Starting from January 30th, 2023, people will now be able to take off their masks both in outdoor and indoor areas.

However, there are still exceptions for indoor mask usage, such as medical institutions and public transportations where citizens will need to keep their masks on due to the increased risks of infection. 

Not wearing a mask in such areas comes with a fine of up to 100,000 won. 

The government made the choice to lift restrictions because the spread of the virus has become stable over the past few weeks and the number of people with severe cases have also gradually decreased. 

Furthermore, the government hopes that this new rule would help the citizens to be back to their normal lives after 3 years of the COVID-19 pandemic and regard wearing masks no longer as a coercive or daily act. 

Nevertheless, it does not mean that people must take off their masks inside. 

It is up to individuals whether or not they would keep their masks indoors. 

The government also strongly suggests the citizens to put on their masks when there is a crowd, or if they conduct an activity like singing where a high amount of droplets are produced. 

Even though mask wearing is not mandatory, people still have to be careful wherever they go because the COVID-19 virus is still prevalent. 

Some of the rules are obligatory, and citizens are expected to follow them, such as when a person has COVID-19 symptoms such as fevers, coughs, and sore throats, they should remain at home. 

In addition, when a person tests positive in the COVID-19 test, they should maintain seven days of quarantine. 

Though our lives have become more comfortable with the lifting of mask mandates, there are still those who are concerned about not wearing masks. 

Therefore, people still tend to wear their masks in places like markets or schools. 

Some say that they feel like masks have been their necessities for the past few years, and it feels awkward when they take their masks off of themselves. 

Most people say that they are cautious about taking their masks off at places where different people meet because the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. 

They are averse to the greater risks of catching the virus when they take their masks off inside. 

Some workplaces, academies, and companies have set rules among themselves to keep their masks indoors to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

While most people maintain indoor mask wearing, some will find regained freedom in going back to the pre-pandemic norm and comfort of not wearing masks. 

Hannah Park
Grade 8
Korea International School Jeju