명동성당, 코로나 확산 속 비대면 성탄 축제 개최해
Usually during this time of Christmas Eve, the streets are packed with people with various special events to watch or partake in.
But there's nothing usual about 2020.
Han Seong-woo went out to find out how COVID-19 changed the holiday scenery. Christmas at the historic, 122 year-old Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul will look a tad different in 2020.
"Myeongdong Cathedral behind me, has decided to go virtual with Christmas Day Mass scheduled for Friday noon."
Not too many tourists, shoppers, and worshippers crowded the cathedral's front plaza on Christmas Eve.
And Christmas masses before and after the main one will have their attendances limited to 15 people.
"I had always thought the end of the year to be a time of people gathering and spending time together... but since that isn't the case this year, this winter feels a bit chillier than usual."
Unlike years past, bustling Christmas markets are nowhere to be seen near this iconic landmark.
Instead, a special nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus is in place in front.
And in the background is a drawing of a COVID-19 patient and a doctor with hands clenched in hope, wearing protective clothing.
The Archdiocese of Seoul has come up with a way to contactlessly celebrate the birth of Jesus, though.
In the days to come, its 'MyeongDong Lights Up the Winter 2020 Festival' will feature carol performances, talk shows, religious auctions and even celebrity appearances.
Earlier in the month, a Christian band sang carols like "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Winter Wonderland" inside Myeongdong Cathedral to lift people's spirits as part of an online Christmas concert...to give a little bit of hope that better days lie ahead.
Han Seong-woo, Arirang News.
