This photo, taken Dec. 15, 2020, shows almost no people at Namdaemun Market in central Seoul, one of South Korea’s biggest traditional markets, amid the new coronavirus outbreak. (Yonhap)
BUSAN, Jan. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — As the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening the livelihood of self-employed South Koreans, an increasing number of local citizens are lending helping hands by joining a movement to make payments in advance.
A 40-something housewife surnamed Kim living in Seo District, Busan recently made an advance payment to the Taekwondo studio where her two children are learning the traditional Korean martial art.
“I paid three month’s fees in advance based on judgment that it could help the operation of the Taekwondo studio,” she said.
Even in various Internet communities, the number of users who posted comments indicating that they made advance payments for hair salons, restaurants and fitness clubs is increasing.
There are many cases where individual users made 200,000 to 300,000 won (US$180-$270) worth of advance payments, while group users such as businesses made 800,000 to 1 million won payments in advance.
Against this backdrop, self-employed people in Busan are calling for the government to introduce measures that can encourage local citizens to make advance payments.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government, for example, issued discount coupons to encourage local citizens to make advance payments at the self-employed businesses that are restricted in their operations or banned from group gatherings.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
