USFK Prohibits Entry to Itaewon on Halloween Day

On the 19th, the government strengthened social distancing measures in the Seoul metropolitan area to curb the explosive spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Gatherings and events with more than 50 people indoors and more than 100 people outdoors are, in principle, prohibited until the 30th of this month. This applies not only to exhibitions, public hearings, commemorative ceremonies, and recruitment exams but also to private gatherings such as weddings, alumni meetings, 60th birthday parties, funerals, and first birthday parties, which cannot be held with many people present. Twelve types of high-risk facilities will be required to suspend operations. These facilities include clubs, room salons, and other entertainment bars, colatecs, danran bars, emotional bars, hunting pochas, karaoke rooms, indoor standing concert halls, indoor group exercise (intense GX types), buffets (including those in wedding halls), PC rooms, direct sales promotion centers, and large academies (with 300 or more people). The photo shows the scene of the Youth Street in Jonggak, Seoul, on that day. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The US Forces Korea (USFK) has designated Itaewon in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, as a restricted area this weekend. This measure is to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and all USFK personnel and affiliated civilians are prohibited from entering Itaewon.

According to the Yongsan US military base Facebook page on the 29th, entry to Itaewon will be banned from 3 p.m. on Halloween day, the 31st, until 9 a.m. the following day. During this period, patrols will monitor Itaewon and enforce regulations against personnel violating the guidelines.

The USFK Command lowered the public health protection condition (HPCON) from 'Charlie' to 'Bravo' starting from the 19th, following the South Korean government's reduction of social distancing to Level 1. However, due to concerns over COVID-19 spread, entry to bars and clubs remains prohibited.

Itaewon, known for its concentration of clubs and pubs, is one of the busiest places every year for people enjoying Halloween in costumes. In May, a mass infection occurred at an Itaewon club, resulting in nearly 300 confirmed cases and leading to nationwide transmission.

Meanwhile, the USFK also issued detailed guidelines for children participating in the 'trick or treat' activity of going door-to-door for candy. The USFK urged that appropriate masks must be worn instead of costumes, and those handing out candy must wear gloves.