South Korea Frees Breath‑In, Not Breath‑Out
Mask‑less Strolls or Still‑born Masks?
On Monday, the Korean government gave the green light to ditch outdoor masks as Covid‑19 numbers shrink. Yet, when you walk down the hustle‑bustle of Gwanghwamun, you’ll still spot a sea of masks clinging to faces like the latest fashion accessory.
Why the Penprick of Resistance
President‑elect Yoon Suk‑yeol’s crew has slammed the move, dubbing it “premature.” And honestly, many locals echo that sentiment, cursing the lingering Omicron wave.
First‑hand Tales from an Urban Mask‑Passport
- Lee Byung‑young, 61, tried leaving home mask‑free but found 70‑80 % of downtown commuters still sporting one. “I guess it’s too early to ditch it even when we’re outside,” he mused.
- Kim Eun‑hee, 52, wants the day to come when daily cases drop to around 5,000 so she can ditch the mask in confidence.
Numbers That Tell the Story
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) recorded 20,084 new Covid‑19 cases on Sunday. That’s a decent dip from the 620,000‑plus peak in mid‑March, but still enough to keep people wary.
Where the Rules Still Hold
Even after the outdoor relaxation, masks remain mandatory indoors – and for gatherings of 50 or more like rallies, concerts, and sports events. So yes, you can stroll in the fresh air mask‑free, but the next time you’ll be at a stadium, you’ll next wear one.
So, Seoul’s streets are a riot of style and caution. If you think you’ve earned the “mask‑free” badge, remember the numbers; if you haven’t, stay smiling…and wearing a mask – it’s the current trend!
<img alt="" data-caption="People wearing masks to prevent contracting the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pose for photographs on a sunny spring day in Seoul, South Korea, on May 2, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”553dfa87-96a2-4e47-91b0-2163944d3e38″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/04052022_posing_reuters.jpg”/>
Mask‑Free Moment in Seoul’s Hyochang Park: 71‑Year‑Old Finds Freshness
Picture this: the heart of Seoul, Hyochang Park, is bathed in a haze of yellow. The air feels a little too hot under the heat‑tied city skyline—yet a whopping 80 % of the crowd is still sporting masks. Only a handful of teenagers and the occasional lazy‑sitting dog have slipped… well, you get the point.
The “Finally” of Aged‑Veteran
- Oh Ho‑young, a 71‑year‑old local, finally has the chance to ditch her mask for the first time in two years.
- She’s used to jogging around the park since day one but says the moment he let his face breathe “felt so fresh and great.”
- She’s shaking her hand at a bunny shoo: “I’ve come here to jog for a long time; walking without a mask now makes me feel like the world’s un‑masked office again.”
Another Voice, But Slightly Different
Lee Geun‑young, 34, wore a mask – because COVID‑19 is still a thing, apparently. He says the pandemic has been a discomforting yet wise thing to face, even if it ruins the perfect sunny day for a brisk walk.
“I, too, miss the pre‑pandemic days when we lived without a mask,” he told us from the park. “It is inconvenient, but it’s better to stay careful not only for myself but also to not cause harm to others.”
South Korea’s Numbers at a Glance
With 52 million residents, the nation has managed to keep its total case load at 17,295,733 and deaths at 22,958. A combination of aggressive testing, tracing, and a vaccine roll‑out that kept the country as steady as a well‑confused ice‑cream truck.
Going Forward
- South Korea is reportedly planning to lift the outdoor mask mandate next week.
- Meanwhile, people here conform to a mantra: “We’ll keep on walking—mask or no mask—until the danger dissolves.”
So if you ever wander into Hyochang Park and see someone not wearing a mask, don’t be alarmed—just remember that the day is probably a celebration of folks who’re finally allowed to take a breath and enjoy the fresh air.
