Coronavirus: Why do people in South Korea still wear masks even after law mandating them was lifted

As of Monday, people in South Korea are no longer required to wear masks outdoors except at events with more than 50 people – masks are still required indoors

In a looks-obsessed society, an expert said masks provide relief from pressure to look perfect, while also showing respect for other people’s well-being

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Women wearing protective masks to prevent contracting Covid-19 walk past a couple who takes a selfie photo without masks in Seoul, South Korea on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Published: 7:45pm, 5 May 2022Updated: 11:41pm, 5 May 2022

South Korea may have lifted its outdoor mask mandate on Monday, but one would not have guessed this was the case while walking through Seoul’s central business district.

On the busy streets of Jongno-gu, home to numerous grand office buildings, many South Koreans are still choosing to keep their masks firmly on.

“I haven’t been sick in the last two years, and I don’t miss it. I’d rather keep my mask on, especially when there are so many people out and about,” Kim So-young, who works in financial securities, told Business Insider. “Covid didn’t suddenly go away this week.”

Her stance is in stark contrast to many worldwide who have celebrated their respective countries’ easing of mask requirements. For instance, many Americans cheered and chucked their face masks mid-flight last month after finding out a federal judge had just scrapped a mask mandate for planes and trains.

A man wearing a face mask to help curb the spread of the coronavirus walks near the display of the Seoul logo in downtown Seoul, South Korea on Monday. Photo: AP

“I’d be really worried if I was on one of those flights,” Kim, 33, said. “Anyway, I don’t mind wearing masks because women are expected to wear makeup to work, and this really saves me some time in the morning.”