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| Women covering their faces at Gwangalli Beach in Busan, July 8. Starting July 25, those who do not wear masks at the city's five most popular beaches will face fines of up to 3 million won. Yonhap |
By Jung Min-ho
Visitors to some of Busan's most popular beaches will have to wear masks or face hefty fines.
Starting July 25, the city's health officials will impose fines of up to 3 million won ($2,500) for those not wearing masks at five beaches ― Haeundae, Songjeong, Gwangalli, Dadaepo and Songdo ― as part of the efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.
With the Haeundae District Office's own rule already in place, visitors to Haeundae could be fined from July 20.
Also, eating and drinking on the beaches will be prohibited. Violators could face a fine of up to 3 million won.
If anyone causes significant financial damage by violating the rules, the city government said it will demand reparation.
Smaller beaches have been excluded from the measures. However, if the number of visitors increases significantly, they may also be included, the city government said.
"We made the decision for the safety of everyone," a city official said. "We urge everyone to comply with the new rule."
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented international restrictions. Health officials in popular travel destinations, such as Busan and Jeju, worry that domestic visitors may bring the virus to their regions. Last year, more than 3.6 million people visited Haeundae Beach in June and July.
The Jeju government announced last week that it will file a damage suit against a man who traveled around the island from June 15-18 despite having obvious symptoms of the disease. The government is seeking 130 million won after he visited more than 10 attractions and restaurants ― possibly exposing 57 people to the virus.
The move comes about three months after the Jeju government filed a damage suit against two women who traveled around the island while the daughter had COVID-19 symptoms.
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