사회적 거리두기 2.5단계…강남역 먹자골목 '썰렁'
And in efforts to halt a second wave of novel coronavirus infections, South Korea has put in place tighter social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area.
It's taken the unprecedented step of restricting the operation of restaurants, coffee shops and so-called cram schools in this region for eight days starting Sunday.
Our Jang Tae-hyun is out in Gangnam, one of the most bustling areas in the nation's capital.
Tae-hyun, where you are - the main street of Gangnam Station - we all know it's almost always packed with people at this time of the day as that area is known for its restaurants, cafes, and nightlife in Seoul.
It definitely looks much slower and quieter.
Good evening, Connyoung. I'm standing nearby Gangnam Station.
At this time of day there should be tons of people walking by,... but as you can see, it is relatively quiet now.
This comes after the South Korean government applied stricter social distancing rules so life can return to normal sooner rather than later.
People are prohibited from dining in at franchise cafes, nor can they use the restrooms and their only option is to get a take-out or delivery.
As a result, one coffee chain official said their sales in the capital area plunged by 30 percent compared to the previous week.
The strengthened regulations have affected customers as well.
Take a listen.
"I like studying at cafes, but I can still do that at home. It's not like we can't have coffee... so, people can get take-out and drink it at home."
So, Tae-hyun,...how are the businesses there responding to the situation?
Well, they are having to think of other ways to reach customers.
I met a cafe owner this afternoon and she said that since private educational academies are closed and people are not socializing in the area, it's hard for her to draw in customers.
She added... sales were already dropping due to the pandemic but the stricter guidelines have had an even greater impact.
This has forced her to find alternative methods such as offering delivery services.
Let's take a listen.
"Sales have plunged by 55 percent and that is why we started offering delivery. Since then sales went up by 15 percent."
One of the nation's leading delivery apps announced Monday that it will help business owners by waiving the three-percent credit card commission fees until the end of the year.
I've asked some small business owners if that would help, and they said they are grateful for this consideration.
That's all I have for today.
Back to you, Connyoung.
Jang Tae-hyun from the main street of Gangnam Station in southern Seoul. Thanks, Taehyun
