Planning In-Person Classes and On- and Off-Campus Events
Complaints About Loud Noise on Campus
From the 18th, life before COVID-19 has resumed, but scenes of both anticipation and concern are being observed in various places. In university areas, full face-to-face classes and the resumption of on- and off-campus events have brought vitality, but complaints from campus members about the influx of outsiders are growing.
On the 18th, inquiries to 10 universities in Seoul (Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, Sogang University, Sungkyunkwan University, Hanyang University, Chung-Ang University, Kyung Hee University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Ewha Womans University) revealed that Hanyang University, Chung-Ang University, and Sungkyunkwan University are planning festivals in May. This marks the full-scale resumption of outdoor activities following the lifting of social distancing. The other universities also stated they are positively considering festivals or small cultural events. University students expressed their expectations as well. Sa Ye-rin (21), who missed out on freshman life last year due to COVID-19, said, "I look forward to meeting classmates now that full face-to-face classes are underway," adding, "I am also excited for festivals, department events, and clubs."
Self-employed business owners also welcomed the lifting of social distancing. As soon as the quarantine restrictions were lifted at 5 a.m. that day, a 24-hour gukbap (soup with rice) restaurant in front of the University of Seoul welcomed customers early. Due to social distancing limits, the restaurant had been opening at 8 a.m. for the past two years but decided to resume 24-hour operations. By around 6 a.m., six university students were already inside eating gukbap to cure their hangovers. The restaurant owner, Mr. A (65), said, "It’s fortunate that students came right after we opened at 5 a.m.," and added, "I think many students will visit now that social distancing restrictions are lifted."
However, concerns about various side effects are also being raised as crowds gather. Park (27), a senior student at a university, said, "Nowadays, from university entrance to job preparation, many are studying not only for midterms and finals but also for employment exams," adding, "Students who used to pay for cafes and study rooms now have to study in departments, libraries, and dormitories, so noise around is a concern." Yang (22) said, "With the increase of outsiders entering the campus, safety issues are also worrying," and added, "During festival periods, there are problems such as loud noise and violence caused by excessive drinking, as well as trash issues." Choi (25) said, "It’s not that everything except masks has been lifted; sometimes masks are also not worn," and added, "There will likely be conflicts over masks, drinking, and smoking in various places."
At Kyung Hee University and some other universities, which held cherry blossom festivals on campus for the first time in three years, traffic congestion occurred inside and outside the campus due to citizens coming to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Incidents such as disputes caused by drinking, illegal filming, and trash left behind also occurred. A university official said, "We understand these concerns," but added, "Universities also have a role as part of the local community to coexist, so it is difficult to impose excessive restrictions on entry."
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