[Year-End Changed by COVID-19] Tourists Flock to Markets as Beaches Are Restricted

Around 9 a.m. on the 27th, the entrance leading to Jeongdongjin Beach was blocked.

At the same time, the entrance of Sokcho Tourist Fishery Market (Central Market) in Gangwon-do is crowded with tourists as a large number of people gather.

[Gangneung=Asia Economy reporters Kim Daehyun and Song Seungseop] On the morning of the 27th, the last day of the holiday, Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park in Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, visited by Asia Economy, appeared deserted due to strict access restrictions along the coastline enforced by control lines. Only four vehicles were parked, and among 15 stores in the area, eight were closed. Lodging facilities that used to be fully booked with premium prices at the end of the year were also in a state of temporary closure with no inquiry calls.

On the other hand, Sokcho Tourist Fishery Market in Sokcho-si was bustling with crowds from early morning. This market is one of the tourist attractions where visitors usually flock on weekends to buy fried chicken and dried seafood. In front of a restaurant inside the market, more than 20 customers were seen lining up.

'No Entry' Jeongdongjin and Sokcho Beaches See Sharp Decline in Visitors

With the year-end and New Year holidays approaching, there are concerns about a 'balloon effect' on quarantine measures along the East Coast of Gangwon-do. As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise around 1,000 daily, the government has implemented 'special year-end and New Year quarantine measures,' but the influx of tourists avoiding restricted areas is increasing anxiety in local communities.

Sokcho Beach in Gangwon is quiet as access for tourists is blocked due to quarantine authorities' entry control measures.

Merchants along the beaches, including Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park, where access is prohibited, have taken a direct hit to their sales. Yoo (60), who runs a gift shop in Jeongdongjin, lamented, "The entire coastline is blocked off, so foot traffic has completely stopped," adding, "The news about crowds gathering in Jeongdongjin is all lies." Jo (50), who operates a snack bar, also said, "This place usually has dozens of people lining up at this time, but yesterday we only had three customers," and added, "I can't even pay the rent, so I might have to go into debt."

Sokcho Beach, which Sokcho City has completely closed until January 3 next year, showed a similar situation. Occasionally, some tourists trying to enter the beach turned back after being told by quarantine staff, "Access is restricted. Please come back later."

'Market Ignoring Social Distancing'... No Space to Step Amid Crowds

However, outside the officially controlled areas, the scene was completely different. Surrounding beaches and large traditional markets crowded with tourists were blind spots in quarantine efforts.

At Sageunjin, about a 30-minute drive from Jeongdongjin, around 30 tourists were strolling along the sandy beach. This beach has no separate access restrictions. Kim (22) said, "My accommodation is nearby, and I came out after seeing people walking on the sand," adding, "Since I am worried about COVID-19, I plan to just take photos and leave immediately."

About 30 customers are waiting in line without social distancing in front of a famous bakery at Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market (Central Market).

Sokcho Central Market, about a 10-minute drive from Sokcho Beach, was so crowded at lunchtime that there was barely any space to move. The alleys inside the market, less than 50 meters apart in a straight line, were so packed with people that walking properly was difficult. Maintaining a 2-meter distance was impossible, and many tourists were eating without masks. Yang (55), a taxi driver in Sokcho, said, "Tourists avoid restricted beaches and cafes and flock to the market," adding, "They do everything there?sightseeing, buying food, and eating."

Among merchants in the Gangneung and Sokcho areas, voices even emerged asking visitors to refrain from coming. Kim (56), who runs a sashimi restaurant in Gangneung, said, "If COVID-19 spreads rapidly, it will not help the local economy in the long term," adding, "Merchants think it would be better if people simply do not come to Gangwon-do during the year-end and New Year holidays."