Gimhae City Strengthens Bongha Village Quarantine System Ahead of President Roh Moo-hyun's 12th Anniversary

Gimhae City, Gyeongnam, is strengthening the quarantine system in the Bongha Village area in preparation for the 12th anniversary of President Roh Moo-hyun's passing.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] Gimhae City in Gyeongnam announced on the 12th that it will strengthen quarantine measures in Bongha Village, Jinyeong-eup, ahead of the 12th anniversary memorial service for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun.

The city expects a concentration of mourners around the 23rd and will expand quarantine and guidance personnel in the area of Bongha Village, where the former president's residence and burial site are located. From the 21st to the 23rd, the number of workers, usually two, will be increased to up to eight. Last year, eight workers were on duty on the day of the memorial service.

During this period, a social distancing campaign including mask-wearing and promotion of 080 registration will also be conducted. On the day of the memorial service, about 500 masks will be distributed to visitors not wearing KF94 masks.

This year's memorial service will be held on a limited scale with about 70 attendees, including family members and government officials, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Vehicle entry to Bongha Village will be completely restricted for one hour before and after 11 a.m. on the 23rd, when the memorial service is held.

Only pre-approved attendees will be allowed to enter the presidential burial site. Instead, for citizens who cannot visit the site, the memorial service will be live-streamed through the official YouTube channel of the People’s Life Foundation Roh Moo-hyun.

According to the policy implementing social distancing level 1.5, the Bongha train running between Seoul Station and Jinyeong Station, regional group buses nationwide, and the special Bongha course of the Gimhae City Tour will not operate this year.

A city official said, “We have already received many inquiries about the 12th anniversary memorial service for former President Roh,” and added, “We recommend avoiding visiting on the day of the service to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”