The outdoor mask mandate in South Korea was lifted on May 2nd for the first time in 566 days since the government introduced the mask mandate in October 2020. Regardless, some limitations remain.

People are still required to wear masks in crowds where 50 or more individuals are present. Wearing masks on public transportation and at sports venues is also mandated.

The government also advises the elderly, citizens with low immunity, and those with underlying health issues to keep their masks on.

However, most people are wearing masks despite these changes because they've grown accustomed to the changes that COVID-19 brought to our society.

The government believes that it is no longer necessary to keep the mask mandate outdoors as citizens have already seen a steady drop in COVID-19 cases even after the restrictions limiting the number of private gatherings were lifted on April, 18th.

This decision is expected to be a signal of change for us to move on from the pandemic.

L.L.F reporter Min-a Lee