South Korean Tourist Hotspots Shut Down Amidst COVID-19 Surge173

Seoul, South Korea - In a bid to curb the alarming spike in COVID-19 cases, the South Korean government has ordered the closure of numerous popular tourist attractions across the country, dealing a blow to the tourism industry. The move comes as the nation grapples with a surge in infections driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant.

Among the attractions that have been shuttered are the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and the N Seoul Tower in Seoul. Other major destinations such as the Jeju Island, Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village, and the Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Site are also closed to visitors.

The closures have sent shockwaves through the tourism sector, which was just beginning to recover from the pandemic. Many businesses, particularly small shops and restaurants that rely on tourist revenue, are now facing significant financial losses.

The government has defended the closures as necessary to contain the spread of the virus. "We understand that this will have a negative impact on the tourism industry, but we believe it is essential to prioritize public health at this time," said Minister of Health and Welfare Kwon Deok-cheol.

However, the closures have also sparked criticism. Some tourism operators argue that the government should have implemented alternative measures such as capacity restrictions and mask mandates instead of resorting to blanket closures.

The closures will remain in effect until at least the end of March, although the government has indicated that they may be extended if the virus situation does not improve. In the meantime, travelers are advised to check with official sources for the latest updates on closures and travel restrictions.

Here is a list of some of the major tourist attractions that are currently closed in South Korea:
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace
N Seoul Tower
Jeju Island
Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village
Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Site
National Museum of Korea
War Memorial of Korea
Everland
Lotte World
Seoul Zoo
COEX Mall

2025-02-18

Previous：Unveiling the Enchantments of North Korea and China: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Next：Travel Frog in China: A Guide to Your Virtual Amphibian‘s Adventures