Coronavirus: What are we, Korean people, doing?

 

The unprecedented spread of the Coronavirus, (COVID-19) which first broke out in December 2019 in China, has been encroaching on people's lives the world over. It has caused the global economy to plummet and is still ruthlessly infecting a lot of people resulting in a large number of mortalities. As I write, 25th Mar 2020, the approximate total of infected persons all over the world has reached 403,806 and the death toll, 18,230. "What in the world is going on?" I've also kept myself at home, trying to avoid going outside. I wanted to go on more trips so as to show you many different tourist attractions in South Korea, so I couldn't help but feel very sorry and frustrated about this situation. Of course, no need to say, I feel so sorry to those who bereaving their loved ones because of the disaster.

 

Coronavirus. Downloaded on Unsplash

 

Just a month ago, in February, South Korea was ranked second after China in regards to the number of infected people. Before the upsurge in infections which occurred in Daegu, which was attributed to some infected people from China who attended the service of the Shinchonji pseudo church(신천지 교회, literally "New World Church"), Korean people were not afraid of the virus and lived as if nothing had happened. However, after the upsurge, people were getting scared and condemned the government's lackadaisical acts against the virus. South Korea's government allegedly donated tons of masks to China for free while Korean people were struggling with the lack of masks, which could be easily bought at any store, were now sold out, in addition to disinfectant spray.

 

About that time, what most of the Korean people wanted was to bar Chinese travelers from entering South Korea in order to avoid the spread of the virus. South Korea's government denied the public demands for the sake of its close diplomacy with China and rather shifted the responsibility onto people, especially those in the medical sector. What the government did was merely encourage nationals self-quarantine. Additionally, masks were confiscated from schools and local self-governing bodies in order to re-distribute masks.

 

 

Downloaded on Unsplash

 

 

I've seen the global mass media acclaim the Korean government's acts against the pandemic. However, I can quite surely say that it's not the result of the government's measures but because of Korean people's spontaneous self-distancing and taking care of themselves, taking precautions such as making sure to wear masks outside and applying hand-sanitiser frequently. Above all, thanks to those who have spontaneously been volunteering to contain the spread of the virus such as doctors, nurses, fire-fighters, soldiers, and, etc. They are fighting against the disaster while risking themselves on the frontline.

 

"What are we, Korean people, doing?"

 

 

• Self-distancing: Going outside is not illegal nor prohibited in South Korea. The government has advised people to stay and work at home. Korean people are spontaneously following the advice of the government and political demonstrations that you could've commonly seen every weekend in Gwang-Hwa mun square have been suspended. Many festivals for Spring were cancelled as well.
• No panic-buying: People aren't in a panic. Wherever you go, markets still have plenty of items as usual. The only thing that is insufficient is masks. However, many people spontaneously take part in the movement; "Not buy masks" for those in need and some elderly people even donate hand-made masks to local community service centres.
• Delay of the spring semester in schools: All the schools across the country are delaying their new semester.
• Great medical system: There are over 500 designated medical facilities where you can get tested for the virus in South Korea and especially the Drive-thru system that minimises contact between doctors and patients is acclaimed by other countries. For those who were in contact with infected people, expenses for the test are waived. It's increased the participation rate for the test, which has resulted in rapid identification of infected people and thus led to swifter implementation of prevention measures.
• Regular and frequent disinfection: Public areas such as metro stations, buses, etc are frequently disinfected and you can see hand-sanitisers placed almost everywhere for visitors.
• Making sure to wear masks: Korean people consider "Not wearing a mask" to be irresponsible in this situation. Plus, due to annual fine dust from China, Korean people are familiar with wearing a mask to protect their respiratory organs.

 

Pre-packed foods displayed at a mart

 

Dairy products displayed at a mart

 

Hand-sanitisers are prepared almost anywhere

 

 

Since old times, Korean people have been strong against numerous adversities. During so many adversities that Korean people have overcome, such as post-Korean war economic development(한강의 기적, Miracle of Han-river) and IMF financial crisis in 1997, Koreans have put their hearts and all efforts together in order to get over the problems. 

 

I don't think it's just a coincidence. Looking back through Korean history, Korea had been invaded so many times by China and Japan in the past. Every time Korea was attacked by the enemies, the high-ranking officials and royal authority were helpless. However, ordinary people have banded together to fight against enemies and to protect the nation.

 

For this reason, there is a common saying in Korea: "Don't live to lose." - as opposed to Japanese "Don't offend anyone" and Chinese "Don't be fooled." The fact that Korea was so weak and had many adversities has made Korean people do everything so quickly: "Quickly! Quickly!" And it seems it runs in Korean people's DNA.

 

 

 

Korean national flag(태극기), Downloaded on Pixabay

 

We, people around the world, are now having a hard time. In terms of health, funds, and even employment, nothing of all is secure. However, I have something clear to say to all of you: "We will get over it. We will nail it." Appreciating your loved ones around you and the preciousness of the normal life we had before the pandemic, please be positive and have faith.

 

 

I hope you all are guarding your health well. Take care!

 

 

 

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WORDS BY

Minsu Kim - koreaonthescreen@gmail.com

PROOFREAD BY

Gabriela Enriquez

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