As South Korea battles a surge in COVID-19 cases, life in Seoul has transformed into a quiet, cautious rhythm. With 6,284 confirmed infections by March 6, the city's iconic East Gate Market—a labyrinth of vibrant stalls—now echoes with the footsteps of masked vendors and scattered shoppers.
Chen Zeyu, a local apparel entrepreneur, documented the surreal scene. "I’ve never seen East Gate this empty," he shared. "Vendors are disinfecting clothes between customers, and street food stalls that once had hour-long lines now serve one or two people at a time."
Adapting to the New Normal
While K-pop-inspired face masks add a quirky touch to street fashion, small businesses like Chen’s are pivoting. Many now focus on online sales, while others experiment with contactless pickup zones. "We’re all learning to hustle differently," Chen said, nodding to Seoul’s tech-savvy resilience.
Public transport remains operational but quieter, as office workers embrace remote setups. Still, the city’s famous *hansik* (Korean cuisine) delivery apps are thriving—proof that kimchi cravings wait for no pandemic! 🍜
