-19 infections. Housewife B (37) said, "I am cautious even when taking a walk in the park near my house with my child, but when I see people traveling at times like this, it feels like my staying home is meaningless. Isn't it obvious that if so many people are out and about, confirmed cases will increase again?" she expressed concern.

Earlier, during the golden holidays from late April to early May and the summer vacation period in July and August, nationwide movement increased, leading to a sharp rise in COVID-19 confirmed cases and cluster infections.

Job seeker Park (28) said, "Even though we have experienced several times that confirmed cases increase after the holiday period, nothing seems to change. I feel hopeless because this situation seems likely to repeat until a vaccine is available," she confessed.

Given this situation, Jeju Island has designated the period from the 26th of this month to October 11 as a special quarantine intensive management period and decided to apply high-intensity quarantine measures.

According to the province, visitors arriving at Jeju International Airport and Jeju Port until October 4, when the Chuseok holiday ends, must wear masks during their stay. They must also undergo a fever check immediately upon arrival, and if their temperature exceeds 37.5 degrees Celsius, they will be classified as having fever symptoms and must undergo a COVID-19 diagnostic test.

Those with fever symptoms who undergo diagnostic testing are required to be quarantined until the test results are confirmed. The province plans to file criminal charges for violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act and claim compensation for quarantine costs if special administrative measures are violated and cause harm to quarantine efforts.

Gangwon Province has also designated the period until October 11 as a special quarantine period and plans to focus inspections on high-risk facilities for COVID-19 spread, such as entertainment venues and karaoke rooms. It also plans to strengthen quarantine activities at hotels, resorts, and tourist facilities where travelers gather.

The quarantine authorities repeatedly urged people to refrain from traveling during the Chuseok holiday period.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, in a national address at the Government Seoul Office on the 27th, said, "Thanks to the dedication and sacrifice of medical staff, we have overcome several critical moments, but this Chuseok is another critical moment. We must not forget that this is a situation comparable to war." He earnestly requested, "For the safety of parents and elders this Chuseok, please refrain from visiting your hometowns."

He continued, "More detailed and strengthened quarantine standards will be applied during the special quarantine period. We ask for your understanding and cooperation in this unavoidable choice to prevent greater pain and sacrifice," he said.