Korean Shopping Mall Closures... Chinese Media Says "Failed Because There Are No Chinese Customers"

Chinese Media: "Chinese Customers Account for 30-40% of Sales"

The government’s strengthening of quarantine measures for arrivals from China has ignited a war of nerves between netizens of the two countries. This time, Chinese netizens reportedly reacted with a sense of "serves you right" regarding a domestic shopping mall facing closure.

On the 12th (local time), Global Times Online, the online edition of Huanqiu Shibao affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party’s official newspaper People’s Daily, reported the closure news of 'W Mall,' a shopping mall located in Gasan-dong, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul.

The day before (the 11th), news of W Mall’s closure was also reported domestically. According to multiple media reports, W Mall suffered financial difficulties due to the economic recession and a sharp decline in demand from Chinese tourists caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

W Mall’s operator, Wonshin Double U Mall, sold its ownership stake and real estate of the outlet to a real estate developer in May last year. Accordingly, the operation of W Mall in Gasan-dong will officially end this September.

On the first day of mandatory registration for the 'Quarantine Information Pre-Entry System' (Q-CODE) for arrivals from China, Hong Kong, and Macau, on the 5th at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 arrival hall [Yeongjongdo=Photo by Kang Jin-hyung]

Huanqiu Online explained, "This shopping mall lost Chinese tourists, who are the 'main consumers,' over the past two years due to the impact of COVID-19, which led to poor management and ultimately closure," adding, "Chinese tourists accounted for 30-40% of sales in some stores in this area."

Huanqiu Online also mentioned the Korean government’s temporary suspension of short-term visa issuance for arrivals from China on the 2nd as part of strengthened quarantine measures, pointing out that "the recovery of Korea’s tourism industry has been halted again, and related businesses are expected to face difficulties in their operations."

Chinese netizens who came across the news responded with comments such as "serves them right" and "they got what they deserved," reflecting a sense of 'reaping what you sow.'

Voices of Opposition from Some in China as Quarantine Measures Tighten

On the morning of the 9th, arrivals from China entered the arrival hall at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 and received guidance from quarantine officials. / Photo by Yonhap News

Since the 2nd, the government has been implementing restrictions and strengthened quarantine policies for arrivals from China. As a result, arrivals from China must undergo a COVID-19 test within one day of entry, and confirmed cases are quarantined for seven days in temporary home isolation facilities.

In response, some voices in China have protested, calling it "discrimination against Chinese people." In retaliation, Chinese authorities have completely suspended the issuance of short-term visas for Korean nationals traveling to China.

On the 10th, the Embassy of China in Korea announced via the Chinese social networking service WeChat that "according to domestic Chinese directives, starting today, the Embassy and Consulates General of China in Korea will suspend the issuance of short-term visas for Korean nationals visiting China for visits, commercial trade, tourism, medical treatment, and general personal reasons," adding, "this measure will be adjusted depending on whether Korea cancels its discriminatory entry restrictions against China."

Interior view of a room in a temporary quarantine facility for short-term foreign visitors / Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, claims have emerged that Chinese tourists quarantined in Korea’s temporary facilities are receiving unfair treatment. On the 2nd, Huanqiu Shibao cited its netizens’ claims in an editorial, mentioning that "Korean quarantine measures target Chinese people," and that "despite paying fees, there are no beds or hot water in the quarantine facilities."

However, these claims have been confirmed to be false. The temporary quarantine facilities provided by the quarantine authorities are available not only to Chinese nationals but also to other nationalities, and home quarantine is only permitted if the individual has a guardian in Korea who guarantees them.

Regarding this, the Ministry of Health and Welfare rebutted during a briefing on the 11th, stating, "The temporary quarantine facilities for short-term foreign visitors in Korea offer rooms better than the tourist hotels usually used by Chinese tourists," adding, "specialized lunchbox providers deliver different menus daily to the rooms to prevent COVID-19 infection, and if medicines are needed, prepared fever reducers, cold medicine, disinfectants, and others are also provided."