[With Corona Countdown] Approaching Daily Life Recovery... How to Celebrate 'Halloween'

Halloween Day on the 31st... Excited Atmosphere Among Young People
Clubs Host 'After Parties'... Pubs and Bars Busy Preparing Parties
Lounge Bars Likely to Continue Operating... 'Secret Operation' Promotions
Concerns Over Quarantine Ahead of With Corona

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] "This year, we have to enjoy it. It only comes once a year..."

University student Shin Ji-ho (25, pseudonym) plans to dress up as a character from the recently popular Netflix drama "Squid Game" on the upcoming October 31st Halloween Day and go to Itaewon, Seoul with friends. He has prepared matching costumes with his friends and planned out how to spend the day. Shin said, "We decided to gather only with friends who have completed their vaccinations," adding, "It's unfortunate that we can't party all night, but we plan to fully enjoy the Halloween atmosphere at least until 10 PM."

Every year on Halloween Day, young people flock to busy areas like Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam, dressing up in various costumes and roaming the streets or visiting clubs. Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most clubs were closed, and such scenes disappeared. This year, with the anticipation of phased daily recovery (With Corona), a large crowd of young people is expected to gather.

Clubs are also treading carefully. Clubs fall under the category of prohibited gathering businesses and cannot open during the Halloween week. Some clubs in Gangnam and Itaewon are reportedly planning to hold 'After Halloween' parties starting the week With Corona begins, opening their doors simultaneously. Bars and pubs in busy districts have started posting party announcements on social media (SNS) as soon as Halloween week begins, aiming to attract early customers.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Some lounge bars registered as regular restaurants but effectively operating as clubs are also expected to continue business this Halloween. Promotional posts about enjoying Halloween parties at establishments that can operate 'secretly' are flooding in. Posts seeking companions to go to Itaewon or Gangnam are frequently appearing on online communities and entertainment-related group chats.

There are also many voices warning against the spread of cluster infections. Concerns are rising about a possible recurrence of a 'second Itaewon incident.' In preparation for Halloween, the government has strengthened quarantine management for facilities and areas expected to be crowded with foreigners and young people. From the 27th to the 2nd of next month, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, local governments, and the National Police Agency will conduct special quarantine inspections to check compliance with major quarantine rules at businesses located in busy districts. The Seoul Metropolitan Government, together with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the Ministry of Justice, and a total of 12 agencies, has mobilized about 200 personnel to conduct special crackdowns on entertainment facilities. They plan to focus inspections on quarantine violations in crowded areas such as Hongdae, Itaewon, and around Gangnam Station.