[Q&A] New Year's Day Relatives' Sebae Gathering Also Subject to Punishment

Q&A on the Ban of Gatherings of Five or More People in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

As the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues in South Korea, on the 21st, citizens carrying lunch boxes are passing through the food street in Jongno, Seoul, where quarantine measures equivalent to social distancing level 3 are being considered. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] From midnight on the 23rd of this month until midnight on January 3rd next year, private gatherings of five or more people will be prohibited in the Seoul metropolitan area, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon. This strong measure goes beyond the 'social distancing' level 3 in response to the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The key point of this administrative order is that its application depends on the nature of the gathering. It is not about imposing restrictions based on facilities or places such as restaurants or movie theaters, but rather whether the gathering is for social purposes or work-related schedules. We have clarified related questions.

- Can I perform ancestral rites or New Year's bows with relatives at home during the New Year?

▲ No. This administrative order defines private gatherings as "cases where people who do not live together and have different residences meet solely for social purposes." Accordingly, gatherings with relatives are only allowed with up to four people. However, an exception is made for families of five or more living in the same household to perform ancestral rites or New Year's bows.

- Can I meet parents living separately during the Lunar New Year?

▲ Even if family, if the registered residence is different, gatherings of five or more are not allowed. For example, a couple with children visiting their parents' home in their hometown is subject to penalties. However, a family of five living in the same household can have indoor and outdoor gatherings such as dining out.

- Can five Seoul citizens travel to Gangwon-do for a New Year's sunrise trip?

▲ No. If you have an address in the Seoul metropolitan area, you cannot hold gatherings of five or more people anywhere. Gatherings of five or more are prohibited regardless of the members' addresses. In other words, two Seoul citizens traveling to Gangwon-do and joining three Gangwon residents for a trip is not allowed. This administrative order applies not only to residents of the metropolitan area but also to visitors. Conversely, Gangwon residents holding gatherings of five or more in Seoul are also subject to penalties.

- Can a group of five or more sit separately at a restaurant?

▲ According to Seoul city, for example, seven people sitting apart as groups of four and three at a restaurant is also prohibited. Local governments plan to strictly respond with fines for business owners and users and administrative measures if such violations are detected. Especially, if a confirmed case occurs in a prohibited gathering, a fine of up to 3 million KRW will be imposed, and claims for quarantine costs and patient treatment expenses will also be made.

- Can four people play golf with one caddy at a golf course?

▲ No. Four-player games accompanied by a caddy are also prohibited. However, four players without a caddy or three players with a caddy are allowed. Nevertheless, considering the purpose of the private gathering ban, it is best to avoid gathering if possible.

- Can five or more people eat together in a company cafeteria?

▲ Yes. Lunch at the workplace is classified as part of business activities. However, dining with five or more people at restaurants outside the company is prohibited.

- Can five or more people hold a meeting at the company?

▲ Yes. Gatherings of five or more people that are unavoidable for official work performance in administrative and public institutions or business activities of companies are allowed. For example, working together at a company or factory, broadcasting or film production, regular shareholders' meetings, labor-management meetings such as wage negotiations, meetings of the National Assembly or government, military training and civil support activities, emergency fire safety inspections and drills are not subject to penalties. However, events for social purposes such as company dinners or workshops are classified as private gatherings.